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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Curriculum Development & Evaluation
Module Code ES546 (ITS) / EDS1064 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Policy & Professional Practice
Module Co-ordinatorAudrey Doyle
Module TeachersIrene White, James Lovatt, Majella Mcsharry, Martin Brown
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Student will be requried to re-submit the same assignment.
Description

Students will obtain a systematic understanding of knowledge based on the latest research in the field of Curriculum Theory and Studies. They will critically apply this curriculum theory to the ongoing changes to curriculum and evaluation in post-primary schools and how it informs their identity as teacher. This module will assist them in the theory and understanding on curriculum so that they may be able to undertake a evidence-based research study during their professional placement in which they could develop, initiate and evaluate curricular initiatives in their placement schools.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of curriculum theory and recognise it's manifestation in modern day, post primary education.
2. Critically reflect on different theoretical perspectives in curriculum studies and appraise their impact on teaching and learning in contemporary Post Primary Education.
3. Synthesise the theoretical perspectives in curriculum studies and interpret their influence on education policy and practice in contemporary post primary education
4. Assess the relevance of the evaluation methods in the development of curriculum in the Irish post primary education system
5. Evaluate how the curriculum theory informs the practice of post primary teachers in the Irish education system
6. Critically evaluate the theoretical and practical implications of choosing and applying a particular research method such as self-study, action research or observation in the classroom setting
7. Evaluate empirical and theoretical research in this domain



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lecture Led Input
Online activity20Online Engagement and development of self-evaluation instruments: Reporting back on use of self evaluation instruments; Sharing professional practice; Engaging in critque of materials develope; Sharing professionial knowledge and insights in an online forum
Group work11Focused Group work in subject based teams analysing curriculuar and evaluation materials through the lens of a specialist teaching area.
Independent Study70Library, research etc
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

Curriculum
Introduction to Curriculum Theory: raditions of curriculum thought; current issues in curriculum theory; perspectives (historical, sociological, political, psychological) on curriculum; a personal philosophy of curriculum

Curriculum Design
ISSUES IN CURRICULUM DESIGN Curriculum aims and objectives; priorities and resources in curriculum design; curriculum organisation and structure; curriculum design and needs analysis; integration and the structures of disciplines

Curriculum
Impact of curriculum theory on recent Irish educational initiatives

Evaluation
Introduction to evaluation theory

Evaluation
Exploration of recent international Exploration of recent international initiatives in school and subject evaluation from the perspective of evaluation theory (e.g. OFSTED. SICI)

Evaluation in Irish Schools
Theoretical origins and structure of current Irish programme for school evaluation (WSE) Emerging systems of evaluation in Irish schools Cycle of Evaluation - School Planning, Curriculum Implementation, Evaluation

Evaluation
Comparison of International Evaluation Systems

Self Evaluation
Exploration of theoretical underpinnings of self evaluation movement Examining the role of stakeholder groups in the process of self-evaluation - parents, policy makes, Management Bodies .

Self Evaluation
Design and implementation of a range of self evaluation instruments in a school setting

Self Evaluation
Engagement in online debate and Engagement in online debate and discussion about the potential role of self evaluation as a mechanism for professional development and school improvement

Professional Induction Seminars
Focused Seminars with relevant professional input.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentStudents will produce a 6 minute video integrating the theory of sociology, curriculum and evaluation. in response to the following scenario. You have applied for a position as a teacher in a post-primary school. For the interview, you have been asked to give a 6-minute pitch to the interview board on either of the 2 topics set out below. 1. The Power and Influence of Student Voice is increasingly important in Education. 2. 2. Schools are rich spaces in terms of cultural diversity.100%Sem 2 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

  • Priestley, M., Alvunger, D., Philippou, S., Soini, T.: 2021, Curriculum Making in Europe, 1st, Emerald Publishing, UK, 978183867738
  • Gerry McNamara, Joe O'Hara: 2008, Trusting schools and teacher, P. Lang, New York, 978-0-8204-8638-3
  • Gert J. J. Biesta: 2017, The Rediscovery of Teaching, Routledge, 9781317208112
  • Frances and Roland, Bee: 2003, Learning needs analysis and evaluation, 2nd Edition, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London, ISBN:0-85292-967-6
  • George J. Posner: 1995, Analyzing the curriculum, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, ISBN 0-07-050705-8
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, and Keith Morrison: 0, Research methods in education, 0415195411
  • Department of Education and Science,: 2003, Department of Education and Science, Ireland 2003, Looking at Our School, an aid to self-evaluation in second level schools.,, DES, Dublin,
  • Professor A Vic Kelly,: 0, The Curriculum, 1847872751
  • John MacBeath and Archie McGlynn: 2002, Self-evaluation, RoutledgeFalmer, London, 0415277426
  • Beulah Ainley,: 0, Developing a Self-Evaluating School, 1855395363
  • John MacBeath: 0, Schools must speak for themselves, 0415205808
  • Brendan Walsh and Rose Dolan,: 0, A Guide to Teaching Practice in Ireland, 0717145115
  • John MacBeath and Hidenori Sugimine; with Gregor Sutherland, Miki Nishimura, and the students of the Learning School: 2003, Self-evaluation in the global classroom, RoutledgeFalmer, London, 978-0415258265
  • David Scott: 0, Critical essays on major curriculum theorists, 978-0415339834
Other Resources

51653, Virtual Learning Environment, DCU, 2010, Moodle, Internet, moodle.dcu.ie, 51654, Website, Website: Inspectorate, 2012, Self-Evaluation Resources, http://www.schoolself-evaluation.ie/post-primary/, 51666, Website, Education and Training Northern Ireland, 2012, Chief Inspector's Reports, http://www.etini.gov.uk/, 51667, Website, OFSTED, 2021, Mathematics, http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/, 51668, Website, NCCA, 2022, Junior Cycle Framework, Dublin, NCCA, https://ncca.ie/en/junior-cycle/framework-for-junior-cycle/, 51658, Website, NCCA, 2022, Senior Cycle Advisory Report, Dublin, NCCA, https://ncca.ie/en/senior-cycle/senior-cycle-redevelopment/senior-cycle-advisory-report/,

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