PP7009 - Learning and Playful Pedagogies

What will I learn on this module?

Learning and Playful Pedagogies will introduce you to and develop your understanding and application of a range of pedagogical theories and practice. You will critically examine the five major pedagogical approaches: (i) Constructivist; (ii) Collaborative; (iii) Integrative; (iv) Reflective; (v) Inquiry Based Learning. Building on these you will explore and reflect upon social and critical pedagogies within the context of professional practice and organisations where we find children including education (primary, secondary, further and higher education), social care, community development and health. The module aim is to explore how to actively engage children and young people in their learning to promote values of participation, autonomy, interdependency and inclusion.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you are supported by a series of lectures and seminars specific to the study of Childhood and Early Years. The aim of this module is to provide you with advanced knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of key issues around academic research, policy and practice. This will be achieved through interactive lectures and seminars discussing key texts.You will be expected to do specified reading and other tasks in preparation for the discussions and presentations during taught sessions. You will also be expected to undertake independent study, drawing on and exploring the wider reading indicated on the module reading list. Activities and learning materials are available on the VLE.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The taught sessions act as a scaffold to support your skills and knowledge development throughout the module. There will also be opportunities during each session for discussion with the teaching staff, about both the taught elements and also the assessment. During your study of the module, you will be working closely with a team of academic staff who are keen to support your academic and personal development needs. Through a well-placed support system, we will collectively ensure that you have a successful academic learning journey. The module content and assessment are designed by experienced and research active academic staff whose area of expertise is reflected in the subject specific focus. The academic members of staff responsible facilitates the student-led discussion seminars for each module and is also responsible for grading and providing feedback on formative and summative assessments.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. You will critically discuss and reflect upon pedagogical theories and approaches to learning.

MLO2. You will evaluate the nature of a pedagogical approach and how it may influence professional practice


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3. You will examine and justify or refute a pedagogical approach within a childhood setting.

MLO4. You will acquire and become proficient in creative methods.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):


MLO5. You will explore and recommend a pedagogical approach which reflects your values in relation to childhood and early years.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will take place towards the end of the module to support the development of the summative assessment. Specifically you will deliver a verbal and creative presentation to all MA students across the options modules. This will enable you to share your learning with your peers. The formative assessment will cover all module learning outcomes. You will receive peer and tutor feedback.

The summative assessment will be Creative Portfolio demonstrating that you has met the module learning outcomes. This will be 4,500 words and/or the equivalent. We are encouraging you to be creative on our options module assessments and submit a portfolio which is multi-media, including text, image and/or video and audio content.

All five learning outcomes will be covered in the summative assessment. Feedback and grade will be via Turnitin from module staff.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Learning and Playful Pedagogies will introduce you to and develop your understanding and application of a range of pedagogical theories and practice. You will critically examine the five major pedagogical approaches: (i) Constructivist; (ii) Collaborative; (iii) Integrative; (iv) Reflective; (v) Inquiry Based Learning. Building on these you will explore and reflect upon social and critical pedagogies within the context of professional practice and organisations where we find children including education (primary, secondary, further and higher education), social care, community development and health. The module aim is to explore how to actively engage children and young people in their learning to promote values of participation, autonomy, interdependency and inclusion. This module develops knowledge, skills and integrity for professional practice. This module will be useful for those wanting to pursue careers within education, community and health and social care sectors at leadership and management levels.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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