Ema_Guidlines

EMA Extending professional learning Introduction Cut-off date: 28 May 2012 Word limit: 3000 words The end-of-module assessment (EMA) gives you an opportunity to review all you have learnt. We ask that you do this in a reflective way, by examining how your practice and understanding have developed, and also by reviewing your achievements to date against the module’s learning outcomes. Make sure that you have read the instructions on completing and submitting your assignments in the Assessment guide on the module website. Outline for the examinable component The EMA is designed to reflect your learning throughout the module and so it naturally relates to all of the learning outcomes. The EMA specifically addresses the learning outcomes: * KU1, KU3, KU4, KU6, KU7, KU8 * CS1, CS2, CS3 * KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5 * PS2. You will need to identify in the main text of your EMA how you have met the following learning outcomes: * KU1, KU3, KU4, KU6, KU7, KU8 * CS2, CS3 * PS2. Those learning outcomes not listed above (KU2, KU5, PS1 and PS3) should not be considered less important. It is likely that you will demonstrate them all in completing your EMA. All of the learning outcomes are assessed through the four TMAs. Assessment task The focus of your assessment will be to: Write an account of the way in which your role as a practitioner has developed over the past year. It should comprise the following parts. Part 1 (100 words) For this part you should provide an introduction to your assignment and an ethical statement. Part 2 (1300 words) In this part you should show how your understanding has changed and developed in relation to: * the ways in which children learn and develop * the ways in which early years settings support children’s learning and development. Refer back to your TMAs to support your arguments. Include examples of how your practice and understanding have developed in the following areas: * communication with children and their families * child development. Refer to the course materials to discuss examples of your practice. Part 3 (750 words) Your writing for this part should focus on how you have facilitated the development of your setting. Reinforce your writing with evidence from observations of the children you support and by describing your interactions with them. Outline ways in which you would like to see your setting develop in the coming year, using the course materials and other resources to support your arguments. Part 4 (850 words) In this section you must outline the way you plan for your own role and career to develop in the medium to long term and the steps you will take to support these plans. You will need to build a picture of how you have developed as a practitioner. (a) Consider the role you described at the start of the module and discussed in TMA 01. * How has this changed, if at all' * Has your practice changed' * Have your views changed – about children, parents, your environment' * If so, in what ways' * What evidence can you provide from practice that illustrates these changes – for example changes in child profiling, record keeping, multi-agency work, the environment, the curriculum or policy development' * How have you influenced or been involved in any changes' You might also want to reflect on your own personal as well as professional capabilities. * Are you more confident, capable, informed or perhaps more encouraged to work with others. In this way you can consider the process you have gone through as well as the products that may have emerged from your actions. Part of your evidence should come from one of your earlier assignments: * Myself, my setting and my roles and responsibilities * Looking at children’s learning * The children I support: observing and assessing * Supporting children’s learning through the curriculum. Remember to refer directly in your discussion to the module materials for the area you choose. (b) Professional development plan: To complete your assignment you must discuss and suggest one or two ways in which you feel your setting could develop and to consider how you intend to develop yourself. You should include a professional development plan (PDP) as an appendix, based on your plans devised for Activity 8 in Study Topic 18 and refer to this in your discussion. Guidance notes We have asked you to include a large number of different elements in your account, but you should avoid structuring your assignment as a kind of elaborated list. Rather, keep your role in supporting children and families at the centre of your assignment and bring in the various required elements as appropriate. Learning outcomes EMA The learning outcomes to be claimed and met for the EMA are as follows: Knowledge and understanding (KU) | KU1 | diverse ways and contexts in which young children learn and develop | KU3 | the main principles underpinning early years legislation, policy and practice | KU4 | the key areas of theory and research underpinning early years practice | KU6 | the impact of policies and provision relating to the regulation or promotion of children’s status, welfare and learning on children (and adults) in early years settings, at home, school and in wider contexts | KU7 | a wide range of issues relating to inclusion and inclusive practice and of strategies designed to tackle discrimination, inequality and exclusion | KU8 | The principles, theories and concepts of leadership and management practice relevant to a senior practitioner role in early years services | Cognitive skills (CS) | CS1 | draw on their own practice, appropriate forms of evidence, relevant literature and theory in order to present, develop and summarise an argument | CS2 | draw on a variety of learning strategies and resources (including reading, note-taking, formulating questions and ICT) to support reflection and analysis in their writing | CS3 | identify and reflect on their own values and those of others | Key skills (KS) | KS1 | analyse tasks and manage their own time in planning and implementing responses or activities | KS2 | write accurately and clearly in an appropriate style, interpreting and presenting graphical and numerical data clearly and accurately where appropriate | KS3 | reflect on the learning process, personal progress and personal experience and practice, identifying strengths and weaknesses and applying this reflection to practical issues | KS4 | use feedback to improve their performance | KS5 | use ICT and new technologies to support their own learning | Practice skills (PS) | PS2 | work and communicate effectively with parents, families, colleagues and other professionals to safeguard and promote children’s welfare and to support children’s development and learning |