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Mode of study

Most of this module’s study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips of 2–20 minutes (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; and interactive media. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. Alternative formats of study materials will be made available on the module website. There is one printed Reader.

Tuition strategy

This module provides online tutorials. Although not compulsory, attendance at tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.

Working with others

You’ll be required to work with other students, and we assess this. This includes looking at, and commenting on, others’ work; reflecting on others’ comments about your work; and working together with fellow students on a project/task.

Practical work

We strongly advise you to arrange a placement in a learning setting for children aged between 3 and 12 – for example a school, outdoor learning centre or museum – for at least 10 days to observe learning and teaching and gain exposure to a practice context, specifically when you study Blocks 4 and 5 (February— April). We will provide you with guidance on this.

You’ll be required to design and undertake an interview for an educational practitioner, ideally based in your placement setting. If you are unable to arrange a placement, you are still required to arrange to interview with a suitable practitioner. This can take place face to face, or via a voice or video call.

Diagrams and other visual content

The study materials contain some diagrams, graphs and photographs. Reading and interpreting examples of these is an important part of the study of this module and we assess this. We provide descriptions for all figures.

In some assessments, you will be guided step-by-step to create your own visual outputs, including an information leaflet, a presentation and an infographic using both Word and Powerpoint.

Finding information

You could be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online and we assess this. We can provide alternatives for required/assessed research material to enable you to meet the learning outcomes.

Assessment

This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which you must submit online via the OU electronic TMA system; and an end-of-module assessment submitted online.

Feedback

You’ll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.

Schedule

We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you’ll need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We’ll support you in developing these skills.

Conditions of professional practice

This module adheres to the guidance for fitness for professional practice on working with children. You must meet the ‘fit person’ criteria, in your country, to work with children. You and your setting are responsible for ensuring you meet these requirements.