FDA4012 - Introduction to Child Development Theory

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
analyse and compare key theories relating to children’s development;
examine social, political, economic and cultural factors affecting children and families that, according to theory, may inhibit children and families’ development;
relate child development theories to practical examples;
cite reliable academic source materials accurately, making use of IT skills.

Content:

This module introduces students to a range of relevant child development theory related to personal, social, physical and cognitive development and relates this to workplace practice. The module will include a study of:
• key child development theories e.g. attachment, constructivism, behaviourism, psychosocial theory;
• contextual child and family development factors including potential inhibitors.
Related study skills development foci will include basic use of IT, the library introduction Part 2 and more detailed study of referencing including the access and utilisation of reliable academic sources.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching will include a range of methods such as lectures, seminars, e-working, workshops and tutorials, with emphasis on team experience and peer support, large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities and individual and paired working.

Students may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Course documentation, support materials and web-based materials will be available on the VLE as appropriate.

Study skills will be developed. During the course of each session there will be opportunities for tutor/student interaction to meet individual needs and help develop skills, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding relating to the aims and objectives of the module.

Students will maintain their Personal Development Log during this module and on-going self-evaluation will be part of the students’ identification of needs.

Lectures, seminars, learning activities, workshops and tutorials, e-engagement e.g. e-fora, VLE activities
Hours: 25
Intended Group size: Cohort

Flexibly delivered assessment support/e-support including tutorials
Hours: 5
Intended Group size: 6-10

Work-based tasks
Hours: 25
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 145

Further details relating to assessment
Submission of preparatory materials mid-module, including a draft reference list, is a requirement for this module.
The literature review includes appendices equivalent to 1,000 words (with evidence of formative feedback from preparatory materials incorporated into final submission where this is required).
Informal numerical marks will be recorded intra-departmentally for reference in cases of condonement and provided to the student as formative feedback.

Assessment:

001 Literature review 3,000-word equivalent Pass/Fail First week of following module 75%
002 Reflective report 1,000 words Pass/Fail First week of following module 25%


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