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EDU-30126 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 02 May 2024

EDU-30126 - Education professionals: identity and practice
Coordinator: Peter Jones Tel: +44 1782 7 34869
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

n/a

Barred Combinations

N/A


Description for 2024/25


Aims
The module explores the history, philosophy, and sociology of educationally-related professions, relating them to the social contexts which make them not only skilled occupations but ones with special social identities and responsibilities. It provides an introduction to the theories and empirical studies for understanding professions in modern society. Using case studies, drawn primarily from educational contexts, it examines the social structure, work and expertise, career path, and historical changes of the professions from the late nineteenth century to the age of globalisation. In particular, the module considers the criteria applied to distinguish professions from other occupations, the regulation and governance of professional groups and the formation of professional identities with norms and procedures of practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

confidently apply major theories and paradigms in the study of professions and professionalism: 1,2
comment critically on the development of the professional and institutional infrastructure of education and education-related professions in the UK, drawing on comparisons from other countries and professional groups: 1,2
make theoretically informed arguments about contemporary issues relating to professionals and professional identities: 1,2
critically discuss the regulation and governance of education professions in the UK: 1,2
evaluate written arguments about theory, policy and practice: 2
critically appraise evidence for and against different points of view: 1,2
compare and contrast divergent ideas: 1,2
define, apply and evaluate key concepts and ideas relating to the role and status of `professions¿ within modern societies: 1,2

Study hours

22 hours Lectures, workshops and seminars
78 independent study
50 hours assessment preparation


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 30%
Critical Review of the Teacher Standards for England
The introduction of the Teaching Standards for England marked a significant change in the approach to professionalism for Teachers. This Critical Review will examine the implications for professional formation in the light of challenges to traditional ideals of professionalism. 1000 words.

2: Essay weighted 70%
An essay of 2000 words that examines the nature of the public sector professions in modern society
An essay of 2000 words from a list of options based on course themes designed to explore issues around professional occupations

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 02 May 2024