AC6756 - Introduction to Thinking Strategically in Health and Social Practice

This module will focus on the theoretical concepts and phases of strategic thinking in health and social practice. It considers the principles of strategic thinking for your own cognitive development and explores this in the context of the development of your practice area. The module also considers the impact of the complexities of strategic thinking, goal setting, planning and resourcing. It will explore individual assumptions and existing knowledge and empirical evidence. You will consider and explore logic, and creative ways towards problem solving preparing you to think proactively about applying strategic thinking more effectively. You will learn about steps and stages of strategic thinking and consider these in the context of your own professional practice. This includes considering communication strategies and engagement across organisations. Exploring the principles outlined will help you to access strategies and behaviours for strategic thinking that will assist you in the development of a structured approach to any perceived professional challenges you may face.

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies on this module which you can use to link theory to your own practice. Your learning will occur through lectures, workshops and independent study. However the range of methods will also include on line learning, group work and discussion. Learning also includes opportunities for formative assessment before summative assessment occurs. The module tutor will provide guidance and encouragement for you as the module is delivered. You will also be encouraged to present and discuss and debate opinions, beliefs and experiences of the process of strategic thinking using peer review.

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning strategies on this module which you can use to link theory to your own practice. Your learning will occur through lectures, workshops and independent study. However the range of methods will also include on line learning, group work and discussion. Learning also includes opportunities for formative assessment before summative assessment occurs. The module tutor will provide guidance and encouragement for you as the module is delivered. You will also be encouraged to present and discuss and debate opinions, beliefs and experiences of the process of strategic thinking using peer review.

You will be supported through regular feedback from the module tutor, within the workshop and discussion format of specific teaching sessions and in tutorials. In addition a discussion board for your module will be established on Northumbria University’s eLearning portal , Blackboard. Blackboard also allows remote access to materials and aids for module students to access outside of the classroom providing a flexible approach to learning and accessible to you 24/7. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available in person at Student Central on Coach Lane Campus and online. The university library has a wide selection of materials to support your individual learning, and these materials are available in hard copy or electronic format. You will also have a personal tutor (PT) allocated to you as part of the programme overall. The PT will meet with you according to University policy.

You will be supported through regular feedback from the module tutor, within the workshop and discussion format of specific teaching sessions and in tutorials. In addition a discussion board for your module will be established on Northumbria University’s eLearning portal , Blackboard. Blackboard also allows remote access to materials and aids for module students to access outside of the classroom providing a flexible approach to learning and accessible to you 24/7. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available in person at Student Central on Coach Lane Campus and online. The university library has a wide selection of materials to support your individual learning, and these materials are available in hard copy or electronic format. You will also have a personal tutor (PT) allocated to you as part of the programme overall. The PT will meet with you according to University policy.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

By the end of the module you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Understand the principles of strategic thinking and relate this to the contextual relationship to health and social practice

2. Develop enquiry in primary sources of contemporary research to extent critical endeavour


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Initiate reflection on own and others professional behaviours to appreciate the impact of strategic thinking on health and social practice

4. Demonstrate professional curiosity to explore and develop new perspectives relating the health and social practice
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Explore relationships with others to enhance health and social practice and demonstrate advancement

By the end of the module you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Understand the principles of strategic thinking and relate this to the contextual relationship to health and social practice

2. Develop enquiry in primary sources of contemporary research to extent critical endeavour


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Initiate reflection on own and others professional behaviours to appreciate the impact of strategic thinking on health and social practice

4. Demonstrate professional curiosity to explore and develop new perspectives relating the health and social practice
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Explore relationships with others to enhance health and social practice and demonstrate advancement

Both formative and summative assessment opportunities are presented within this module.

Formative assessment
A 300 word plan of your summative essay to include a breakdown of the key content, theories and frameworks. MLO’s K&U 2, IPA 1

Summative Assessment:
The summative assessment for this module will be a 2,500-word reflective essay systematically understanding self-development of the learning process, including a plan for short and long term goals and strategies for professional development. This professional development relates to your own development within health and social practice. You essay will be submitted electronically via Turnitin, and you will receive your electronic feedback 20 working days following submission via Turnitin to inform future practice. MLO’s K & U 1 & 2 IPA 3 & 4 PVA 5.