MEd-PG

This programme is designed for teachers, lecturers & professionals working in educational settings where the medium of instruction is not that of the first language of the learner. It addresses diverse learning contexts such as migrating workers, linguistic shifts and an increasing need to use several languages in the global economy and how these impact on curricula across the world. Formal settings for plurilingual learning include schools at all levels, colleges and universities which offer for example bilingual education, CLIL (content and language integrated learning), EAL (English as an additional language) and foreign languages.

The programme has a strong focus on transformative professionalism. This form of professionalism is characterised by the collaborative development of practice and making evidence-informed contributions to professional debate. It explores how learners learn in plurilingual settings and how teachers might create a pedagogic environment which is conducive to the highest quality learning. The programme is available both face-to-face and as on-line modules or as a blend of both modes.

The Advanced Professional Studies (APS) in PluriLingual Education aims to promote:

There are three modes of study:

1. Postgraduate Certificate in APS PluriLingual Education

Fundamental Principles for PluriLingual Education -30 SM points

An introduction to underlying theories and principles which impact on classroom practice. A conceptual frmaework will be used to interpret practice and share understanding across different contexts.(i)

Unit Planning and Task Design for learner progression in PluriLingual contexts – 30 SM points

Theoretical implications of planning for progression in plurilingual learning focuses on challenges of intergrating subject, language and cultural knowledge and skills. Issues to be addressed include: language as a learning tool, code swithcing and cognitive engagement, through principled task construction.(ii)

2. Postgraduate Diploma in APS PluriLingual Education

Consisting of the PG Certificate courses (see above) and an additional two courses (see below) totalling 120 SM points.

Professional Enquiry - 30 SM points

An exploration of links between policy, practice and research, considers different research paradigms in plurilingual settings, focusing on critical reading. It leads to designing and implementing a small-scale research project.

Exploring Professionalism and Educational Leadership- 30SM points

[note this course is not compulsory and can be substituted from a range of other 30 SM courses]

Provides opportunities for students to self-evaluate against the challenges of modern professionalism and leadership in educational settings. And to practice and acquire skills associated with leading change and innovation.

3. Master of Education in APS PluriLingual Education

Students who successfully complete 120SM points from the diploma programme can extend their studies to Master by completing a 60SM dissertation or work-based project.

Participants will plan, carry out and report on an academic or work-related research investigation:

All the above courses are compulsory with exception to Exploring Professionalism and Educational Leadership. Substitutions for this course may be negotiated and chosen from our recognised specialist certificate programmes. Other identified courses or experiences outside the University of Aberdeen may be substituted through a claim for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). An APL claim is normally limited to 50% of the award.

For further information about substitutions or an APL claim contact the Programme Co-ordinator: Professor Do Coyle

Dates and Delivery

All courses are available at a distance, through part-time study or residential programmes in Aberdeen.

For further details please contact:

(i) - The detail of the 40 hour tutor contact sessions is described in the course aims as follows: to enhance awareness of policy and practice which impact on plurilingual classrooms; to understand relevant learning theories for plurilingual curriculum design; to enhance critical ability to synthesise research from SKA and general learning theory; to develop an understanding of how to critically evaluate practice in plurilingual settings; to increase confidence to present and articulate plurilingual pedagogies and theories to different audiences; to experience some of the principles of plurilingual education through experiential learning offered by the course; to reflect on own practice and use opportunities provide to develop self problem-solving skills

(ii) - The detail of the 40 hour tutor contact sessions is described in the course aims as follows: to develop an understanding of relevant learning theories for plurilingual curriculum design, course and unit planning; to advance ideas for developing learner progression monitoring tools and addressing issues to do with appropriate learner assessment through task design; to promote principles for critical materials evaluation and modification; to enhance the ability to interpret and respond to the needs of different students in different learning contexts; to deepen understanding of the design criteria for evaluation processes and to apply those criteria; to reflect on classroom practice and use opportunities to develop problem-solving skills; prepare a series of tasks – a “unit” - which is critiqued and made available for other professional to adapt and use the materials; to present the unit to peers in order to demonstrate how theoretical principles impact on unit design.

University Calendar

University Calendar: Includes General Regulations for First Degrees. Supplementary Regulations and Information for Education and Term Dates and Specifications for all First Degrees Programmes are also included.

Catalogue of Courses

Undergraduate: The Catalogue of Courses is a companion to the Aberdeen University Calendar and it contains details of all undergraduate courses taught in the University, except those for the degrees of MB ChB. Link to Education courses.

Postgraduate: The Catalogue of Courses contains details of all postgraduate courses taught in the University. Education courses are located within Education - Curriculum Studies, Education - Educational Studies, and Education - Lifelong Learning areas of this Catalogue.

School of Education · University of Aberdeen · MacRobert Building · King's College · Aberdeen · AB24 5UA · UK
Telephone: (+44) 1224 274776 · Fax: (+44)1224 274900 · E-mail: education@abdn.ac.uk

Programmes of Study

MEd and PG Certificates and Diplomas:

Programme for Advanced Professional Studies in PluriLingual Education

Introduction