BSc (Honours) Secondary Education in Physics - Learning Outcomes
Educational aims
The aim of this degree is to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for teaching in physics in secondary schools.
This includes broad scientific knowledge to support teaching secondary school science at Key Stage 3, and a good basic foundation in physics and sufficient mathematics to support the teaching of physics to Advanced level in schools.
In particular, the degree aims to develop:
- the professional knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required to meet the Professional Standards for qualified teacher status
- an informed and critical appreciation of relevant education policies, strategies, issues and research
- a basis for a continuing interest in the physical sciences
- an understanding of how scientific knowledge develops and an appreciation of the limits of knowledge in the physical sciences
- the ability to learn independently and to improve your performance through critical reflection on your own practice.
Learning outcomes
The degree provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills, and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will have acquired knowledge and understanding of sufficient science content to support the teaching of secondary school physics, including:
- underlying concepts, principles and applications of physical science
- appropriate methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing scientific data and information in physical science
- contributions made by physical science to informed debate, and some of the limits of current scientific knowledge
- the knowledge and understanding required to meet the Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status
- knowledge and understanding of relevant research, debates, concepts, and issues in education
- a critical appreciation of relevant education strategies, policies and guidelines, and their implications for teachers in relation to improving learning.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- use and apply your knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories and of mathematical techniques relating to chosen areas in physical science
- work with and evaluate scientific information and data, and make sound judgements that take account of scientific theories and concepts
- apply critical thinking skills in relation to reviewing literature and reflecting on practice in education, in order to support personal and professional development.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of the degree you will be able to:
- prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques
- locate, receive and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical and computer-based)
- demonstrate the skills and attributes required to meet the Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status
- improve your performance through reflection on your own practice and critical evaluation of research and other literature.
Key skills
On completion of the degree, you will be able to:
- use ICT applications for information-retrieval, data analysis and communicating with others
- conduct practical and investigative work in physical science in a responsible and safe manner, and be aware of the need for risk assessment
- communicate ideas and scientific information accurately and effectively, using oral, written, visual and numerical forms, in a style that is appropriate for the purpose and for the audience
- use appropriate techniques to manage your own learning and time, and be able to learn independently so that you can continue your personal and professional development after graduation.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You will acquire the appropriate knowledge and understanding by studying specially prepared teaching texts, that use a variety of learning approaches; for science modules these generally include self-assessment questions. Study materials also include reference texts, computer-based learning activities, directed reading, online forums and web-based resources. Understanding how data is acquired, interpreted and analysed is further developed by means of laboratory work and fieldwork at residential schools.
You will work independently with the teaching materials, but are encouraged to form self-help groups with other students, communicating face-to-face, by telephone, email or online forums. Tutors will support your learning by providing written feedback on assignments, by holding face-to-face or electronic tutorials, and/or by telephone contact or correspondence.
Skills are developed throughout the programme, in parallel with knowledge and understanding. Some modules, notably those based on residential schools, are more practically oriented than others and these modules also offer more opportunities to interact with fellow students.
The initial teacher education module includes a total of 24 weeks of school placements, in two schools, during which you a will complete a range of activities that are detailed in the school experience guide for the placement. These activities start by introducing you to secondary school teaching, and support progression to autonomous classroom teaching
During your school placements you will be supported by a teacher in the school who will act as your mentor, supporting you in developing your teaching skills through observation and feedback, and through a weekly mentor session at which you will agree targets for development.
During each school placement, you will also receive a visit from your tutor who will observe you teaching and provide an extended face-to-face tutorial.
Assessment strategy
Each science module in the degree programme is assessed independently, generally by a combination of tutor-marked assignments, that are completed at a number of points during the period of study of the module, and a three-hour examination at the end of the module. Tutors will provide extensive written feedback on assignments to enhance your learning. Assignments and examinations require you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and cognitive and key skills, by answering a range of types of questions, including solving short or extended problems, and writing short scientific accounts or more extended scientific essays. Some modules include computer-marked questions in assignments and examinations. Project work is assessed by tutor-marked assignments and project reports, and practical and field work at residential schools is appraised by the tutors who are present and by assignments completed after the schools. In addition, you will have many opportunities for self-assessment, using questions and exercises provided within module texts, CD-ROMs, DVDs and online.
In the Initial Teacher Education module, assessment involves submitting a portfolio of evidence at each of four points during the module. Each portfolio must include reports on your classroom practice provided by your tutor and mentor, and evidence of your progress towards the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. You are also required to submit a number of assessment tasks in which you will be required to reflect on aspects of your practice and how these relate to your study of the study materials. Your tutor will assess your portfolios and provide you with detailed feedback and targets for development.