IE3E2-30 Introduction to Secondary Teaching in Physics
Introductory description
his module takes place in term 2 and is specially designed to give you a taste of what it is like to be a teacher. You will explore your subject from a new perspective through engaging sessions at university led by teaching fellows and visiting teachers and have opportunity to support teaching and learning in practice through a placement in a local school.
The module is hosted by the Centre for Teacher Education (currently rated 'Outstanding' by OFSTED). Anyone who completes the module is automatically eligible for an interview for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) initial teacher training course (providing all entry requirements for Initial Teacher Training are met).
Module aims
- To develop knowledge and understanding about the UK education system and what it is like to be a secondary physics teacher.
- To develop knowledge and understanding about key themes in education.
- To provide a professional experience supporting the teaching of physics.
- To develop key transferable schools through a professional placement.
- To develop skills in personal reflection on professional practice.
- To relate educational theory to practice within school.
- To raise aspirations of school students towards study in Higher Education.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
As part of the module you will complete a ten day (or equivalent) placement in a school. Whilst on placement under the guidance and supervision of an in-school mentor you will develop your understanding of the teaching of physics. This will be achieved through a range of activities that may include such as: - lesson observations, supporting lessons, 1 to 1 teacher, small group teaching, and leading part of, or even entire lessons.
To prepare for and support you for placement you will participate a series of workshops at the university. These are highly interactive, practice based sessions, delivered by visiting teachers from local secondary schools. Sessions cover topics such as behaviour management, lesson planning and questioning.
The theory which underpins the practice of teaching is explored concurrently through seminars led by CTE Teaching Fellows. The seminars begin by discussing the UK education system and national curriculum before exploring a range of key themes in education such as how students learn, how ideas develop in physics, using assessment for learning and specific aspects of pedagogy relating to the teaching of physics.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- LO1 Critically analyse and reflect on key themes in education
- LO2 Critically analyse and reflect on current issues in teaching physics
- LO3 Demonstrate engagement with supporting the teaching of physics
- LO4 Demonstrate professional behaviour and conduct
- LO5 Critically reflect on practice in teaching physics
- LO6 Demonstrate engagement with raising the aspirations of school students towards study in Higher Education
- LO7 Compare practice with educational theory
Indicative reading list
Student Guide to Literacy in Science
ASE guide to secondary science education
Exploring young people's views on science education
Successful science: strengths and weaknesses of school science teaching
Teaching secondary physics
Starting science ... again?: making progress in science learning
What successful science teachers do: 75 research-based strategies
Science formative assessment: 75 practical strategies for linking assessment, instruction, and learning
Five easy lessons: strategies for successful physics teaching
Teaching science: developing as a reflective secondary teacher
Good practice in science teaching: what research has to say
Teaching secondary physics
Teaching secondary science using ICT
How science works: exploring effective pedagogy and practice
Science learning, science teaching
Interdisciplinary
Through exploring the teaching and pedagogy of your subject you will consider and build connections between your subject, educational theory, the psychology of learning and cognition and also consider elements of policy, society and sociology.
Subject specific skills
You will develop skills relevant for teaching and the development of practice such as reflection. You will also develop skills relevant to the academic study of education such as analysis and critique. The module will also develop your skills in the pedagogy of your subject.
Transferable skills
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Active Lifelong Learning
Communication (verbal and written)
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Information literacy (research skills)
ICT Literacy
Citizenship (local and global)
Ethical Values
Inter-cultural learning and diversity awareness
Professionalism
Organisational awareness
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 7 sessions of 2 hours (5%) |
| Practical classes | 8 sessions of 2 hours (5%) |
| Placement | 75 hours (25%) |
| Assessment | 195 hours (65%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
| Category | Description | Funded by | Cost to student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other |
In the UK, anyone working with children is required to have a Disclosure & Baring Services (DBS) check. The Centre for Teacher Education will cover the costs of this, however, you will need to provide the relevant proof of identification and address prior to the start of the module. |
Department | £0.00 |
| Field trips, placements and study abroad |
You will be responsible for your travel arrangements to the placement. Placements are assigned to align with bus routes and opportunities for car share where possible. If this would be prohibitive of you taking the module then contact CTE and we can discuss options for available support. |
Student |
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of Short Tasks | 40% | 75 hours |
|
A 2,500-word portfolio of short tasks. |
||
| Reflective Essay | 40% | 60 hours |
|
The reflective essay is an opportunity to reflect on your experience in school and use a model for academic reflection to consider how your practice in supporting the teaching of your subject has developed. |
||
| Academic Poster | 20% | 60 hours |
Feedback on assessment
Formative: During the course of the module students will have the opportunity to submit up to
two individual tasks towards the portfolio for formative assessment.
Summative: A written feedback sheet and in text comments will provided on the portfolio.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
-
UPXA-GF13 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (BSc)
- Year 2 of GF13 Mathematics and Physics
- Year 2 of GF13 Mathematics and Physics
- Year 3 of GF13 Mathematics and Physics
- Year 3 of GF13 Mathematics and Physics
-
UPXA-FG31 Undergraduate Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 2 of FG31 Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 2 of FG31 Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 3 of FG31 Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
- Year 3 of FG31 Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys)
-
UPXA-F300 Undergraduate Physics (BSc)
- Year 2 of F300 Physics
- Year 2 of F300 Physics
- Year 2 of F300 Physics
- Year 3 of F300 Physics
- Year 3 of F300 Physics
- Year 3 of F300 Physics
-
UPXA-F303 Undergraduate Physics (MPhys)
- Year 2 of F300 Physics
- Year 2 of F303 Physics (MPhys)
- Year 3 of F300 Physics
- Year 3 of F303 Physics (MPhys)
-
UPXA-F3F5 Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (BSc)
- Year 2 of F3F5 Physics with Astrophysics
- Year 2 of F3F5 Physics with Astrophysics
- Year 3 of F3F5 Physics with Astrophysics
- Year 3 of F3F5 Physics with Astrophysics
-
UPXA-F3FA Undergraduate Physics with Astrophysics (MPhys)
- Year 2 of F3FA Physics with Astrophysics
- Year 3 of F3FA Physics with Astrophysics