CYP4093 - Academic Skills, Personal and Professional Development (with Professional Challenge)

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate relevant academic skills when presenting theory and learning
Assess own skills and reflect on them as required for self-development and professional practice
Reflect and question personal and professional value bases and how these impact relationships when working with children and families

Content:

Semester 1 – Academic Skills Development
An introduction to academic and study skills in the Department of Children, Young People and Families. This part of the module will develop the following skills and knowledge aligned with the careers passport:

• University and academic life at Leeds Trinity – knowing the systems
• Developing self-confidence, motivation and teamworking skills
• Assignments – essays, presentations, displays, case studies and reports
• Using and working with the LTU generic grading criteria
• Referencing – the LTU referencing system and Turnitin similarity reports
• Time management, essential digital skills and surviving the first year
• Independent study, group work and making the most of your tutors
• Critical thinking, using feedback and reflection
• Personal finances, money management and financial planning

Semester 2 – Personal & Professional Development, including placement
This part of the module focuses on personal and professional development relevant to your specific degree and life at University:

• Consideration of ethical and social justice issues (personal, local, national and global) associated with professional work and settings
• Developing essential employability skills (including digital skills)
• Consideration of sustainability issues
• Understanding local, regional, national and global issues relevant to the professional sector
• Developing a range of digital skills required for study and future career
• Consolidating understanding and knowledge of University systems, processes and policies
• Planning for professional development and future career
• Academic skills development – improving your study skills & module marks

Learning and Teaching Information:

The teaching and learning methods for this module are underpinned by programme strategy that aligns with Leeds Trinity University Learning, Teaching and Academic Experience Strategy (LTAE 2022-2026) in that it aims to transform the way we work co-creatively with you, the student, how we connect you and our learning and teaching with the outside world and societal issues. Through this approach we support you on a personalised, values-based and career-led journey through your studies. You will be taught in a variety of methods including problem-based learning using case studies, reflective practice workshops, flipped classrooms; traditional lectures; including participatory workshops which utilise co-creative exercises that will also influence learning and teaching methods. Additional online material will be supplemented using a variety of media and resources, ranging from videos and selected textbooks and articles. The teaching will be face to face and online tutorials may be used to support student progression. Guest speakers will be used to develop an understanding of current educational practice. The practice of relational pedagogy and person-centred planning will be showcased by staff in their delivery style. Further detail on the specific teaching and learning including how these have been developed in response to student feedback, can be found in the module handbook.

Lectures and guest speakers. Workshops, seminars and supervised group work
Hours: 50
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 250

Further details relating to assessment
Early Assessment
An early assessment to review knowledge and understanding of key academic skills leading to feedback which may identify academic support required. The Early Assessment component provides clear information and an early indication to the course team on how each individual student needs supporting. This will take the form of a written piece of work.

Personal & Professional Development PORTFOLIO
A portfolio based on a recruitment process. You must look to hire a new member of staff within a career path they are interested in. Individually you will explore the industry relating to their degree. As a group, creation of a job advert with description and person specification will lead to a shortlist process and interviews. Induction processes must be communicated. All elements will be brought together to create a portfolio that finishes with an individual reflection piece. All tied into Graduate Attribute Frameworks.

This module will culminate in a two-week Professional Challenge Project or a work placement. You will have the chance to opt which path they want to take during the module. Guidance regarding the options will be included in the Module Handbook and supported by briefings at the beginning of Semester 2.

A reflection piece of work will be required following participation in one of these paths, which will be included in the portfolio. You may be able to secure a short work placement or could engage in volunteering in a relevant sector that could also provide evidence towards the final component. Both pathways will allow you to apply your professional skills.

You do not have to pass all the individual components except for the participation in the Professional Challenge Project or a Work Placement and the accompanying reflective piece within the Portfolio. A pass in the Professional Challenge Project will be achieved through participation in key tasks throughout the project. A pass in the work placement will include input from the employer.

For BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies if you are engaged with the Graduate Practitioner Competencies the personal and professional development portfolio (negotiated) will be the focus for the Level 4 pass/fail of the competencies progression. The portfolio will be submitted as per due process and gain a credit awarding mark, and the portfolio will also be discussed in an end of year review resulting in a pass/fail grade regarding Level 4 competencies. You can pass the module and not pass the competencies review. You must pass the competencies review to progress with competencies at Level 5.

Assessment:

001 Early assessment academic skills review; 1,000 word equivalent; mid semester 1 40%
002 Professional challenge project or work placement; 20 hours minimum; pass/fail; end of semester 2 professional block %
003 Personal & professional development portfolio; 2,000 word equivalent; end of semester 2 professional block 60%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Amanda Jefferson
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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