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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC1210 Diverse Contexts of Learning

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Indira Banner
Email: I.Banner@education.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module you will explore how learning is shaped by social, cultural and economic contexts. You will consider some of the philosophical perspectives underlying approaches to education across the globe. You will also look at the sociological aspects of education and the ways that different contexts are influenced by their socio-economic settings. You will reflect on your own prior experiences as a learner and how your learning was affected by the contexts in which it took place.

Objectives

The module aims to develop your understanding of learning as a social phenomenon that is influenced by the norms of the societies and cultures in which it takes place. The module will equip you with research tools and conceptual models that you can use to systematically and critically examine the ways social, cultural, economic and family contexts influence learning. This will enhance your ability to critically analyse key issues in education such as inequality in educational outcomes and different principles underpinning curriculum design.

Learning outcomes
In completing this course, the student will:
- Understand learning as situated within social interactions which take place in socially produced contexts
- Understand a range of educational philosophies
- Apply their understanding of how contexts shape learning to reflect on their own experiences of education
- Recognise and evaluate the range of perspectives used to study learning as socially situated
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the complex and intersecting nature of social life, education and learning
- Show an increased understanding of the approaches to researching and investigating how contexts shape learning.


Syllabus

Introduction to learning and learning contexts
- Comparisons will be made between different philosophical perspectives on learning
- Theories relevant to an understanding of learning as socially and culturally situated will be explained with references to research

Approaches to inquiry and the study of learning in context
- Students will be introduced to ethnographic methods of inquiry
- A focus will be on understanding contexts in terms of social interactions and cultural norms

Understanding contexts as political and economic
- Students will be introduced to theories and ideas from sociology of education and studies in globalisation and the politics of education
- Topics such as the curriculum, school policies and organisational structures will be covered to support their case study (final assignment)
- The Lecturer will model the integration of these theories in systematic analyses of learning as it is situated and shaped by social, cultural, political and economic contexts

The complexities of learning and education
- As a way to review the topics covered throughout the module, students will discuss and analyse how changing contexts over time shape the value, purpose, practice of education and experiences of learning by looking at their own experience, and also at learning in different types of formal and informal learning settings nationally and internationally.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture112.0022.00
Seminar41.004.00
Private study hours174.00
Total Contact hours26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students will have weekly reading assignments which will provide background for the lectures and will be discussed in more depth during seminars. In approximately week 4 they will need to collect information about a learning context which could be outside their own learning experience. This might be in another country or it could be a different type of setting in their own country, for example, this might be a museum, Pupil Referral Units or the difference between state and independent education sectors. This can be done by observing a recording of teaching and learning or by visiting a setting.
The lectures, readings and seminars will inform their final case study as well as enable them to participate in lectures and seminars examining various contexts with reference to the concepts and theories covered in the module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be monitored through their contributions to the lectures and seminars. The mid-term assignment will enable the tutor to assess the level of understanding of the topics and theories addressed in the module up until that point. This will enable the tutor to adapt lectures/seminars and assign supplementary readings if needed during the second half of the module. Students wiishing to may submit a draft of the final assignment for feedback 3 weeks before the deadline. This will alert the tutor to any difficulties and refer students to writing tutors or other support facilities as appropriate..

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Report1,000 words34.00
Case Study2,000 words66.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

The report will take the form of a Reflective analysis

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/09/2021

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