Psychology of childhood and youth E219 | Module Reviews | Open University
I very much enjoyed the course content and recommend this module. I had not done any psychology modules previously but did not find this disadvantaged me too much. The lack of assessment guidance (just an essay title - no guidance notes) was a bit of a disaster as tutors tried to compensate by giving guidance in tutorials and on forums which was not consistent. Tutorials were not recorded and students who couldn't attend live tutorials had to wait for short recorded learning event recordings, which were not released until near tutor-marked assignment dates. A good module but the lack of assessment guidance contrasts with the other OU modules, hopefully, this has changed.
This module delivers general assessment guidance (for example, how to structure an essay, source evidence, read critically) as well as guidance specific to the tutor-marked assignments and end-of-module assessment delivered via the tutors and tailored to the needs of their students. The degree of variation this creates reflects the differing needs of the students as well as the fact that there are many pathways to achieving a good assessment outcome.
Above all, we are looking to reward the qualities of a good academic essay: the answers provided will bring insight into the question being asked by using relevant evidence.
At OU level 2 we're also trying to encourage a level of independent thinking - by students showing they can be flexible with the concepts learned and we can assess this. Since the module moved to this model of assessment, student satisfaction, pass and completion rates have all improved. At least one tutorial from each learning event is recorded and made available to all students.
My favourite module so far. I had a really supportive tutor and the materials were very interesting.
There are only 3 tutor-marked assignments but these are a lot of work and lots of time can be spent searching the ou library for research.
If only there was an OU level 3 child psychology module too.
Review posted: January 2019
The Module Team are very pleased that students have enjoyed this module, and take seriously all feedback.