The course focuses on a range of key issues and debates in modern professional life. It is designed with two principal aims in mind. Firstly, the exploration the evolution and nature of the challenges and tensions faced in the early twenty-first century. Secondly, both the course activities – and the written assessment - provide a crucial element of your induction into the kinds of discursive, analytical and writing skills that are essential for EdD students. A further vital ingredient of your time on 'FoP' is the opportunity offered by the course to participate in a professional learning community; sharing the insights and experiences of your peers, who come from a great diversity of backgrounds. This will add enormously to the richness of your experience at the UCL Institute of Education.



The course provides a context in which to interrogate theoretical perspectives and relevant literature on the nature and meaning of professionalism in educational settings. Areas explored include: the meaning of professionalism and the concept of a profession, the social and political contexts in which professionals work; the nature of professional learning and the future of professionalism in education. Throughout the course, and in the required assessed work, participants will be strongly encouraged to relate these to their own professional sphere and draw on our ‘reader’, “Exploring Professionalism”, (which we strongly recommend you purchase).



Aims



to examine the origins, nature and changing dynamics of professionalism in modern societies and in education in particular;
 to explore various theoretical models of professionalism and their applicability to real professional settings;
 to encourage collective and creative thinking by group members about the meaning of professionalism and the character of professional life;
 to enable participants to reflect upon their conceptions of professionalism and upon ways of enhancing their own professional practice.
Expected Outcomes



At the end of the course, participants will be able to:



subject the concept of ‘professionalism’ in education to critical scrutiny;
 draw upon appropriate theoretical insights and epistemological positions to explore key aspects of professionalism;
 articulate the senses in which they are themselves ‘professional’;
 incorporate advanced reflective qualities into their own professional work and academic writing.
Module Sessions



Ordinarily, participants would be expected to attend this first taught module face-to-face with an opportunity to select to attend either for one intense week in October, or three weekends (one Saturday and Monday in October; one Friday and Saturday in October and one Friday and Saturday in November). However, with the uncertainty and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic we may need to revise plans for the autumn term and offer synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities that do not disadvantage any individual. We will still place emphasis on the ‘cohortness’ of the programme and on developing strong peer support groups.