Contemporary Issues in Teaching - EDU00005M
Module summary
This module introduces students to a range of issues faced by beginning teachers in the early part of their careers. We focus on key areas pertinent to the skills, topics and issues that teachers need to critically engage with. Students have the opportunity to critically reflect upon these areas from a UK and international perspective.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module will explore some of the key issues in teaching facing beginning teachers in the early part of their career.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
- A critical understanding of government policy in the light of educational theory and reflections on teaching practice, with particular reference to: equity; pupil motivation and behaviour; and learning, assessment and target setting.
- A critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the structure and content of the national curriculum.
- A critical understanding of practice in selected aspects of teaching, learning and assessment in curriculum areas.
- A critical understanding of the nature of professional development with respect to teaching.
Academic and graduate skills
- Able to critically analyse and communicate theoretical frameworks and research findings.
- Aware of issues concerning the collection and interpretation of research data.
- Able to identify relevant research literature.
- Able to develop and make use of ICT skills.
Module content
Course outline
- Beginning Teachers
- Classroom Language
- Teacher Satisfaction and Motivation
- Learning Outside the Classroom
- Discipline
- Assessment
- Pupil Wellbeing
- Sexual Violence in Schools
- Helping Troubled Pupils
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Assessment - Information.
An essay of 3,500 words in length on a topic covered in the course or negotiated with the tutors.
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessments. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.
Indicative reading
Ellis, V. (Ed.). (2007). Learning and teaching in secondary schools (3rd ed.) Exeter: Learning Matters.
Johnston, J., Halocha, J., & Chater, M. (Eds.). (2007). Developing teaching skills in the primary school. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Huddleston, P., Abbot, I., Brooks, V. (2012). Preparing to teaching in secondary schools: a student teacher's guide to professional issues in secondary education. Maidenhead. OUP
Muijs, D., Reynolds, D. (2010). Effective Teaching: evidence and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publications.
Carden, C. (ed). (2018). Primary Teaching: Learning and Teaching in Primary Schools Today. Learning Matters.