MW4002 - Professional & Academic Practice

The tutor–led sessions introduce you to a range of theories and evidence which then shape the learning activities that you undertake across the module. This learning approach enables you to think about how professionals and academics communicate and interact with service-users and with each other; you will use structured reflection to consider what this means for practice learning. You will try out a range of learning activities, including giving and receiving peer feedback, at several points on your journey towards the module assessment.

Adhering to Universal Design for Learning principles, two options for authentic assessment are offered in this module, allowing students to optimise choice and autonomy to support engagement and demonstrate learning and capability.

Support will include feedback from tutors during group work within interactive lectures and seminars, which will allow questions to be answered promptly. The seminars will also provide an opportunity for you to receive feedback on how your academic abilities are developing. In class and online formative tests will be used throughout the module, to allow you to assess your personal learning. Extensive support is available online, as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning. This includes the use of BlackBoard Ultra as the electronic platform for all module content. Resources will be available to you on the electronic learning platform (BBU and tutors may be contacted for support. A group tutorial will provide academic support focussed on the assessment task.
The University Libraries at both Coach Lane Campus and City Campus offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. The module will be supported by University library staff and resources, including study skills support packages. You can access the interactive training via the library webpages or the following link: http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/learning-skills
Ask4Help Online (accessed through your student portal) provides a comprehensive range of answers to frequently asked questions and is of benefit to students as a central point of reference for information about many different topics. Ask4Help face to face service points include those located in both university libraries.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Explain the concepts of accountability and autonomy for Professional registration.
2. Describe a range of theories which are used to understand communication and relationships in professional practice.
3. Recognise the types of empirical research available to professionals.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Demonstrate skills in locating, retrieving, selecting and reviewing evidence which can inform midwifery practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Recognise Professional Values, giving examples from practice and professional life.

Formative assessment:

You will be guided by the Online Supported Learning to consider the evidence base and best practice approaches. You will be prepared to share your knowledge within the seminar sessions and engage in peer feedback which you will use to inform the summative assessment.

Summative Assessment:
Respond to the assessment brief provided using one of the following formats

Option 1: Annotated bibliography (1000 words of annotations)

OR

Option 2: Pre-recorded Podcast Presentation (15 minutes) submitted via Turnitin.

MLO’s 1-5; 100%

Marking rubric and qualitative feedback in BBU.

N/A

N/A

This Level 4 module establishes the professional foundation for midwifery practice, enabling students to understand accountability, autonomy, and professional registration requirements. Students will explore communication theories and their application in professional relationships with service-users and colleagues, whilst developing skills in locating, accessing, and interpreting empirical research and evidence that informs high-quality midwifery care.
Through tutor-led sessions, interactive learning activities, and structured reflection, students integrate theoretical knowledge with first-year practice learning experiences. The module emphasises professional and academic communication approaches, with opportunities for peer feedback and formative assessment throughout.