Module EDUC2321: Learning in the Early Years

Department: Education

EDUC2321: Learning in the Early Years

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To study development and learning in early childhood.

Content

• The module introduces students to key areas of child development which include cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
• It also highlights implications for early childhood education and introduces students to current early childhood policy in England.

Learning Outcomes

• knowledge and understanding of the main theories of child development and learning that are specifically related to development in the early years (0-5).
• an understanding of key developmental accomplishments in early childhood.
• an understanding of the range of factors that might influence child development, specifically biological and environmental factors, including cultural factors.
• an ability to understand the significance and limitations of psychological theory and research in context.

• analyse complex situations concerning human learning and development in particular contexts, including their own learning;
• provide well argued conclusions relating to significant educational issues;
• question concepts and theories encountered in their studies of education;
• interrogate the assumptions underpinning theory and research.

• think critically and independently;
• acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way;
• construct and sustain a reasoned argument;
• communicate effectively with appropriate use of specialist vocabulary;
• use ICT and a variety of library and IT resources;
• improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning;
• work to deadlines.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will be introduced to a range of psychological theories and the underpinning evidence relating to child development through a lecture and seminar group work programme. Students will not only listen to formal lectures but be expected to engage in reflection and debate through individual and group work exercises.
• Students will further develop their knowledge and understanding, apply and reflect on ideas and further demonstrate key skills through a summative piece of assessment that requires them to evaluate psychological research, and early childhood education.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Oral presentations to be given during student led tutorials. In addition, a 600 word outline of the summative assignment to be submitted before the deadline for submission (see DUO module site).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University