ED5077- Assessment Guidance and Rubric

Part	Assessment type	Words
Part 1	A critical discussion of the academic literature in one contemporary issue in education.	2000 words
Part 2	A critical reflection on your chosen contemporary issue and how this will impact you as a present/future practitioner.	1500 words
Tuesday 8th December 2020 by 2.59pm.
Important Notes: • This will be one portfolio in two parts. • Whatever contemporary issue that you pick in part 1, you also need to use that same one in part 2 of the assessment. • You MUST pick a contemporary issue that we have looked in the taught sessions. Weighting: • Weighting 100% in total • Format: Critical Portfolio and Critical Reflection • Total Word Count: 3500 words Submission: • You are required to submit one portfolio via Turnitin. The Turnitin link will be available closer to the time via Moodle. This assignment is on one Word document only. Additional support: • Please refer back to Week 1 seminar recording. This is where we discussed the assignment in detail. We will continue to do this. • On campus students Moodle link: https://moodle.uel.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=1402166&chapterid=94004 • Distant Learners Moodle link: https://moodle.uel.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=1406977&chapterid=94026

Part 1	A critical discussion of the academic literature in one contemporary issue in education.	2000 words
Part 1: Take one contemporary issue in education discussed in the taught sessions. Critically discuss the academic literature within it. It will be vital to engage with the historical, cultural and political discourses in your chosen area. You will need to take an ambiguous approach to the critical discussion and ensure that there are arguments set from both sides. At level, 5, there is an expectation that you write critically, clearly, concisely and coherently. Also, make sure that you have referred to sufficient literature and citations are correct.
Title: Your portfolio should have a title which states the debate that you are discussing. Introduction (Approx. 100-200 words) Start your chosen topic by sharing why it is a contemporary issue in the UK. Share the importance of who it concerns, the need for it to be researched, discussed and who it ultimately benefits (remember, contemporary issues are big, so the audience will be too). This part of the portfolio should have a few sentences which outlines what the portfolio is about, and what arguments you will be discussing. Main (Approx. 1800 words) You need to have a critical account of the historical development and context of the particular debate and policy area/topic. Do not end up using lots of word count writing about the topic’s historical development. Otherwise, you risk merely describing what happened and on what date and this will take your focus away from the critical discussions. Remember, this is a contemporary issue in education, which means there will be lots of literature from opposing arguments. You need to write about both sides of the arguments. This is what will make your portfolio a critical discussion. Otherwise, you risk writing a biased argument which will not have any criticality in it. Remember, you are not describing the problem. You are discussing the problem using critical literature. Your arguments should be supported primarily by your reading of academic literature and also other sources (e.g. local governmental policies, speeches from Party leaders, establishments well versed with the topic area and authentic websites). Please avoid websites, articles etc. that lack authenticity. Wikipedia is not an authentic site to gather legitimate information and data. You will see from your own research; your contemporary issue is massive. This means there will be many arguments in it. Unfortunately, due to your word count, you will not be able to write about all these arguments. If you have too many arguments, your word count will not do justice to them. So, pick a few key arguments and discuss these in detail. Remember, it is quality over quantity. Make sure you write about the arguments for and against in your topic area. You can either write all the arguments for and then all the arguments against in two separate sections. Or you can weave the arguments for and against throughout the portfolio. If someone makes a particular argument, try and find an opposing one. Make sure you include key theorists in to support your arguments and claims. Make sure you include some key policies and governmental linkage. Conclusion (Approx. 100-200 words) Your portfolio should have a concluding paragraph which summarises what this part of the portfolio has been about, the debates and arguments that it has covered. Conclude your portfolio by highlighting some of the key points and arguments that you have written about. This does not mean repeat what you have

written. It means summarising the key arguments that you have decided to write about. It is important that
you mention the problem continues and is not so easy to solve or rectify.
Important Note: This part of the assignment will not include any of your personal reflections. This part of
the assessment is purely academic and in line with theory and literature only. The reflection part will come
in part 2 of the assessment.
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Additional advice
• The suggested word count for each section of your assignment is an approximation only so feel
free to play around with it as best as you think.
• Make sure your portfolio is within the required word length.
• Your portfolio should be clearly written and structured, with correct grammar, punctuation, and
links between your paragraphs.
• Avoid the terms ‘you’, ‘we’, ‘them’, ‘they’.
• ‘I’ is not appropriate and not recommended as part of introductions, summaries, conclusions, and
signposting (in the next part of the portfolio, you can use I/we etc).
• This task is an academic portfolio – about the theory/debate written in the 3rd person/passive
voice.
• Your portfolio should have paragraphs which identify and discuss specific arguments that are key to
your chosen topic area.
• Ensure that you proofread your work to ensure you have avoid mistakes that are easily rectified.
• Please engage with legislation and policy that is relevant to your chosen topic and programme of
study (e.g. Educations Studies, Early Childhood Studies, or Special Educational Needs) taking into
account your degree programme and customising your portfolio around that. This will assist you to
further develop your knowledge about the contemporary issues in your specific degree area.
• Please make sure your name is not on your assignment.
• Please submit your work onto Turnitin with your student number. Do not save it with a title or
anything like that.

Part 2	A critical reflection on your chosen contemporary issue and how this will impact you as a present/future practitioner.	1500 words
Part 2: Use the same contemporary issues in education that you selected for part 1 of the assessment. Having now completed some extensive reading, you now have a good overview of your chosen area. Critically reflect on how this issue will impact you as a present/future practitioner. What issues do you see occurring and how do you intend on working around those issues? Link this with the literature that you wrote about in part 1 of the portfolio. Take a few references and reflect on whether you agree or disagree with them.
Title: Your portfolio should have a title which states the debate that you are discussing. Introduction (Approx. 250 words) Start by sharing why you chose this particular contemporary issue for the assessment. Was it because it interested you? Was it an area that you do not know a lot about and wanted to explore it? Was it because it is something personal to you in line with your experiences? Etc. This part of the portfolio should have a few sentences which outlines what the portfolio is about, and what reflections you will be discussing. Main (Approx. 1000 words) In this section you can borrow literature from the first part of the assignment and reflect on it. However, do feel free to use additional references. But remember, do not use word count explaining that research. It will take you away from the focus of this part of your assignment. The focus of this part of this assignment is taking your chosen contemporary issue in education (from part 1 of the portfolio) and critically reflecting on how the issue will impact you as a present/future practitioner. Here is the example we looked at in Week 1 Seminar (please note, these references are examples only and not authentic): Part 1: Bob (2020) says SRE should be taught in EYFS to ensure that children are taught to be safe. In particular, in a world where young children are exposed to an online world where grooming is possible. However, Neil (2018) disagrees and says children are too young to be taught SRE and this should be taught by parents on a child to child basis. Part 2: This is where you can use Bob (2020) again. So, you can say something like this: I agree with the work of Bob (2020) who maintains that EYFS children need to be taught about SRE to keep them safe. I believe children need to be made aware of issues of safety, so they are well prepared for the real world. In particular, where we live in a world where children are exposed to online activity from a very young age. Consequently, they are at risk of being groomed. Thus, children need to be aware of what touches are acceptable, where and by whom. For this reason, I will ensure I follow the school’s policy in how SRE needs to be taught sensitively. Can you see how I have agreed with the above author and then wrote my own reflections around that theory? This is what you are expected to do so it becomes a critical reflection. If you do not agree with a particular theory, that is absolutely fine. You can find another and agree with that and then customise your reflections around that. Do note, all the contemporary issues in education we have looked at in the taught session are ones which you will certainly encounter in your future careers. So, it is important to develop effective strategies to deal

with them adequately. What you cannot do in this part of the assessment is to say you do not agree with
your chosen topic and choose to do nothing about it. The whole point of this critical reflection is to get you
to think ahead later in your future careers.
Remember, this section is reflective so think deeply and critically. Consider some of the
constraints/challenges that you will face and write about these. This section is not about you finding or/and
knowing all the answers. It is about you being aware there will be issues and what do you envisage doing
about them?
Again, you will see from your own research; your contemporary issue is massive. This means there will be
many arguments in it. Unfortunately, due to your word count, you will not be able to reflect on all these
arguments. If you start to reflect on too many arguments, your word count will not do justice to them. So,
pick a few key arguments and reflect on these in detail. Remember, it is quality over quantity.
Conclusion (Approx. 250 words)
Your portfolio should have a concluding paragraph which summarises what this part of the portfolio has
been about, the debate and reflections that it has covered. Conclude your portfolio by highlighting some of
the key points and arguments that you have reflected on. This does not mean repeat what you have written.
It means summarising the key arguments that you have decided to reflect on. It is important to mention
that you will continually to develop yourself over this issue by keeping up to date with the key arguments in
your chosen topic area.
Important Note: This part of the assignment is your personal reflections in line with theory and practice.
This means there will be more personal reflections then theory and literature.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Additional advice
• The suggested word count for each section of your assignment is an approximation only so feel
free to play around with it as best as you think.
• Make sure your portfolio is within the required word length.
• Your portfolio should be clearly written and structured, with correct grammar, punctuation, and
links between your paragraphs.
• You can use the terms ‘you’, ‘we’, ‘them’, ‘they’.
• ‘I’ is appropriate and recommended as part of introductions, summaries, conclusions, and
signposting (in this next part of the portfolio, you can use I/we etc).
• Your portfolio should have paragraphs/sections which identify and discuss specific arguments that
are key to your chosen topic area.
• This portfolio is a critical reflection about the application of the knowledge and should be written in
the 1st person but supporting by referenced evidence.
• Ensure that you proofread your work to ensure you have avoided mistakes that are easily rectified.
• Please engage with legislation and policy that is relevant to your chosen topic and programme of
study (e.g. Educations Studies, Early Childhood Studies, or Special Educational Needs) taking into
account your degree programme and customising your portfolio around that. This will assist you to
further develop your knowledge about the contemporary issues in your specific degree area.
• Please make sure your name is not on your assignment.
• Please submit your work onto Turnitin with your student number. Do not save it with a title or
anything like that.

Level 5	ED5077 Assessment Rubric Criteria
80%+	Knowledge and understanding of subject -Comprehensive, in-depth and critical application and analysis of key theory, concepts and knowledge of the module. -Coherent argument includes evidence of independent thought. -Evidence of highly creative and critical thought in their evaluation of existing literature used effectively to generate and support their own thinking. -Understanding of a range of perspectives. -Reflections are incredibly critical which are tightly in line with theory and practice. Academic Literature -Engagement with a comprehensive wide range of relevant academic reading throughout the assignment. – Uses an extensive range of academic literature -Reference list reflects a high level of independent reading relevant to the module.	Structure, organisation and academic register – Excellent logical and subtle sequencing of ideas demonstrated through well-developed paragraphs. -Transitions between paragraphs are used to enhance organisation -Independent thinking process is evident. -Consistent academic style throughout. -Writing conveys ideas effectively and creatively supports the analysis and argument. -Work is error free. References and citations -Citations to references are comprehensive and accurate throughout. -Reference list accurately formatted
70%+ 70-79	Knowledge and understanding of subject -Comprehensive, wide-ranging and critical application and analysis of key theory, concepts and knowledge of the module. -Evidence of strong critical thinking in evaluation of data and information. -Evidence of strong understand of a range of perspectives used to generate a coherent and well-structured argument. -Reflections are very critical and tightly in line with theory and practice. Academic Literature -Evidence of engagement with a wide range of recommended reading from the module – Uses an excellent range of academic literature. -Evidence of independent reading.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Writer demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs. -Transitions between paragraphs are used to enhance organisation. -Consistent academic style used throughout. -Writing conveys ideas effectively and creatively supports the analysis and argument. -Work may have one or two minor grammatical errors. References and citations -Citations to references are comprehensive and accurate throughout. -Reference list accurately formatted.
60%+ 60-69	Knowledge and understanding of subject -Key theory, concepts and knowledge of the module are deconstructed and analysed with criticality. -Evidence of understanding and evaluation of more than one perspective. -Develops a clear argument using key concepts and theory. -Reflections are critical which are neatly in line with theory and practice. Academic Literature -Evidence of engagement with a range of academic reading from module throughout the assignment. -Uses a very good range of academic literature.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Logical organization of work is evident and clear. -Clear paragraph development with effective transition between paragraphs. -Sentences have thoughtful supporting detail that develop the main idea. -Confidently applies academic conventions in writing and effectively conveys ideas. -The work may have minor grammatical errors. References and citations -Reference list reflects engagement with recommended module literature. -Citations to references are predominantly accurate. -The reference list is accurately formatted but there may be a few errors.
50%+ 50-59	Knowledge and understanding of subject -Demonstrates understanding of key theory, concepts and knowledge of the module with adequate criticality. -Applies key concepts and theories in the development of the discussion. -Some evidence of beginning to evaluate information and data. -Reflections are adequately critical and good attempts made to keep them line with theory and practice. Academic Literature -Engagement with academic reading from module throughout the assignment. – Uses a good range of academic literature -Citations and reference list demonstrate a good level of engagement with reading relevant to the module.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Well-structured with clear indication of thinking process. -Paragraphs have clear ideas and are supported with evidence. -Some good links developing between paragraphs. -Sentences have sufficient supporting detail to develop the main idea. -Applies academic conventions in writing. -The work may contain some errors in grammar spelling and punctuation. References and citations -Citations to references are formatted accurately but they may have minor errors. -List of references is mainly accurate in format but may have errors.

40%+ 40-49	LEARNING OUTCOME MET Knowledge and understanding of subject -Some understanding of key theory, concepts and knowledge of the module. Some attempt at engaging with criticality which needs developing. -An attempt to apply key concepts and theory although the piece mainly summarises key facts. -Some attempts at being reflective in line with little theory, practice and criticality. All of which require further development. Academic Literature -Some evidence of academic reading throughout the assignment. -Uses an appropriate range of academic literature, even if limited. -The reference list demonstrates engagement with reading relevant	Structure, organisation and academic register -Identifiable structure supporting thinking process. -Paragraphs show a logical organization but are not fully developed. -Limited but developing transition between paragraphs. -Sentences may have limited supporting detail to develop the main idea. -Evidence of a developing confidence in applying academic conventions in writing. -Works contains errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling) References and citations -Citations to references and the reference list include some errors.
30%+ 30-39	LEARNING OUTCOME NOT FULLY MET Knowledge and understanding of subject -Limited evidence of understanding of the theory, concepts and knowledge of the module. Limited or no engagement with criticality. -The work mainly consists of a list or summary of key points and contains misconceptions and generalisations. -Limited or no evidence of analysis. -Reflections are very basic, not in line with theory and practice and little criticality. All of which require major development. Academic Literature -Limited evidence of academic reading from the module throughout the assignment. – Limited links to literature.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Structure is identifiable but contains inconsistencies. -Paragraphs lack organization and the transition is hard to follow. -Some sentences do not present ideas clearly. -Evidence of developing academic conventions in writing. -Work contains many errors (grammar, punctuation and spelling). References and citations -The reference list demonstrates some engagement with reading relevant to the module. -Conventions not applied to in-text citations. -Citations to references and the list of references are often inaccurately formatted.
20%+ 20-29	LEARNING OUTCOME NOT MET Knowledge and understanding of subject -There is very limited evidence of understanding of the concepts of the module. Very little or no engagement with criticality. -There are inconsistent attempts at engaging with relevant knowledge. – No or inadequate reflections which are not in line with theory and practice. Very little or no engagement with criticality. All of which require extensive development. Academic Literature -Very limited evidence of engaging with recommended academic reading. – Limited and incoherent links to literature.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Structure is inconsistent and the story is hard to follow. -Paragraphs are disorganized and disconnected. -Evidence of some engagement in the academic conventions in writing. -Work contains repeated errors (grammar, punctuation and spelling). References and citations -The reference list demonstrates a limited engagement with reading relevant to the module. -Citations to references and the list of references are inaccurately formatted.
Below 20%	LEARNING OUTCOME NOT MET Knowledge and understanding of subject -There is no evidence of understanding of the concepts of the module. No engagement with criticality. -Inadequate reflections which are not in line with theory and practice. No engagement with criticality. All of which require extensive development. Academic Literature -No evidence of any recommended academic reading in the reference list and throughout the assignment. – Limited or no links to literature.	Structure, organisation and academic register -Disorganised structure. -The writer is yet to develop academic conventions in writing. Work contains multiple errors (grammar, punctuation and spelling). References and citations The reference list is incorrectly formatted.