2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC2060 Child Welfare - Research, Policy and Practice

20 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Nathan Loynes
Email: N.Loynes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least 40 credits at level 1 in an appropriate discipline.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The welfare of children is rarely out of the news. The public are often exercised by news reports of the number of children in unsuitable and temporary housing, reports of lengthening queues for accident and emergency treatment and admissions to hospital. Parents are concerned about how their children are being educated, or not. Although, those that shape policy, often politicians, will claim that their latest policy initiative is influenced by research, this module explores the reality that policy emerges without a sound research-base. The module will also explore the value of involving service users, particularly children in the research process. Another core theme to be critically explored, is to what extent do practitioners base their decision making on research and theory, in their day-to-day work with children and families. Finally, the module will introduce students to some of the core terminology and methods used when undertaking research.

Objectives

This module aims to explore the relationship between research, policy and practice relating to supporting children and families in various ways. The module will take a critical stance in analysing the relationship between research and policy, noting that although politicians claim that their policies are rooted in research, other factors influence the policy-making process. The module will also consider the benefits of policies that are informed by research evidence, including education, welfare, health, employment, and benefits. The module will gently introduce students to research methods concepts, including the differences in key methodologies that social researchers undertake. In particular, there will be a focus on the ethical considerations of involving service users, particularly children and young people as active participants in the research process.

Learning outcomes
1. Define key concepts that relate to the research process.
2. Analyse the relationship between research, policy and practice with children and families.
3. Evaluate service user participation in the research process.
4. Reflect upon the scope and limitations of ‘evidence informed practice’ with children and families.

Syllabus

- Critical assessment of contemporary research in the child welfare field.

- This module takes a flipped/blended approach to student learning. Guided tasks are provided on a weekly basis online. Students must engage with these weekly tasks prior to attending class. It is expected that students are motivated to participate fully in class discussions and group work when applicable. Students should note class attendance times of this module. Students will be allocated to either an early afternoon class of an early evening class. Students should check that they can attend in the event they are allocated into the evening class.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	1	5.00	5.00
Tutorial	2	1.00	2.00
Independent online learning hours			83.00
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Most of the weekly class based activities have a component focused on the assignments which allow students to apply their subject specific learning to formative tasks.
There is opportunity in class for formative peer feedback; as students are expected to collaborate in groups.
There is opportunity in class for students to ask specific questions of the tutor.
Students are able to book one-to-one and small group tutorials with the tutor.
The five hour -seminar session allows students to explore the application of theory to the assignments in a single, sustained session.
Tutors are available to provide tutorials via telephone and Skype.
Online interactive activities such as quizzes are able to provide students with instantaneous feedback on their attainment.
Tutors are able to provide asynchronous feedback on students‘ comprehension using online discussion forums.
Tutors are able to provide feedback on draft work as appropriate

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	2000 word Information Booklet explaining the research process and the value of their participation to a group of children/young people	50.00
Written Work	A 2000 word Rationale explaining and justifying the inclusion of information in the information booklet with reference to research methods	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/12/2018

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