B.Sc (Ed Studies) Year 4 Module Listings

Overview

The literature on work integrated learning (WIL) is clear in identifying the need for programmes of learning to integrate assessment with the needs and viewpoints of the relevant stakeholders i.e. the students, the educational institution and the employers. It can be an excellent method of providing opportunities for extending the learning (theoretical) commenced by students at the educational institution into the learning environment of the workplace. Definitions of work-based learning include:

'1 learning for work, 2 learning at work, 3 learning from work.'

(Seagraves et al 1996)

Consequently students must demonstrate their understanding of the culture of the workplace, the norms of workplace practice and the skills and competencies which will enable them to be innovators and effective team members. These include both the hard skills or technical competencies and the soft skills such as the application of theory to practice (Dunn et al. 2012)

The focus of this module therefore is the application of the theoretical frameworks in terms of the overall learning of the modules completed in the previous part of the course and skills and competencies that are vital for effective and efficient working in the environment of the workplace.

The module will focus on the personal skills necessary for creativity, innovation and project management.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• demonstrate how theoretical learning from this module and other relevant modules in the  programme may be applied to the workplace environment     
• identify the necessary skills and sub-skills necessary for innovation in the workplace
• document essential elements of workplace culture     
• identify their own goals for the work placement
• Identify their educational values with a view to focusing on personal learning outcomes for the work placement
• Document their own skills, talents and competencies
• Equip themselves with the critical skills necessary to evaluate their experience
• Demonstrate personal responsibility and independence

Method of Assessment

4,500 word essay (80%)

1,500 word personal statement (20%)

Overview

The Internship module is a continuation of the work completed by students in the Organisation Learning and Skills module. This module focuses in particular on learning from work as described by Seagraves et al (1996).

Central to the spirit of the programme in Educational Studies is an impetus towards providing students with the necessary practical skills to work productively within a variety of educational settings. This module is designed to offer students an opportunity to experience on an extended basis a workplace environment selected by them based on criteria provided by the College. Students will undertake their internships within organisations or bodies which will introduce them to the applied, concrete competencies necessary, while at the same time, affording them an opportunity to network and interface with established professionals in the field. It is intended that students will be encouraged to apply the theoretical concepts and skills acquired during lectures and workshops over the course of their internship. At all times, students will be supported in playing an active and productive part on the team to which they have been assigned. Students will be encouraged to become “reflective practitioners” during the placement. To support them in doing this, students will be required to compile a professional portfolio which will detail their synthesis, evaluation and critical analysis of the internship experience.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module the students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge and skills acquired on the course in a professional setting with a focus on communication skills, self-development, problem solving skills, leadership and team work skills, organisational skills, project management and the application of course based knowledge to the work placement setting 
• Reflect on their experience of working within a targeted educational setting
• Document their own skills, talents and competencies
• Equip themselves with the critical skills  necessary to self-assess and to reflect on and evaluate their experiences
• Document and analyse their reflections throughout the placement
• Synthesise, evaluate and critically analyse their work placement experience by means of an internship portfolio
• Demonstrate active participation in the work of the placement provider
• Evaluate the relationship between their formal course content and the chosen work environment
• Identify career related skills and job opportunities in their chosen sector
• Professionally present their learning from the work placement by means of an oral presentation

Method of Assessment

Professional Portfolio 

Overview

This module is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the research methodologies most commonly employed by researchers in the field of education, in order to prepare students for the completion of a research dissertation. Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Method approaches will be explored. Central to this module will be the application of these research paradigms to the final year mandatory research project which all students will undertake. Students will be introduced to other key elements required for the successful preparation of the dissertation including ethics in research, reviewing literature and academic writing. The topic of the dissertation must link to and build on an aspect of the coursework completed so far, i.e. core modules, specialisation module, work placement.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:

• Formulate research objectives and questions
• Write up an acceptable research proposal suitable for a dissertation topic at undergraduate level
• Discuss the concepts underpinning approaches to research
• Identify and select appropriate methodologies for their dissertation
• Defend and justify these choices in the light of current debates in the research literature
• Compare and contrast the efficacy of their choices against other research approaches
• Understand and critically evaluate the research literature within their chosen research area
• Construct valid arguments in the light of the data collected and analysed. 

Method of Assessment

12,000 word dissertation