Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Repeat examination |
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Description Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education (CECDE, 2006) and Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA, 2009) provide the focus for this module. Materials and online resources related to each of the frameworks are examined and analysed, and the various components are appraised. Students are introduced to the four research papers associated with Aistear, and so begin to develop their understanding of its theoretical base. Differences and similarities between the frameworks in principles, aims and purposes are explored. The potential of the frameworks in helping educators improve the quality of children’s early experiences is examined through case studies of showing a range of ways in which the frameworks are used in early education settings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the aims, principles and purposes of Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education 2. Describe the aims, principles and purposes of Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework 3. Explain the structure and content of each of the two frameworks 4. Use the Aistear Toolkit to critique pedagogy and practice in early education settings 5. Differentiate between the frameworks in terms of key components and features and compare them on a number of different levels, in particular on their recognition of the role of language in learning 6. Evaluate the potential of the frameworks for promoting high quality early experiences for children | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Quality in early childhood care and education.A rationale for Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.Exploring SíoltaAims, principles, purpose.The importance of early learning and developmentA rationale for Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.Exploring AistearAims, principles, purpose.Introduction to the background papersIntroduction to the background papers.Comparing the frameworksComparing the frameworks at the level of purpose, audience and children; underpinning principles; structure and underlying theories.The frameworks as supports for quality and for professional practiceThe frameworks as supports for quality and for professional practice.Using Síolta in different contextsFull-time and part-time day care; sessional services; child-minding; infant classes in primary school.Using Aistear in different contextsFull-time and part-time day care; sessional services; child-minding; infant classes in primary school. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources 39710, Website, NCCA, 2009, Aistear : User Guide., Dublin, NCCA, http://www.ncca.ie, 39711, Website, NCCA, 2009, The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and the Primary School Curriculum- Audit: Similarities and differences, Dublin, NCCA, http://www.ncca.ie, 39712, Website, 0, Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE), http://www.cecde.ie/, 39713, Website, 0, Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, http://www.cecde.ie/, 39714, Website, 0, Síolta handbook and user manuals for the four different types of early care and education settings (full-time and part-time day care; sessional services; childminding setting; infant classes in primary school), http://www.siolta.ie/, 39715, Website, 0, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) (2009). Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, http://www.ncca.ie, 39716, Website, 0, Early Learning, www.ncca.ie/earlylearning, 39717, Website, 0, Aistear, www.ncca.ie/aisteartoolkit, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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