Module Information

Module Identifier
ED13720
Module Title
Play and Learning:Theory and Practice
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 10 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Assignment  Written assignment on the importance of children's play (2500 words) The assignment will be assembled gradually during the process of the module through a series of written tasks; this will be shared with other students to gain formative feedback on the written sections.   60%
Semester Assessment A3 Poster  Topics to be confirmed.  20%
Semester Exam 6 Hours   Presentation  Individual presentation (5 minutes) with PowerPoint . This will be a rationale and justification of the A3 poster submitted and should have links to academic literature.  20%
Supplementary Assessment Written assignment  All failed elements of the assessment must be retaken if the student's average mark falls below the pass mark of 40%.  60%
Supplementary Assessment A3 poster  All failed elements of the assessment must be retaken if the student's average mark falls below the pass mark of 40%.  20%
Supplementary Exam 6 Hours   Presentation  All failed elements of the assessment must be retaken if the student's average mark falls below the pass mark of 40%.  20%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of play in children's learning.

Critically evaluate the role of the adult within children's play.

Identify and discuss factors that can influence children's play

Form coherent arguments about the ways in which children's play can be supported in theory, practice and policy.

Demonstrate competence use of relevant source material.

Brief description

Throughout the module there will be focus on how play can be supported to aid children's learning. The module will begin by exploring how and why children play. It will explore key theories surrounding play and learning and the role of adults within the play and learning process. It will also explore whether play is impacted by other aspects such as gender and culture.

Aims

To ensure students explore the link between play and children's learning.
To ensure students can identify and understand key theories of play and learning.
To ensure students to consider aspects that can influence the play of young children.
To encourage students to engage with academic material within assignments to form ideas about play and learning.

Content

Lectures will be based on the following topics:
An introduction to play (defining play)
Play and learning (the importance of play in developing cognitive, social and emotional areas of development)
Play and learning (theories)
The role of the adult
Gender and play
Culture perspectives and play
Play and children's culture
Special Educational Needs and play
Outdoor play/ forest schools
Module review and evaluation
Seminars will be based on the following topics:
Societ's views of play
Bringing play into learning
Social and emotional development and play
The role of the adult
Play and children's voices
Outdoor play and forest schools.
Reviews of patchwork text assessments.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Students may analyze and interpret statistical information relating to subjects studies on the course.
Communication Students will have the opportunity to develop their written and oral communication skills. Oral presentation skills will be developed through in class discussions and an assessed presentation. Written skills will be developed through the assignments. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills to communicate to different audiences through the development of their poster.
Improving own Learning and Performance Through using tutor/peer feedback on individuals aspects work individual activities in class to develop written assignments and other forms of assessment. Through organization of own research and assignment work.
Information Technology Through use of students' own and AU IT facilities for presentation of class and assessed work. Students will be encouraged to use resources provided on Blackboard.
Personal Development and Career planning The course will note the applications of play in education, child care and other fields. Students will develop a range of transferable skills including time management and presentation skills.
Problem solving Students will analyse a range of sources and texts as part of their assessment. Problem solving activities will form part of the lectures and seminars
Research skills Students will have the opportunity to undertake independent research for their assignments and to ensure they can contribute to discussions
Subject Specific Skills Students will gain grounding in the key vocabulary of play and learning
Team work Through contribution to group exercises and discussions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4