Student and tutor module reviews

Be prepared this module is heavy on reading and the tutor-marked assignments are tough. However, if you are planning on going into teaching this module is invaluable and it helped me develop my knowledge. In reflection, I really enjoyed this module and learnt a lot.

Course starting: October 2020

Review posted: September 2021

I enjoyed this module, it was a nice change as I had done mostly maths based modules but wanted to keep the door open for primary teaching and to see where my knowledge gaps were. There were a lot!

The module consisted of 4 tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end-of-module assessment (EMA). TMAs are well laid out and are in the form of workbooks - almost like answering questions within certain boxes - or writing 200 words on a specific area/topic. Although the TMAs may look overwhelming to start with, if you take it bit at a time and read through the instructions (a few times) its fine and very doable. Due to the lockdown I never ended up needing to submit TMA04 or the EMA.
What I will say is that I found that different tutors wanted different things, and what I mean by that is my tutor liked (what felt like) near enough everything on the page (TMAs) referenced, yet other tutors in the online tutorials would tell you to read and learn terms, and then when you do a bit in the TMA to 'put it in your own words' so I did feel a bit worried that had I submitted the EMA, I may have gotten a tutor that didn't like 100s of references all the way through the essay. You also have to do a group project. The work on it itself isn't extensive and I actually liked the bit that I had to do, but you may end up with the case that not everyone in the group will participate, or if they do, they may appear 6 weeks into the project at the last minute. I really didn't enjoy this part of it but that's because I like to get things done yesterday and not wait around for others. I really had to exercise patience on this!

The books are well written and I liked my tutor and overall not a really stressful module as long as you work on your TMAs in plenty time.
Getting into a school is really valuable, I only did 1 morning a week in a school and honestly loved it and your TMAs will require you to write about children - there are video's on the modules site if you cant do this but they are limited as you really don't get the same valuable experience that you do from going into a school.

Overall, I would recommend the module, the best part for me was addressing my poor English/literature skills and going right back and learning what verbs and nouns were - embarrassingly the kids at school knew more than I did. Getting to read a variety of kids books was also a highlight. Tutors and tutorial were very helpful and I felt supported in this module.

Course starting: October 2019

Review posted: March 2021

I absolutely loved this module! I currently work as a TA in a primary school, with the view to go into teaching in the future. I feel this gave me an advantage over those who were volunteering for a few hours a week, but by no means would make it impossible for someone in that position to complete due to the number of online resources available.
I've found my understanding of how children learn has been greatly increased and have been able to apply some of my knowledge to my day to day rountines.
Even though the last part of the module was not officially required due to COVID-19, I completed the tasks myself as I was keen to increase my knowledge in all areas.
The support from my tutor was excellent and I feel the online tutorials really benefited me as it helps to discuss ideas with others. Although the group work task sounds daunting, it really wasn't as bad as it first seems. I feel this was a wonderful module to get me started on my teaching journey.

Course starting: October 2019

Review posted: August 2020