- An undergraduate course
in
Childhood and Youth
and
Education.
Learning through enquiry in primary schools
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | E101 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
This work-based learning course is relevant to a wide range of primary school professionals who support children’s learning – teaching assistants, cover supervisors, learning mentors, volunteers and additional classroom staff. You will develop your skills as an enquirer and researcher in primary schools, extend your theoretical knowledge and reflect on your workplace practice. It builds on your previous study and professional development by returning to the themes and topics in Supporting learning in primary schools (E111).
Register for the course
What you will study
This course promotes student learning in the workplace. You will substantially update and extend the topics studied in Supporting learning in primary schools (E111) such as safeguarding, creativity, technology and environments for learning. Through a series of mini-research projects, you will develop your knowledge, understanding and practice in supporting children’s learning. You will use a range of enquiry methods that are appropriate to your work, such as observing and interviewing, as you plan and carry out small-scale investigations linked to course topics. You will develop your skills in questioning, information-gathering, evaluation and reflection. You will also consider issues of ethics and inclusion as you explore your professional practice and children’s experiences in primary school.
You will receive a Course Reader covering small-scale research in primary classrooms and the role of classroom support staff in promoting children’s learning. It will provide scope and inspiration for your own enquiries and professional development.
You will learn
By the end of the course you will have:
- updated your knowledge and understanding of how primary-age children learn, through small-scale enquiry in a practical, work-based context
- developed your knowledge and understanding, through small-scale research, of how key principles and theories influence your practice in relation to children’s learning and development
- developed skills in observing and evaluating children’s learning and in supporting pupils who may experience barriers to learning
- presented evidence of developments in your professional practice.
Vocational relevance
This course has a specific vocational relevance. It is the compulsory Level 1 work-based module in the Foundation Degree in Primary Teaching and Learning and Diploma of Higher Education in Primary Teaching and Learning, aimed at teaching assistants and learning support staff (including volunteers) working in primary schools throughout the UK. Following successful completion of the Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education you may choose to progress to study at degree level. If you are thinking about training to be an early years or primary teacher, you can choose your optional module to support this goal. For more information on careers in teaching please see our booklet Becoming a Teacher.
Entry
This course is a compulsory module of the Open University Foundation Degree in Primary Teaching and Learning and the Diploma of Higher Education in Primary Teaching and Learning. Before you register for this module, you must have:
- registered for either of these qualifications
- completed the first Level 1 module, Supporting learning in primary schools (E111).
In order to study and successfully complete E101 you must:
- have at least one year’s experience working directly, in a paid or voluntary role, with primary children following the National Curriculum for England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- be working directly with primary children in a suitable setting for a minimum of five hours per week in a paid or voluntary role throughout the module
- have permission to carry out work-based learning tasks in your work setting (you will need to submit a Permission Agreement Form that has been signed by your employer with your registration application)
- have a named, suitable person who is willing to offer you informal mentoring and support throughout the module; this person will confirm that the work you submit is based on your practice within the school setting. Your mentor should be an experienced member of staff in the school, e.g. Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or other subject coordinator, class teacher, head teacher or deputy head teacher. We will provide guidance for your mentor outlining the role and expectations, and we will also offer, at no cost, an online OU course designed to promote the professional development of workplace supervisors and mentors
- have regular and frequent access to a suitable PC with access to the internet
- be competent in using the internet and office applications (e.g. word processing).
To work in a primary school setting you will need to meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for doing so, including obtaining the necessary criminal record clearance required for the setting and country in which you are working. It is the responsibility of you and your employer to ensure you meet these requirements, and not the OU. You should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information if you are in doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more. For who to contact in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales see our Criminal Record Clearance document.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
This course is available in the United Kingdom and to students working in English-medium primary settings in Europe and British Forces schools.
Preparatory work
You must have completed Supporting learning in primary schools (E111) to register for Learning through enquiry in primary schools (E101).
You must also have ready access to your E111 study materials as you will to refer to these throughout E101.
You will need to present your Permission Agreement Form with your registration application.
You should identify your school-based mentor prior to the start of the course. Mentoring is a voluntary role that will involve approximately seven hours of support across the entire course. We will provide a booklet Guidance for school-based mentors. You can download and print our information sheet, Information for schools and mentors for E101 and E207, from our Childhood and Youth Studies website.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, foreign language or diagrammatic materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
This course includes a website and the use of tools such as online forums. If you use specialist software or hardware to assist you in using a personal computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing this type of material you are advised to talk to the Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
The study materials include three study guides, guidance for school-based mentors, a reader and access to the website for an online guide to your enquiries, assignments and assessment.
You will need
The study materials from your study of Supporting learning in primary schools (E111).
You will need access to the internet to use the website and take part in online forums. Discussions with other students through the online forums are a very important form of additional support, so everyone is strongly encouraged to participate.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will be allocated a tutor who will guide you through the study materials, assess and comment on your written work, and advise and support you where necessary. Your tutor is particularly concerned with helping you with your study methods and providing feedback on your assignments. You will be expected to communicate with your tutor and will have the opportunity to meet at a number of face-to-face tutorials that you are strongly recommended to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of the students taking the course in your geographic area.
From the beginning of this course, you will gain support from your peers through moderated online forums. In addition, you will have the opportunity to benefit from updates about changes to relevant policy and/or the requirements for the Foundation Degree in Primary Teaching and Learning and Diploma of Higher Education in Primary Teaching and Learning, via the website.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
If you are working towards Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status in England or Wales, your study on this course can help you to gather and organise the relevant evidence.
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept online registrations for this course. Instead, please read the Entry section of this course description and contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Student Reviews
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | E101 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
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