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
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Repeat examination 2500 word essay set by module co-ordinator |
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Description This module engages students in an exploration of teaching, leading and learning in small schools from policy, research and experienced practitioner perspectives. It particularly focuses on the network of small schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends patronage, 79% of which are small schools with four classroom teachers or less while also exploring the small school phenomenon across Ireland and internationally. Students explore school climates and critically consider the experiences and perceptions of all members of the school community. They examine how to create positive climates of respect and inclusion for all learners. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and critically evaluate Irish and international policy on small primary schools 2. Source, analyse and discuss Irish and international research literature on the climate of small schools and the experiences and perceptions of all members of the small school community 3. Identify and critically evaluate best practice for teaching, leading and learning in small schools through lectures, research and engagement with experienced practitioners 4. Explore the creation and maintenance of inclusive, positive relationships in the school and participate in a full morning workshop on positive relationships in schools and classrooms | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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
Teaching, Leading and Learning in Small Schools - seminars, workshops and engagement with expert practitionersThis module engages students in an exploration of teaching, leading and learning in small schools. It particularly focuses on the network of small schools under Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Society of Friends patronage, 79% of which are small schools with four classroom teachers or less while also exploring the small school phenomenon across Ireland and internationally. It enables students to explore the school climates and the experiences & perspectives of the range of members of the school communities (including pupils, parents, teachers, principals, members of the Board of Management and the wider community the school serves). It engages students in a considered analysis of the policy contexts in which small schools operate. It invites students to critically evaluate the existing body of Irish and international research focusing on small schools and on teaching in multilevel classrooms. It explores best practice with regard to differentiation, active learning, peer-led learning, independent learning in the inclusive multigrade classroom. Particular attention is paid to developing a UDL approach in the multilevel classroom. The role of the school leader, distributed leadership and the notion of ‘leading from the middle’ are explored. Students are provided with opportunities to engage directly with experienced teachers and leaders from the multilevel class and small school context using live interactions and podcasts. Students are provided with inputs and an Incredible Years workshop on the establishment and maintenance of inclusive, positive relationships in the school and classroom context. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 65207, Report, Department of Education and Skills, 2013, Value for Money Review of Small Primary Schools, Dublin, Department of Education and Skills, 65208, Report, INTO, 2003, Teaching in Multi-Class, Dublin, INTO, 65209, Report, IPPN, 2005, New Horizons for Smaller Schools and Teaching Principalships, Dublin, IPPN, 65210, Report, Lodge, A. & Tuohy, D., 2016, Small Schools: Value for Learning. Summary Report, Dublin, General Synod Board of Education / CICE, 65211, Report, O'Brien, N. (M.P.), 2019, Onward Research Note: The Decline of Small Schools and Village Schools, Westminister, House of Commons, 65212, Report, Tuohy, D., Lodge, A. & Fennelly, K., 2011, Our Schools Our Community, Dublin, General Synod Board of Education, 65213, Report, Wilson, V., 2007, Leadership in Small Scottish Primary Schools., Edinburgh, Scottish Government Social Research, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||