Taking a critical theory approach, this module scrutinises education policy and practice, at both national and institutional levels, with regard to the way in which they inhibit or facilitate equality in society and the community. You will be introduced to core concepts pertaining to equality and social justice within the area of ‘education’, before focusing on the key elements of a critical theory approach to investigating issues of equality, and the research tools you can employ. To study this module, you will need to have some experience of engaging with or working with learners. However, this can be with any age level and within any formal or informal educational setting. You will be required to challenge your own and others’ experiences and assumptions related to pedagogy and learning, with a view to engaging in the process of transforming education policy and practice to effect greater equality and/or social justice. You will also be encouraged, but not required, to share your ideas and experiences with other students studying this module to broaden your understanding of social justice and equity issues across different educational contexts.
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No current presentation
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This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2023. |
What you will study
This module will introduce you to the Inclusive Practice route within the Masters degree in Education.
It will:
- introduce some key concepts related to the route
- offer the opportunity to maintain a learning journal and encourage reflection on your professional practice
- provide opportunities to engage with the other students in your tutor group through a structured discussion forum
- introduce the process of research and some of the skills of investigation that you will need to develop as you work through the qualification (e.g. searching the literature, reading critically, synthesising information)
You will be introduced to some of the core concepts pertaining to equality and social justice within education and then examine how taking a critical theory perspective can develop your understanding of these issues. As you progress through the module you will be encouraged to engage with critical theory as a way of understanding and investigating equity and diversity and then developing more inclusive practices. Equality within specific professional practice settings will be considered by way of broad themes which apply internationally – for example, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender and poverty. You will be encouraged to consider the interaction of these themes as they influence the individual in his/her socio-cultural context and to explore the complexity of the individual situation.
The module draws upon critical theory to consider ways in which practitioners engage in transforming practice, and the research tools which they can employ to investigate how they might do this in relation to their own practice and educational experiences. You will learn the processes involved in, identifying and developing your own personal position. You will be given the tools and encouraged to engage in various ways with other students who will be developing these skills and understanding in their own practice.
After introduction to some of the issues in undertaking an investigation, you will plan, but not execute, a small-scale critical investigation of your own practice or practice known to you.
Entry
You should be prepared for study at postgraduate level and have the minimum of a bachelors degree (in any subject) from a UK university or an equivalent professional qualification. We warmly welcome applications from students who have an undergraduate degree level qualification from universities outside the UK and which is deemed equivalent to a UK higher education degree.
You may find it beneficial to have professional experience in some sort of education or training: this can include all phases of education, and, for example, health and social care, the armed services and the police force.
You will need to be able to spend approximately 15-18 hours per week on studying for this module.
Qualifications
EE814 is an optional module in our:
EE814 is the recommended Stage 1 module in our:
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Study materials
What's included
All study materials are provided on the module website. This includes a Reader, the module study guide and activities, audio/video material and a range of tools to support your study, including real-time conferencing and online forums.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. You and your tutor will primarily communicate with each other through email and tutorials. Tutorials are offered via online meeting rooms and support is also facilitated asynchronously in tutor group forums.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
Addressing inequality and difference in educational practice starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2023, the last time we expect it to start.
How to register
We regret that we are currently unable to accept registrations for this module. Where the module is to be presented again in the future, relevant registration information will be displayed on this page as soon as it becomes available.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.