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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 Social & Personal Development with Communication Skills
Module Code ES125 (ITS) / EDU1056 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Policy & Professional Practice
Module Co-ordinatorOrna Farrell
Module TeachersJane O'Kelly, John Lalor, Peter Tiernan
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Written Assignment
Description

This skills-based module will provide learners with the basic skills needed for independent learning and social and interpersonal interaction, giving a foundation for developing critical thinking skills. It will also facilitate the beginning of reflective practice, guide in the recognition of learning strengths and introduce and give practice in a range of communication skills permitting learners to work effectively in a range of learning situations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Indicate how the application of the skills of time and stress management permit the reaching of a healthy work-life balance in the context of life long learning
2. Explain the development of an individual development plan based on identified personal learning strengths, including the taught independent learning skills - planning, goal-setting, prioritising and workload scheduling.
3. Demonstrate the role of communication in influencing interpersonal relationships in both personal and professional situations.
4. Show the role in achieving successful outcomes in a group-work setting of decision making, including critical evaluation, and the effects of social interactions.
5. Assess the skills and techniques needed to develop lateral, creative thinking for use both as a learner and as a future teacher



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Independent Study15Preparation and completion of group work
Assignment Completion24Preparation and completion of assignment
Online activity14Online discussion
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study48Own Reading & Research
Total Workload: 125

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

Personal Learning & Goal Setting
Students will study the design of personal learning plans, goals and objectives, personal and work goals, work/life balance, the identification and drawing up of learning goals, the prioritisation of these goals in relation to the learning on this programme;

Group- & Team-Work
Through exploring this theme students will understand the nature of groups, maximising individual contribution; Interpersonal Skills - personality profiling, self-esteem, relationship building; Communications - listening, feedback, non- verbal communication, facilitation styles and conflict resolution in the learning situation

Time Management
Examining key elements of effective time management, keeping time logs, drawing up and prioritising tasks, setting deadlines

Stress Management
Explore the theories of stress, responses to stress, management of stress

Creativity
This theme focuses on developing creativity through lateral thinking, creative problem solving, utilising learning strengths, applying the concepts of Multiple Intelligences, learning strengths: completing an Inventory of Learning Styles, identify learning strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to develop areas of weakness

Critical Evaluation & Reflection
learning logs, making use of feedback, peer-evaluation, debriefing after learning incidents

Group Work:
Semi-independent learning in groups - learner-led group discussions and preparation for end-of-semester group presentation

Independent Learning:
Reading, research and writing a relective log

Tutorials:
Tutor-led class discussions on the current topic and revision of earlier topics covered in lectures

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWritten Assignment focussing on selected elements of the module80%Sem 1 End
PresentationGroup Presentation with Tutor and Self and Peer Assessment elements20%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Thompson, N.: 2009, People Skills, 3, Palgrave Macmillan, New York,
  • Palmer, S.: 2006, Coping with Stress at University: a survival guide, Sage, London,
  • Johnson, D.W.: 2003, Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and SelfActualisation, 8th, Allyn and Bacon:, London,
  • Covey, S.: 2004, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: restoring the character ethic, [revised ed.], Free Press, New York,
  • West, R. and Turner, L. H.: 2006, Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times, Thompson Wadsworth:, Belmont, California,
  • Belbin, R. M.: 1996, Team Roles at Work, Heinemann:, London,
  • DeBono, E.: 1995, Serious Creativity, Harper Collins:, London,
  • Ludlow, R.: 1992, The Essence of Effective Communication, Prentice Hall:, Englewood Cliffs, NJ,
  • Daunt, S.: 1996, Communication Skills, Gill and Macmillan:, Dublin,
  • Marshall, L. and Rowland, F.: 1998, A Guide to Learning Independently, 3rd, Open University Press:, Buckingham,
Other Resources

24681, Moodle, 0, Web-based resources will be added to Moodle during the course,

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