The Education Strand (JHP)Jane Cawdell

Education tutors for 2013-14

Jane Cawdell (Senior Lecturer in Education/Education Strand Leader)

Alyson Colman (0.5 Lecturer in Education)

Education can be studied alongside one of seven other strands on the Joint Honours Programme

(BA) Humanities: (BSc) Science:

English Literature Mathematics

Media Studies Computing

Sociology Environmental Biology

Human Biology

Module Programme for 2013-2014

LEVEL 4° KV404 Systems and Structures in Education° KV407 Socio-Cultural Contexts for Education

LEVEL 5° KV506 Critiques of Inclusive Policy and Practice° KV505 Comparative Education

LEVEL 6° KV602 Critical Perspectives on Learning and Education° KV603 Reframing Identity

The student group

Typically, in each cohort, there are a range of ages and backgrounds. There have been about 20 students in each year group. Students are treated very much as individuals, all of whom can make a valuable contribution, as education is something that everyone has experienced in some form. Group cohesion is strong where students are encouraged to listen to each other’s viewpoints and respect them, even if they may not be their own.

Teaching and Learning methods

The main method used is that of group discussion, making the sessions very interactive. We also draw upon government/independent reports, journal articles, news clippings, video material, and popular films to support teaching and learning. Student presentations, visiting speakers and occasional off-site visits add variety to the delivery of content. Student autonomy is encouraged as they move through the course as it is felt that students who take responsibility for their learning, are more engaged and curious

My own philosophy of what education should be about

I believe education should be about developing individuals into free-thinking, critically challenging, autonomous beings who have an awareness of their own learning capability, and how past experiences have helped to shape the ‘self’. Education should be for the good of society, as opposed to simply furthering the cultural capital of the individual. Personal, social and emotional development should be valued equally alongside knowledge and facts of the world around them. The person should be at the centre of any educational experience. Education is a universal human right.

On the Education strand within the Joint Honours Programme we believe that the study of education should enable students to develop as critical thinkers – individuals who have an informed opinion and who are not afraid of asking challenging questions. Education on the JHP is viewed through many ‘lenses’ – historical, political, geographical, societal, philosophical to name a few and support is given to students in developing their own philosophy on what they think education should be for.

Assessment

Students are normally assessed towards the end of each module, with formative assessment points along the way. Assessment methods can take the form of essays, ranging between 1000-3000 words depending on the level of the module, individual or group student presentations.Tutorial support is encouraged whilst preparing for any assessment.

“The education pathway came as a total shock to me. I had prepared myself for a hard 3 year slog learning legislation and policy when what I actually got was a thoroughly enjoyable 3 year course that opened my eyes to the controversial world of education. The lectures were crammed with thought-provoking debates about equality, ideology, policy decisions and inclusion…the course gave me the confidence to question and pick apart each of them. A thoroughly enjoyable 3 years that I am sad to be leaving behind, although I am taking with me a passion for all aspects of education and a desire to pass this on. In fact, you can’t shut me up about it at home – friends and family beware! A truly fantastic course, with equally fantastic, knowledgeable and supportive teaching staff – I cannot recommend this course enough.”

For those interested in pursuing a career in teaching

Opportunities exist within the common modules on the Joint Honours Programme for students to undertake short placements in schools to gain the relevant experience. Support is given to those applying for postgraduate teacher training courses through the GTTR. There are teacher training routes in subjects related to all second strands, run at our Falmer campus, and students considering this would be applying alongside others wishing to study at the University of Brighton.

If you would like further information, or simply want to talk to me about your application, please do get in touch.

J.L.Cawdell@brighton.ac.uk

Thanks for listening!

What next?

Priory Square basement until 3.00pm

Admissions

Accommodation

Student Support Advice

Students’ Union

Student Experience drop in from 12pm

Subject desks

Havelock Road until 2.30pm

BURST Radio in the basement

Building tours are available from Havelock Road and Priory Square student lounge areas

Please check your programme for timed course and activity sessions today

Need help? Please see our Student Ambassadors in the blue t-shirts