Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Coursework Only A resit opportunity is available |
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Description Placement 4 is the final year placement. A block week early in Semester 1 will provide students with the opportunity to plan their research work for Semester 2, and identify the ethical issues to be addressed. Students will demonstrate professional ethical practice through leadership in addressing professional practice issues in ECE, through expertise, and contributions to professional practice. Students will consolidate and extend their theoretical knowledge of philosophical perspectives in ECE, partnerships and transitions in practice. A combination of self-evaluation and practice-based enquiry will be an important part of P4. Students continue their reflective journal and the development of their portfolio. This module will support students in developing adaptive expertise. It is envisaged that the student on P4 will participate in planning and evaluation meetings in placement settings where practicable. The development of an enquiry stance by individual students will be addressed through the Analysis of Practice seminars. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Use a variety of pedagogical strategies and creative resources while working with babies, toddlers, young children with a diverse range of abilities and family cultures. 2. In collaboration with staff, lead full day sessions competently, having compiled short and long term plans for individual children, small and large groups of children ensuring their active engagement and learning. 3. Engage in professional and effective communication with children, staff, families and other professionals in the Placement. 4. Undertake research ethically, in dialogue and collaboration with children, staff and families (where feasible) 5. Critique and assess their pedagogical practices and document strategies for improvement. 6. Present a professional e-portfolio, aligned with the five learning objectives above with complete plans for individual, small group and large group learning experiences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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
DescriptionStudents become active monitors of their own learning and practice, gradually acquiring more responsibility as the programme develops. Accordingly, levels of competence and confidence of individual students will progress over the life of the programme building towards an ‘adaptive expert’ in Year 4. A thematic approach underpins tasks in line with the programme’s thematic approach to professional development. This approach provides for pedagogical alignment through integrating the learning across the programme, providing for a focus on the broad concepts and areas of content (foundational, environmental, inclusion, and leadership and expertise). The following thematic schema for placement is used to frame and integrate all placement experiences and activities across the programme and form the content of the e-portfolioLooking at communicating and collaboratingThe student will demonstrate looking at communicating and collaborating by documenting and deepening reflection on, for example: • Demonstrating active listening skills with children, staff and families. • Actively take part in staff meetings (where possible) • Working together democratically to find solutions and resolve differences in the setting 9where applicable).Looking at understanding diversityThe student will demonstrate looking at understanding diversity by documenting and deepening reflection on, for example: • Recognise how prejudice and discrimination operate in society and how this impacts on children in practice. • Ensuring that his/her work always acknowledges the uniqueness and potential of each child, their families and staff members.Looking at applying professional knowledgeThe student will demonstrate looking at applying professional knowledge by documenting and deepening reflection on how they: • Linked the theory of philosophy and childhoods, partnerships in ECE, elective subjects, early language and literacy, leadership and management and transitions in early childhood and apply it to their practice in Placement.Looking at engaging in professional practiceThe student will demonstrate looking at applying professional practice by documenting and deepening reflection on how they: • Developed their pedagogies and their skills of planning, management and self-evaluation. • Have availed of opportunities to work with parents and other professionals whose work directly impacts on children’s lives in the Placement. • Taken ownership for their development as an early childhood educator and leader. • Have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Placement.Looking at practising reflectively and ethicallyThe student will demonstrate looking at practicing reflectively and ethically by documenting and deepening reflection on, for example: • Engaging ethically in the research process. • The underpinning rationales behind policies and procedures in Placement. • Self-awareness and ability to differentiate between personal and professional boundaries. • Vigilance and appropriate conduct in relation to health and safety guidelines for young children. The student will present a professional e-portfolio, of sufficient quality to be of use in future practice. The portfolio will contain complete plans for individual, small group and large group learning experiences which are aligned to learning outcomes, vocabulary, interaction strategies, evaluation and national frameworks. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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