GED4620

Issues in professional practice

Associate Professor T Taylor

8 points - Second semester - Distance

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject students should have developed procedures appropriate for reviewing and researching aspects of their own professional practice; methods of gathering and analysing data related to aspects of practice; a deeper understanding of personal professional practice and the reactions of others involved in the work setting; a deeper understanding of the perspectives of other professionals involved in the subject. Students should have developed the skills to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a piece of research on an aspect of work practice; observe, assess and evaluate professional performance and use information to improve performance. Students should have developed attitudes and values to see professional practice as something that can be understood and shaped by the student's own effort and actions; to appreciate the value of working collaboratively to improve understanding and professional practice; to increase in confidence and morale as a professional; to appreciate the value of learning from experience and be willing to learn from experience and be sensitive to other people in the work setting; to be willing to discuss experiences and research findings with others.

Synopsis This subject is equivalent to a one-semester subject but extends over the whole year. The subject is organised so that students attend the university at appropriate times throughout the year to follow-up their workplace activities. It is designed for students completing the BEdSt as a preservice/induction year. It may also be a useful subject for practising professionals wishing to take a subject designed to focus on analysis and improvement of their practice. Particular professional development activities will be discussed and later implemented, experience will be reviewed and collaborative action research projects will be undertaken. The subject will require work and campus-level commitments to be arranged when participants are known. The aim of the course is to assist participants to document aspects of their professional practice.

Assessment Journal record: 20% - Client or student perspective (2000 words): 20% - Review (2000 words): 20% - Case study (2000 words): 20% - Presentation 20%

Recommended texts

Baird J R and Northfield J R Learning from the PEEL experience 2nd edn, PEEL Publishing, 1995
Loughran J J and Northfield J R Behind the classroom door: teacher, researcher, learner Falmer, 1996

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