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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Professional Practice 1
Module Code EC110 (ITS) / ECE1000 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Language, Literacy & ECE
Module Co-ordinatorAishling Silke
Module TeachersGeraldine French, Marlene Mccormack, Sinead Mcnally
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
A resit opportunity is available
Description

This module provides for the foundational development of knowledge in ethical practice and professional development as students work alongside experienced educators. Students will develop professional values, attitudes and behaviours and develop key dispositions for learning, reflection and problem-solving, while enhancing the learning of babies or toddlers or young children. Students integrate theoretical concepts and principles learned as part of the course work into practice through placement – based reflective tasks and discussions. Students will begin the development of their placement portfolio, their reflective journal and have opportunities to reflect on practice and issues of concern with tutors and peers in Analysis of Practice seminars in communities of practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the establishment and maintenance of positive collaborative relationships with children and staff
2. Observe children’s learning in child-initiated play and document that learning, with particular attention to key aspects eg. language learning
3. Plan a number of short term learning experiences appropriate to the children’s interests and the holistic learning and development of all the children in their care
4. Develop a placement e-portfolio incorporating a reflective journal
5. Comply with the criteria of the proposed Practice Placement Hand-Book and Assessment Guide to be developed by the Placement Co-ordinator
6. Participate in a learning community of their peers and the placement



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Professional Practice240No Description
Independent Study135No Description
Total Workload: 375

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Looking at communicating and collaborating
The student will demonstrate looking at communicating and collaborating by documenting and reflecting on, for example: • Observations of children’s self-initiated activity and ways of responding to that using a simple reflective tool to critique and analyse these observations. • Structured dialogue with the co-operating educator based on the observations.

Looking at understanding diversity
The student will demonstrate looking at understanding diversity by documenting and reflecting on the role played by attitudes and values on, for example: • Rights-based, equality and diversity practice with the children, families, staff, communities and curricula.

Looking at applying professional knowledge
The student will demonstrate looking at applying professional knowledge by documenting and reflecting on how they: • Link the theory learned in the course-work, for example, on communication and language, creativity in art and music, play, child protection, wellbeing, health and nutrition, Irish national frameworks and apply it to their practice in placement.

Looking at engaging in professional practice
The student will demonstrate looking at engaging in professional practice by documenting and reflecting on, for example, their: • Role and the roles of others in the Placement community of practice. • Use of professional language, punctuality, attendance, professional dress. • Compliance with the policies and procedures of the setting and the college. • Their short-term planning and conducting of learning experiences for babies, or toddlers or young children based on children’s interests, development, curriculum, staff, safety and theoretical frameworks in mind.

Looking at practising reflectively and ethically
The student will demonstrate looking at practicing reflectively and ethically by documenting and reflecting on, for example: • Referencing all Protocols in the Hand Book. For example, when photographing children for assignments or when attending to children’s nappy changing or toileting routines the Photographing Children for Assignments Protocol and the Toileting Protocol must be adhered to. • Developing the e-portfolio which contains a daily reflection of events, records of examples of practice and analysis of what the student is doing, why they are doing that and whether it could be achieved better and how that could be achieved.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PortfolioThe assessment guidelines and criteria for the rating awarded are set out in the Placement Handbook and Assessment Guide. Observations made by the co-operating education along with feedback provided about the student’s development and progress will assist the Placement Tutor in evaluating and rating the student’s practice in line with university procedures.100%Sem 1 End
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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