Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9047
Title: Contemporary Issues in HE
Long Title: Contemporary Issues in HE
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module, Contemporary Issues in Higher Education, provides opportunities for participants to develop a program of study that explores a current issue within higher education that has personal meaning or relevance to the participant. An initial seminar will outline a range of current issues in Higher Education. Participants are then expected to identify a set of further learning resources (national seminars, on-line recordings, etc) and devise a learning agreement which would then be enacted. In exploring their selected issue, participants are expected to include the perspective of equality as well as that of strategy and policy in higher education. Participants will be encouraged to critically reflect on their seminar series and the intersections with their professional practice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate a set of learning resources that address a current issue in higher education
LO2 Design and critically evaluate a personally meaningful learning agreement that addresses the aim of this module
LO3 Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge and information associated with selected theoretical or methodological issues within higher education and incorporate ethical considerations where appropriate
LO4 Critique the selected issue in higher education from the equality perspective
LO5 Discuss how higher education strategy or policy impacts on the selected contemporary issue
LO6 Critically and reflectively evaluate personal learning and the impact on professional practice, through the achievements and outputs of your learning agreement
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Emerging and Contemporary Issues
A wide range of options are available for participants to pursue. Examples could include social issues (e.g. generation Z, engagement, entrepreneurship), issues related to technology (e.g. gamification, augmented reality, digital badges, MOOGs), economic issues (e.g. funding models and student debt), environmental issues (e.g. makerspaces, sustainability) or political aspects (diversity, international students).
Negotiated Learning Contracts
Creating a negotiated learning contract, identifying the issue to be explored, tailoring the module learning outcomes to the issue to be explored, identifying ~6 hours worth of appropriate face-to-face or on-line seminars
Equality in Higher Education
Inequalities in society and education; access, inclusion, diversity and disability; EU and Irish equality legislation; legal requirements of Third Level Sector, supports required by learners and lecturers, National Access Plan, funding models and targets
Higher Education Strategy and Policy
What is higher education for?, Academic Values and Culture, Future Scenarios for Higher Education, Markets and Consumerism in HE, Globalisation and Internationalisation
Reflection
Reflection, the reflective process, models of reflective practice, reflective writing, Stephen Brookfields' four lenses, critical reflection.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,6
Assessment Description
Deliver a draft version of a seminar (e.g. 10mins) on the selected current issue in higher education to module participants. The presentation should include some discussion on either equality or strategy. This is to be peer-reviewed and self-assessed against the assessment rubric.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 80
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Deliver a short seminar (e.g. 30mins) on the selected current issue in higher education to CIT staff. A practice presentation will be peer and self reviewed by module participants.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full Time workload.
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Seminar on current issues in higher education. Supporting the development of the learning contract, seminar on equality in higher education, seminar on strategy and policy in higher education. Participants will do a practice run of their seminar prior to dissemination to CIT. Provision of peer feedback on practice seminar Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Develop learning contract, identify learning resources, engage with learning resources, prepare assessment, engage with self-assessment and peer review Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Michael Kompf & Pamela Denicolo. (2013), Critical Issues in Higher Education, 1st. Sense Publishers, p.282, [ISBN: 9462090440].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Burton R. Clark. (2004), Sustaining Change in Universities, Society for Research into Higher Education, 1. Open University Press, p.232, [ISBN: 0335215904].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HTLHE_9 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 2 Group Elective 1
CR_HTCHL_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education 2 Group Elective 1