Learning and Teaching MA

Modules
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Research Methods and Ethics
This module is designed to develop and extend an individual's knowledge and ability in focusing upon and preparing for research. As well as being introduced to the discipline and strategies of critical appraisal, research methods and methodology will be explored. The aim is to further develop skills and expertise in the application of essential research tools, which are needed by managers, as well as developing the ability to evaluate the work and offerings of others. The module adopts a structured approach in order to access the key range of research tools including pertinent theoretical perspectives and frameworks. This module will enable the application of critical appraisal and research design skills to utilise and demonstrate through a range of related research exercises. The principles and practices of ethics in research, especially when considering children and young people, will also be studied in depth . What is involved? Lectures, guided reading, structured debate, exercises and seminar activities will support learning throughout this module. Students will be encouraged to draw upon their own experience, and apply this to theory during the sessions. What will you learn ? This module will enable you to : 1. Understand and apply the differing methods for critically appraising the work of others. 2. Recognise and appreciate differing types of argument and the form and function of theory. 3. Critically evaluate research methods, both secondary and empirical. 4. Critically appraisal of ethics within research Students will gain a deeper un derstanding of critical appraisal, the application of research methods and methodology and the importance and use of ethics within research.
Masters Dissertation (C & E)
The Masters Dissertation (C&E) concludes the masters programmes. It is an individual activity performed by the student with the supervision of an appropriately experienced tutor. Students choose an issue from within their workplace environment that they wish to study in depth in order to provide greater clarity to a phenomenon or to assist their setting to progress forward. Regular personal tutorials will focus on planning, relevant reading and assimilation of knowledge, review of progress towards objectives, synthesis and validation of findings and conclusions as well as a presentation of the dissertation through academic conventions.
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Coaching and Mentoring
This module examines mentoring and coaching issues faced by those who have responsibility to mentor others in their workplace environment. These issues are analysed in relation to the ongoing changes that are occurring within the mentoring and coaching situation. The principles of mentoring and coaching are studied including specialist coaching and collaborative co-coaching. The development and developing theories and models within mentoring and coaching are analysed and evaluated and directly related to the workplace environment. The module will enable you to: Develop an understanding of different concepts and models of mentoring and coaching in relation to own practice. Analyse and reflect upon key issues in the mentoring and coaching of others in relation to own practice. Identify aspects of own mentoring practices in relation to current research and theoretical models. Demonstrate development of professional skills in mentoring and coaching. The module encourages the sharing of ideas and experiences from the professional environment and uses a questioning approach in the examination of the subject area.
Communication in Practice
This module is essentially experiential and requires the students to be part of a group in which they reflect individually on the group work processes and dynamics taking place in the group, including their own role within these dynamics. Theories, methods/styles and concepts relating to life-span development, face-to-face work/work with individuals and groups, communication, relationship building, group work skills and processes/dynamics will be critiqued and students will be expected and enabled to relate these to their experiences within this group and to other groups and contexts within which they participate - both, personally and, especially professionally. In relation to this, students will be encouraged to reflect on their work with individuals and groups of children, young people, families and groups within communities, and with colleagues and other professionals in teams.
Management and Leadership in Education and Community
This module has been developed specifically for experienced professional practitioners who wish to develop an understanding of leadership in working with children, young people and communities. It is intended to be of interest to recently qualified teachers, as well as youth and community workers interested in Continuous Professional Development. The module will begin by examining the historical and current social policy context in relation to provision and management of services targeted at children, young people and communities (in both the voluntary and statutory sector). Students will be encouraged to share and reflect on a full range of initiatives to engage young people in education, training, work and society.
Professional Enquiry
This module allows the student to undertake an extended piece of small scale research that makes a significant difference to their personal understanding of an issue and also benefits their setting. Students will undertake a learning journal to record their research project and will work closely with their tutor/mentor in discussions concerning their undertaking.
Social Justice
This module will critically examine the historical and current role played by professionals working with children, young people and communities in relation to human rights, social justice and oppression. This will encompass both a British and international context. Also in relation to this, power and empowerment as key aspects of development and oppression will be examined. Ethical considerations and dilemmas faced by workers in undertaking anti-oppressive/anti-discriminatory practice, especially when working with marginalised individuals and groups will be reflected on in depth. The role of identity and culture in relation to development work and to working with diversity will also be examined. The current and historical development of the legislative framework for anti-discriminatory practice will also be discussed and critiqued.