Aims

There are five underlying aims to this module:

• To have knowledge of the complexity and variety of the British education system and the approach taken in comparative education studies

• To understand the differing educational systems and philosophies across the global context

• To critically analyse the fundamental elements of educational provision within the United Kingdom

• To review and reflect upon the cultural and ideological discourses that underpin viewpoints

• To engage with and evaluate the employment of qualitative and quantitative data in assessing impact and efficacy

Outline Of Syllabus

This module forms part of the BA (Hons) Education and provides an introduction to the variety of systems of schooling and associated philosophies through both national and global perspectives. The starting point is an examination of the United Kingdom as a case study in order to enable a primary engagement with the fundamental issues which then leads into a study of similarity of difference across national boundaries. The importance of the cultural, ideological and philosophical frameworks that lie beneath educational practice and provision will be explored and exposed to critical and evaluative scrutiny. This will inform a consideration of possible ways forward for educational reform at a national and/or global level. Engagement with the different methodological approaches will enable students to understand the complexity of decision making and the measurability of outcomes.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module revolves around a consideration and critical engagement with the national and global educational perspectives and practices. It uses an interactive lecture format in order to share knowledge and understanding regarding current provision as well as small group teaching to enable critical discourse. During these small group teaching episodes students will be positively involved in contributing to the co- construction of knowledge. Students will build upon all learning by reflecting regularly via directed tasks. Alongside the more formal occasions of teaching ‘drop in’ sessions will enable individual guidance on progress and assessment to be provided.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

There are two aspects of assessment belonging to this module. These include the small group oral presentation and final discursive essay. The rationale for this variety is to enable each student to demonstrate a wide range of knowledge, understanding and skills. This will meet all the Intended Skill Outcomes and have a particular relevance to the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

The Intended Knowledge Outcomes will be examined through all assessment components. The group work tasks in the seminar sessions are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their own knowledge and understanding of the variety of education provision globally, as well as the distinctive approach and methodologies taken within comparative education itself. The integration of on-going reflection on conceptual frameworks and current practice is made manifest through its inclusion within the oral presentation which explores the students’ own understanding and criticality. The final assessment method is a discursive essay submitted as a coursework assignment. This will be coherent with and arise from the group presentation as well as the taught sessions focusing on differing perspectives and practices of comparative education.