Assignment : Essay (50%)
An essay of 1500 words. This will be a reflective account of your progress during the work experience module identifying areas for development and setting targets for achievement. This will be written in an academic style, be Harvard referenced and include a reference list.
LO1: Provide evidence of professional practice which includes reflection on your personal performance, and identifying opportunities for learning, personal, and professional development
Suggested structure:
Introduction
Progress with the Module where were you at the beginning of the module, where are you now with regard to the 3 Portfolio learning outcomes.
Strengths what are your strengths relating to the 3 Portfolio learning outcomes?
Areas for development what areas have you identified? What targets have you set yourself? You can use SMART targets for achievement.
Conclusion
✓ Do not use headings, this is an essay.
✓ It is vital that you meet the deadlines for the submission of work to the Portfolio and attend the Portfolio tutorial, because your Portfolio progress will inform your essay.
Extended guidance:
Introduction: introduce the assignment and the setting (this will be real if you have attended placement or fictious if you have not attended placement) e.g. type of setting, size, age of children, the team. Remain confidential no names.
(150 words)
Progress throughout the module What did you know about the following before you started the module and what do you know now:
o key policies in a setting
o child observations and theories of how children develop
o planning for learning and development with links to the relevant curriculum framework
(500 words)
Strengths what strengths can you identify that you have in the context working with children and the following:
o key policies in a setting
o child observations and theories of how children develop
o planning for learning and development with links to the relevant curriculum framework
(300 words)
Areas for development and setting yourself learning targets and objectives what areas for development can you identify that you have in the context working with children and the following:
o key policies in a setting
o child observations and theories of how children develop
o planning for learning and development with links to the relevant curriculum framework
The examples below demonstrate the objectives you select can relate to very different dimensions of your learning and development. Set yourself a couple of realistic learning objectives using SMART (Specific, Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; Timed) targets. The above targets are not yet SMART targets and need developing. You should be able to build on them as you go along in placement in the future.
✓ To research policy relating to safeguarding children
✓ To increase my confidence and communication skills when working with parents because as Bronfenbrenner highlights this is important
✓ To research ideas for extending the mathematical development of reception aged children
(400 words)
Conclusion. Summarise the findings of your essay
(150 words)
Harvard Reference list: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/library/LibraryPublications/CribSheets/LibrarySeries/Harvard-Referencing-Short-Version.pdf
