Module Catalogue 2024/25

MEE8073 : Understanding Programmes of Learning

MEE8073 : Understanding Programmes of Learning

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sonia Bussey
  • Lecturer: Dr Anusia Sivaratnam, Dr Fiona Clarke, Dr David Thewlis, Dr Sophie Hill, Dr Heidi Bateman, Dr Kye Mon Min Swe, Dr Bryan Burford, Ms Poongothai Shanmugaraja, Dr Emma Black
  • Deputy Module Leader: Dr Gwyndaf Roberts
  • Owning School: School of Medical Education
  • Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•To introduce students to the principles, theories and practices of curriculum design
•To enhance their ability to design and plan sequential learning experiences
•To provide a framework for considering quality assurance and enhancement for educational interventions within different contexts


Summary:
The focus for this module is the principles, theories and practices around programme design. Within this module, rather than conceptualising teaching as units of activity (see ‘Teaching and Learning in the Classroom’), the focus is on planning sequenced educational interventions delivered over time. Students will be introduced to the essential elements of programme design and related curricula theory. Whilst formative evaluation and assessment are covered in ‘Teaching and Learning in the Classroom’, this module will focus on summative procedures, and accepted doctrine (such as competency-based assessment) will be critiqued.

Outline Of Syllabus

Theories and principles in programme and curricula design
Planning sequential learning experiences
Designing coherent and well-aligned programmes of study
A framework for considering quality assurance and enhancement
Skills audit and development of practice through continuing professional development
Overview of common assessment methods used in medical education
Strategies for increasing the reliability, validity, transparency, feasibility and educational impact of assessments.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Critically appraise the theories and principles that underpin curriculum design
• Critically explore the wider context in which higher education operates, recognising implications for practice (Advance HE PSF dimension V4).
• Justify approaches to teaching and/or supporting learning, appropriate for subjects and level of study (Advance HE PSF dimension K2).
• Explore requirements for quality assurance and enhancement, and their implications for practice (Advance HE PSF dimension K5).

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Design and plan learning activities and programmes (Advance HE PSF dimension A1).
• Demonstrate the enhancement of their practice through their own continuing professional development (Advance HE PSF dimension A5).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:0050:00Preparatory work on assessment
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading36:0018:00Asynchronous activity delivered over 3 strands
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading120:0020:00Preparatory work before strands
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading120:0020:00Post strands
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study178:1578:15Supported by an online discussion forum
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time32:006:00Sychronous activity delivered over 3 strands.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time11:451:45Group tutorial to help prepare for assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time32:006:00Small group discussion online and virtual classrooms. Prep required
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The pre-course reading, done prior to the strands, will introduce the students to key concepts, theories and principles of programme design. These concepts, theories and principles will be explored in the strands and provide the foundation for completing the assignments.

The strands will contain a mixture of facilitator input, informal feedback, student–led online group activity, learner synchronous presentations, structured workshop activities (e.g. sequencing learning experiences and mapping programmes), and critical reflection using a facilitated online discussion forum.

In the e-learning activities, and in order to complete the assignment, students will be required to read and engage with relevant literature. Once prepared, students will have online activities to offer the opportunity to revisit identified areas of difficulty and discuss their assignment. Following completion of their assignment students will receive feedback which will identify areas for development and they should use this to consider how learning from this module informs their role in developing programmes in the workplace.

Optional present-in-person study day (repeated and recorded online) will be offered. Although this is an online programme there may be an additional opportunities to attend optional on campus events. For any on campus opportunity an online equivalent session will also be offered.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2A100Written assignment (3000 words)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Performance2MInformal formative assessment - Student participation online
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Achievement of the knowledge and skills outcomes will be assessed formatively via student participation online. The outcomes will be assessed summatively through a written submission.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.