TE7061 - Professionalism & Inclusive Practice

You will learn through a combination of web-based learning materials and school-based opportunities that aim to underpin professional learning with academic knowledge and critical understanding. Web-based learning materials, lectures, on-line seminars, and tutorials will provide you with opportunities to reflect on your school-based experience and develop an appreciation of the importance of integrating practice and formal theory. Your learning will be situated in a distinct ‘community of practice’ where collaborative and individualised strategies will enable you to develop the personal, professional and transferable skills associated with effective classroom practitioners. The expertise and experience of University based tutors together with school staff will ensure your learning is grounded in current best practice. In addition to web-based learning materials you will be directed and supported in your individual study as you seek to develop a critical and well-informed understanding of the nature of primary education in contemporary society. You will be encouraged to make full use of the online resources provided by the University to enhance your learning and support your academic and professional development. A central aspect of this will be the utilisation of Pebble+ through which you will create an Individual Learning and Development Portfolio (ILDP) that will help you to track your progress against Classroom Practitioner Competency Framework and aid your transition to employment.

Successful academic achievement requires a system of robust support and guidance to help you focus on your learning needs. In addition to the pastoral support you will receive, the tutors involved in delivering this module will provide on-line and individual guidance and academic counselling to ensure that you are able to confidently engage with the academic rigour of this module. This dialogue will be via social networking and collaborative tools of the e-learning portal (Blackboard including Pebble+) or telephone and is an essential aspect of the programme assessment for learning strategy, which will be based on your completion of, and reflection on the online materials.. Extensive support is also accessible online as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning. A central feature the academic support available to you is the service provided by the University Library. This 24/7 service which caters for your needs via its specific services for distance learners and though the extensive access to electronic texts and tutorials that will directly support the development of academic skills aimed at improving your critical thinking and analytical writing.

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:
• demonstrated knowledge and critical understanding of theories and models of learning in relation to primary education;
• developed a critical understanding of the relationship between policy, pedagogy and professionalism;
• Developed knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary issues and how they impact on your practice and children’s learning;
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• systematically investigated and critically reflected upon the underpinning ideologies, philosophies and perspectives of education and how these impact upon primary education;
• critically analysed and debated the role of the primary teacher and the nature of professionalism in this context;
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• reflected on and improved your practice, taking responsibility for identifying and meeting your developing professional needs;
• be able to identify and comment reflectively upon the values which underpin primary education in the UK and your country

Formative Assessment
Diagnostic Task: A short, written response to a given article. (500 – 750 words)
The aim of this task is to introduce you to expectations of academic writing on the PGCE and provide you with feedback that will support your assessed submissions.


Summative Assessment
You are required to pass both of the following components:

1. Case Study response:
A scenario based critical incident requiring a written response. (1000 words)
KU (1,2,3); PVA (1)
2. Written assignment: a critical analysis of issues introduced by the case study in part 1. (3000 words)
IPSA (1,2); PVA (2)

In addition to % grade you will receive detailed formative feedback to support your ongoing academic work.

Good honours degree

PGCE Primary Modules:
• TE7062 LTA
• TE6689 PPP
• TE6688 CCC

‘Professionalism and Inclusive Practice’ is the module that will help you to fully understand the role of the primary classroom practitioner. You will be guided and supported by the tutor team; including school based staff, as you reflect on your school based experiences and develop an informed perspective as you learn about contemporary issues facing primary education. Your employability will be strengthened as a result of your learning in this module and you will develop a critical understanding of how research at the forefront of the discipline supports your professional capacity and effectiveness in the classroom. This module impacts significantly on learning and directly supports the collection of evidence towards the Classroom Practitioner Competency Framework