Education, Social Work & Teaching

We are often placed under pressure from celebrities in television fund raising events and charity adverts urging us to help children from impoverished countries. We consider if this is about making the most of celebrities’ power of influence, or are the celebrities themselves victims of manipulation by charities? Also, can the children we see on these adverts really be ‘saved’, and crucially, can charities and aid make a difference to children in the underdeveloped countries of the world? Linked modules • Pearson-Enquiries into Current Research in Early Years Practice • Pearson-Keeping Children Safe • Pearson-Healthy Eating in the Early Years

We examine how childhood exists within socially constructed family units. Students think critically about how those working with children also have an influence on how families are shaped and how children behave based on what the state requires by public policy, laws, social norms and other means, such as social media. Linked modules • Keeping Children Safe • Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Working with Parents and Others in Early Years • Services for children and their families.

Technology and social media have become increasingly ingrained in our everyday lives, including the lives of our children and young people. We consider the potential impact of growing up in the digital age, and how it might influence our education system moving forward.   Linked modules • Pearson-Digital Technologies in Early Years Practice

Topics may include:

> an exploration of the professions working with children and young people

> the changing concept of childhood over time and the ethical implications

> child poverty and the impact on education and society

We contemplate the impact of working-class culture on educational attainment. We consider theoretical perspectives and research, exploring controversial issues highlighted by Teesside University students studying our programmes. Linked modules • Pearson-Development of Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills • Pearson-Enquiries into Current Research in Early Years Practice • Pearson-Children’s Physical Development, Care and Health Needs • Pearson-Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Pearson-Working with Parents and Others in Early Years • Pearson-Services for Children and their Families

Learn more about professionalism in education through different phases / age-ranges. Students learn more about national professional standards as well as the requirements of training to be an educator in higher education. Linked modules • Pearson-Career Development in the Early Years Sector • Pearson-Working with Parents and Others in Early Years

Using the book 'Taming Childhood' students are asked to consider how childhood is 'constructed' and how modern children are tamed, or supervised by adults more than any previous generation. Students think critically about how we treat children and consider what sort of childhood they might want for children they work with. Linked modules • Children's Development • Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Children’s Development Outdoors or Keeping children safe

Childhood is often presented as the best time of our lives and those working with children often have an ambition to provide positive and happy experiences for children. But what is a good childhood? And how can we provide for a good childhood when we work with children and our work is shaped by policies that determine childhood should be shaped in a particular way? Linked modules • Pearson-Children’s Development • Pearson-Play and Learning • Pearson-Enquiries into Current Research in Early Years Practice • Pearson-Children’s Physical Development, Care and Health Needs • Pearson-Children’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Pearson-Working with Parents and Others in Early Years • Pearson-Children’s Imaginative Play and Creativity

Social work is perhaps the most misunderstood caring profession in terms of media coverage. Social workers combine their significant legal authority with trained skills in investigating, assessing, and intervening with individuals and families. This talk explores social work in detail and will suit emotionally robust students seeking a challenge. Linked modules • Pearson-Keeping Children Safe

Topics may include:

> exploring the ethics surrounding social work

> research importance and the effect on actions and outcomes

> social work placement settings and expectations