What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse, in–depth, what is meant by the concept of curriculum development. This includes reflection on the curriculum leader’s role in creating a vision and climate in the school or other educational establishment, on which there is a strong focus on learning; where new ideas about teaching, the curriculum and continuing staff development are taken seriously, together with a commitment to monitoring, evaluation and review of practice.
The module will also provide you with a framework for examining the influence and impact of institutional culture and climate on curriculum development. You will have the opportunity for detailed consideration and examination of how an effective curriculum engages the learning community in a rigorous process of monitoring, evaluation and review, linked to internal and external procedures. You will also explore and examine ways in which the role of parents and other stakeholders contribute to effective curriculum development.
How will I learn on this module?
The programme uses Technology Enhanced Learning as a framework to support and enhance teaching and learning. As a Distance Learning programme, delivery is entirely online via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Each module is supported by numerous interactive sessions over a period of 10 weeks of learning, leading to an assessment submission week (you will study one module at a time). Session delivery captures a variety of formats acknowledging the nature and content of the individual module and subject, alongside your needs as a student. You will also be required to engage with and evaluate current research in curriculum development and use this to inform your participation in interactive discussion boards where you will be able to share your thoughts with others and engage in debate. Some sessions are text based, others utilise audio and video tools to deliver the learning materials while some use subject specific software. All sessions have interactive elements that enable you to enhance your understanding and consolidate your learning, thereby facilitating formative feedback. All modules are supported by online reading lists that provide simplified access to various electronic, digital and hard copy sources. You also can participate in scheduled Blackboard Collaborate sessions, in which you will be able to “video-conference” academic tutors and students.
Within the programme, there are wide ranging opportunities for you to engage actively in research rich learning through problem solving, project work and real-world examples, all of which are informed by current research and practice, as well as reading journal papers that develop your theoretical insight. All of the Level 7 modules that form the programme cover each of the four elements of research-rich learning, but with increasing emphasis on you, as a student, being an active participant rather than part of an audience. There is a significant application of research-based (enquiry-based) and research-tutored approaches, the former being significantly supported through organisation-oriented summative assessment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
There are a range of mechanisms to support you academically throughout your Distance Learning study with us. These will include induction and study support interventions, supported electronically, to recognise the different backgrounds of students entering this programme at Level 7.
You will have the support of an academic Programme Leader from the subject discipline who will lead the programme from an academic perspective and will be available to support you in terms of any academic guidance you require. From an individual module perspective, you will be supported academically by the module tutor leading the individual module you are undertaking at any given point in time, alongside the receipt of peer support from your fellow participants on your module, be it through Blackboard Collaborate and/or online discussion boards.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Explore the breadth and complexity involved in curriculum development
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Critically reflect upon the concepts of ' culture' and ' climate' and their impact on the curriculum and learning.
2. Identify and critically analyse appropriate approaches to monitoring and evaluation which lead to improvements in the quality of the curriculum offered for teachers and learners.
3. Critically explore and evaluate relevant and sensitive policies and strategies for performance management, staff development and stakeholder involvement which would have positive outcomes for curriculum development
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Enhance your communication, team working skills as well as demonstrating independent intellectual curiosity by researching and identifying appropriate literature to inform and develop your discussions and practice as well as your summative assessments.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment:
You will engage in discussions with your peers in discussion forums. This will include sharing ideas on issues of interest and how you will effectively address these in your assignment. Your tutor will guide you as you plan and structure your assessments.
Feedback:
Verbal and written feedback will be provided by the tutor and peers
Summative Assessments:
1. Jigsaw Activity - Small group (3-4 students per group) research and present on the concepts of culture and climate and their impact on the curriculum and learning. You may also draw on your own practice/experience. (25 minutes)
MLOs; KU1, IPSA1-3, PVA1
2. A written assignment which assesses and evaluates the provision for curriculum development in their setting. (2500words)
MLOs: (KU 1) (IPSA 1, 2 &3) (PVA 1)
Feedback:
Written and graded feedback using specific criteria and the generic marking scale will be provided.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 2025, July 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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