Educational aims
By studying both E131 and E118, the first two modules in our Foundation Degree in Working with Young People, you will have begun to gain an understanding of what work in this area involves. You will also have the underpinning knowledge, skills and abilities to work successfully with young people under supervision in informal education settings, working towards their personal learning and development.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes are what you should know, understand and be able to do at the end of the module. They are divided into four categories: knowledge and understanding, cognitive skills, key skills, and professional/practical skills. Knowledge and understanding relate to the content and subject matter of the module; cognitive or thinking skills are associated with an analysis and synthesis of the module content; key skills are more general and concern your ability to communicate, use relevant ICT and information literacy skills, or work with others. Professional/practical skills are particular skills that relate to your development as a professional working with young people.
Knowledge and understanding
You should demonstrate that you:
- have knowledge and understanding of the key ideas, theoretical debates, issues and policies relating to informal education work with young people
- understand the principle methods and approaches used in work with young people
- understand the principles, purposes, values and ethical issues affecting work with young people
- understand the changing nature of practice and the changing and diverse experience of young people.
Cognitive skills
You should demonstrate that you are able to:
- reflect on the dynamic two-way relationship between theory and practice
- use your knowledge and understanding to describe, analyse and interpret practice in a range of informal education settings and environments with young people
- engage with the social issues that affect young people and exercise informed judgement in relation to them.
Practical and/or professional skills
You should demonstrate that you are able to:
- demonstrate reflective practitioner skills while working with young people, demonstrating awareness of ethical principles and anti-oppressive practice as appropriate
- design, implement and evaluate activities, that support young people’s development and learning
- work with others to ensure an environment that supports the development of self and colleagues
- plan your study pathway to fit your learning with your personal and/or career goals.
Key skills
You should demonstrate that you are able to:
- communicate information, arguments and ideas effectively to diverse audiences, using appropriate styles and language
- find, select and use information or data in a range of contexts
- use ICT tools as appropriate to help you learn effectively and develop your community of practice
- plan, monitor and review your progress as an independent learner.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
The teaching material is offered through supported open learning modules and includes module texts, audiovisual material and directed reading. Knowledge and understanding are principally developed through these teaching materials and in-text questions, tasks and activities. Summative assessment, which contributes to your overall result, is by written tutor-marked assignments and by end-of-module assessments. Tutors support development through online and telephone support, letters, tutorials and written feedback on assignments.
During your study on E118, you will attend a Day School and also have professional supervision sessions that contribute to the development of knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills are assessed by module assignments. These will allow you to demonstrate your ability to structure a clear and reasoned argument and critically analyse module issues. The Personal Development Plan and Work Based Learning projects in E118 will allow you to demonstrate independent thinking skills, to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical concepts and the underpinning principles for practice as they apply to young people in a work-based context. They will also give an opportunity to show evidence of reflective practice.
Key skills are promoted within learning materials and as part of continuous assessment. Assessment criteria of assignments require you to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of formats. Learning skills focusing on information literacy, setting priorities and targets, and self-assessment are a feature of the Personal Development Plan, the general approach to key skills and of the work-based learning components.
You are encouraged to use online forums to communicate with tutors and other students throughout the qualification and use of ICT is a requirement of the delivery and support process for the work-based learning module, E118. Opportunities to develop personal ICT skills are a component of this module.
Professional skills are developed as part of an increased awareness and understanding of good practice and through understanding and undertaking a reflective practice approach. The assessment of practice skills is via module work, participation in the Day School (or equivalent) and assessed observed practice. This includes developing an appropriate approach to recording development in relation to work-based practice. Students also develop a Personal Development Plan throughout the qualification.