Early Language and Cognition

This module is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop deeper understanding of young children’s language development and reflect on effective provision of language support within a learning context.

Specifically, the module will focus on developing students’ knowledge and understanding of the process of language development and the application of this knowledge in educational settings.

The theoretical overview will specifically outline children’s cognitive development, with a focus on metacognition (executive function and theory of mind) and the connection to the development of language.  Students will critically engage with the application of these concepts in educational settings and investigate the application of theory-based approaches in their individual field.

Socio-cultural differences in language and cognition will be investigated and strategies to support learners from diverse backgrounds will be analysed within the context of curriculum and policy frameworks and legislation.

At the end of this module the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of theoretical approaches to young children’s language development.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between children’s cognitive development and language acquisition.
• Critically analyse the strategies used to support early language learners from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate the ability to develop new, evidence-based strategies. 
• Critically evaluate current research, policy and practice using national and international perspectives.

This is an SCQF Level 11 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.

 

Delivery 

A full timetable will be published in advance of course commencement.

 

Course presenter

This module will be delivered by Dr Conny Gollek.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.  If you do not meet this criteria, please enquire here.

 

MEd Education Studies

In addition to being available on a CPD basis, this module is part of our MEd Education Studies.

Our MEd Education Studies is offered as a part-time, fully online programme taught over 3-6 years. It offers existing education practitioners the opportunity to study Education at Masters level where you can apply your learning to your professional context.

This Masters framework is focused on preparing students to make a difference in their professional educational/training setting and beyond. Teaching and learning is underpinned by cutting edge research, informed by a national and global perspective.

You can exit with a generic award of MEd Education Studies or you can complete one of the named specialisms available:

• MEd Education Studies
• MEd Education Studies (Creativity)
• MEd Education Studies (Curriculum Enhancement)
• MEd Education Studies (Early Years)
• MEd Education Studies (Inclusion)
• MEd Education Studies (Leadership)
• MEd Education Studies (Mental Health and Education)

For further information, please contact ask@uws.ac.uk