SEDM2013 - Professional Practice Enquiry 1

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Critically engage with the specialist knowledge base appropriate to the area of professional practice on which their school development project is focused
2 Analyse the role and potential impact of coaching, co-coaching and mentoring on the planning, implementation and evaluation of a school development project
3 Develop a strategic plan for their school-based development project

Content:

This module is designed to provide personalised learning outcomes, in a specialist field, that draws on leading edge expertise both within and beyond the MTL provider, enabling the teacher to develop as a specialist. Opportunities for development will be brokered in consultation with the HEI tutor and MTL coach.

This module will also enable the student to plan for an action enquiry relating to their subject specialism that will demonstrate how educational research supports professional enquiry and development. In addition, advice and guidance on designing a research proposal.

Priority areas for development will relate to the particular strengths and weaknesses of the individual as identified through the self-audit and will emanate from discussions with the MTL coach and HEI tutor.

Specific issues considered will include :
• Conducting interviews.
• Systematic observation.
• Using questionnaires and surveys.
• Issues concerning the use of quantitative methods.
• Processes of analysis and presentation of argument.
• Ethical issues and concerns around access.
• Developing a theoretical framework and using literature.
• Classroom enquiry and change.

These will build on participants engagement with these issues during the modules which form phase 2 of the MTL.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Summer/Autumn Year 3

The module will be delivered in a range of ways including; workshops, tutorials – face to face and/or on-line, tutor led input, coaching from school-based colleagues, flexible learning materials, electronic support including VLE-based materials, email and computer conferencing.

The module, together with its post-requisite MTL Module 8 Professional Practice Enquiry 2 involves a strong element of sustained independent self-directed study.

There will be an introductory group session, accompanied by online resources, to introduce the module requirements, and support the initial development of a project proposal. This also provides a forum to discuss potential collaborative projects with other participants. Students will be required to discuss their area of enquiry/action with their MTL coach senior staff in their school before drafting their proposal.

Once the focus of enquiry/action has been determined all programme participants will be assigned a supervising tutor by the MTL Phase leader. The tutor will provide support in designing, undertaking and producing the synthesis of work, giving due regard to ethical issues. They will undertake this role for both MTL module 7 and MTL module 8.

At the beginning of this process you will identify your own needs in relation to your ability to complete the various stages of the project, and where specific knowledge or skills gaps are identified agree with your supervisor a plan to address these. Normally students undertaking the project will have completed all the MTL programme module in phases 1 and 2 which will have equipped them with the enquiry and project-management skills to undertake the project.

Participants will agree a pattern of supervision with their tutor which will also be coordinated by them with their MTL coach. The supervisor will provide tutorials, read and comment on work, as it develops, and report on your progress as required. Tutorial support may take place individually or in group sessions. It may include telephone and/or electronic support such as using Blackboard and e-mail.

Participants working in similar areas will be encouraged to collaborate and provide peer support. This may take the form of learning sets and/or the use of online discussion forums.

Lectures, Seminars
Contact hours: 3
Number of Groups: 15

Individual Tutorials
Contact hours: 1
Number of Groups: 1

School coach support
Contact hours: 13.5
Number of Groups: 1-3

Assessment: