Unit information: Leading in Education and Training (Unit 231) in 2011/12

Unit name	Leading in Education and Training (Unit 231)
Unit code	MEDIM0003
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Liz Spencer
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	PG Certificate in Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

What does it mean to be a leader in education and training in the health professions? What skills do I need? How can I develop and influence educational strategies? The unit will cover a range of topics relevant to the practice of leadership as specifically applied to leading educational activity in the health professions. The theory and practice of leadership in various contexts will be examined and applied to the settings of learners on the unit. Relevant contemporary issues include but are limited to: the management of teaching and learning, organisational behaviour and effectiveness, education policy, strategic leadership, building educational teams, leading change and innovation in education, decision-making, leadership skills and insights, vision and values in educational leadership, financial and resource management in educational contexts. The unit aims to equip the learner with: knowledge and understanding of the theory, practice and policy context of educational leadership in the health professions; the ability to apply theory and research in educational leadership to their own situation; and the ability to play a part in the improvement of educational systems.The unit will introduce the learner to current practice, theory and evidence in leadership relevant to the training of health professionals.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit students will be able to:

• Discuss the roles of leaders in education and training in the health professions.
• Explore their personal leadership style.
• Analyse relevant leadership theory and its applicability to current practice.
• Apply theoretical perspectives and knowledge to real scenarios.
• Analyse leadership and management issues in relation to enhancing practice.
• Evaluate models of leadership in relation to contemporary situations in the health professions.

Teaching Information

The teaching methods will comprise a mix of pre-course reading, e-learning and face to face opportunities including discussion, seminar and small group activities.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment: feedback on activities. Summative assessment: (100%): leadership project report (up to 3000 words or equivalent in other media).

Reading and References

• Briggs A, Coleman M (2007). Research Methods in Educational Leadership and Management. (2nd Ed). London: Sage.
• Bush T (2003). Theories of Educational Leadership and Management. London: Sage.
• Preedy M, Glatter R, Wise C (Eds.) (2002). Strategic Leadership and Educational Improvement. London: Sage (Published in association with The Open University).
• Swanwick T, McKimm J (2010). ABC of Clinical Leadership (ABC Series). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
• West-Burnham J (2009). Rethinking Educational Leadership: From Improvement to Transformation. London: Network Continuum Education.