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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC5088M Teaching and Learning - Primary Science

15 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Mr Graham Chambers
Email: g.chambers@education.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Co-requisites

EDUC5084M	Evidence-based Teaching
EDUC5086M	Teaching and Learning - Primary English
EDUC5087M	Teaching and Learning - Primary Mathematics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module addresses key contemporary issues in relation to best professional practice in teaching and learning in primary science. Taught sessions will be closely linked to students' teaching in schools through school-based tasks and the module assignment. The module is also designed to develop students' research skills, these will be applied through the school-based tasks and the module assignment. The content of the module is set in the context of an 'evidence-based' approach to teacher education and professional development.

Objectives

This module is designed to explore a number of important areas of teaching and learning in primary science through the examination of a range of evidence, including academic literature and first hand data collected in the classrooms and schools. The objectives of this module are to develop students':
- understanding of the nature and philosophy of science and its significance in primary education;
- knowledge and understanding of how primary school children learn science and potential barriers to learning they might encounter;
- knowledge of primary science, pedagogical approaches to primary science and relevant curriculum requirements;
- knowledge, understanding and skills in teaching and assessment of primary science;
- ability to evaluate critically information from a variety of sources to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning primary science;
- skills in methods of educational enquiry and research, e.g., using pupil data, case study approaches, etc;
- skills of scholarship – academic writing and the presentation of findings;
- understanding of evidence-based teacher education as an approach to professional development and how it can be applied in their own specific context.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- critically understand key contemporary research and theories on how primary school children learn science;
- critically understand how children's different life experiences can affect their learning of science;
- critically and systematically understand key concepts in the teaching and assessment of primary science;
- understand and evaluate critically current national priorities and their impact on teaching, learning and assessment of primary science;
- evaluate critically research evidence (personal and published) in relation to developments in teaching, learning and assessment of primary science;
- apply data collection instruments systematically and appropriately in the context of researching aspects of primary science teaching, learning and assessment;
- articulate and apply the principles of best practice to the teaching and learning of primary science;
- communicate research findings effectively to their peers and other professionals;
- critically understand how classroom research can support professional development.

Syllabus

Evidence-based teacher education related to the teaching and learning of science in primary schools.
The role and contribution of science to the primary curriculum. National Curriculum requirements and non-statutory guidance for science in the primary curriculum. The value of science as a curriculum vehicle for promoting pupils' wider educational development and key skills development.

Personal science knowledge, procedural understanding, skills, conceptual understanding and attitudes in science. Models of curriculum planning, both medium and short term. Inclusion issues and equality of opportunity in primary science.
Theoretical perspectives on teaching, learning and assessment, and how these relate to practical experience and research evidence. Contemporary inspection evidence on teaching and learning of primary science.

Organisation and management of the learning environment (in both traditional and non-traditional settings) and teaching and learning resources.

The role of self-evaluation and research in professional development.

Research skills: data collection and analysis through case studies, classroom observations, and interviewing skills; reading, analysing and critiquing research papers and reports.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	4	1.00	4.00
Seminar	4	2.00	8.00
Tutorial	2	1.00	2.00
Private study hours			136.00
Total Contact hours			14.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students will be expected to undertake seminar readings prior to each session and prepare to contribute to discussions about these. Specific tasks will be set for students to make observations and collect data in relation to primary science teaching and learning in their school settings and to prepare to disseminate their finding in seminars.

The reading, research and writing associated with the module assignment will account for a significant proportion of the private study time.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring of students' progress will be via:
- their contribution to seminars – discussion of readings, student presentation, etc.
- their feedback from their school-based tasks

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	3,000 word action research report carried out in students’ schools on an aspect of teaching and learning in primary science	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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: 31/03/2016

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