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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC1208 Play and Learning

20 creditsClass Size: 94

Module manager: Dr Judith Hebron
Email: j.hebron@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module examines the long-standing role of play in children and young people's learning at home, at school and on screen. You will gain an increased understanding of the role of play in children and young people's lives . Play varies across cultures and you will consider some of the international theories and debates.Students will be introduced to measures taken to ensure research with children is conducted ethically.Links will be drawn between theories of learning, research and pedagogical practices.

Objectives

The module objectives are to enable students to:
- explore the relationship between children and young people's play games and learning at home, at school, in the playground and on screen,
- explore the role of play in development and learning,
- explore changing parenting and pedagogic approaches to children in distinct global contexts,
- explore the role of theories of learning, research evidence, and curriculum in shaping pedagogic practice in education,
- explore current issues in relation to play and pedagogy and children and young people in the twenty-first century.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should have:
- An increased understanding of the role of play in children and young people's lives
- An increased awareness of the range of international theories and debates which arise in relation to children and young people's play in a variety of contexts
- A secure understanding of key cultural learning theories.

On completion of this module students should have developed skills in order to undertake:

- critical evaluation of relevant and recent research
- independent research into current issues in relation to play and pedagogy

Skills outcomes
Critical reading skills.


Syllabus

(Italics outline indicative content of sessions.)
What Is Play?
Introduction to the module and the assignment
Students will be asked to undertake an analysis of toys and games in order to understand different types of play and playfulness.
Introducing The Pioneers of Play.
In this session the work of key international pioneers of early education and play will be introduced. The principles and practices which underpin their approaches will be discussed. Students will undertake independent research about a chosen pioneer of play.
Contemporary Perceptions of Play.
Raising key debates about the place of play in children’s lives. Do children play outside enough? Do children play on screen too much? How much play takes place in school?
Play As Pedagogy
An examination of the central role of play in learning? Featuring studies of distinct international practices.
Where and how does play feature in curriculum?

Play and the role of the adult
Students will be asked to consider debates about play as a tool for learning with a particular focus on the role of parents and teachers.

Socio-dramatic Play
In this session examples of children’s socio-dramatic play will be examined. Students will be encouraged to reflect on Vygosky’s assertion that deep play is the most effective context for learning.

The Role Of Children's Resources In Play
What resources do children draw on in their socio-dramatic, fantasy or role play?
Featuring studies about popular culture, identity and play.
Spaces And Places For Play
How does the environment impact on play and learning? Students will be introduced to culturally and historically distinct learning environments - home and school, playgrounds and parks - in order to develop their understanding of diverse and changing approaches to learning through play.

Play and Technology
What can the playing of games teach us about learning?

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture112.0022.00
Seminar51.005.00
Independent online learning hours5.00
Private study hours168.00
Total Contact hours27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Independent online learning will be led through pre-recorded online seminars and guided research.
Private study will combine online, written and video research as appropriate to prepare for lectures, seminars and assignments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through timely structure of formal assessments, enabling students to act on individual feedback and use of VLE to post weekly tasks and reading seminars.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
ReportResearch Report 1 x 1500 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam2 hr 00 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/07/2017

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