Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module will introduce students to the discipline of psychology. It will focus on how psychology as a discipline can inform our understandings of child development, and of our practices as early childhood educators, in particular in the areas of young children’s developing communication and language. Students will be equipped with an emerging understanding of children's development from a developmental psychological perspective. The module will also aim to create an awareness among students of the complex range of issues that require consideration in the process of early childhood education. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Draw on a wide range of psychological theories to illuminate their understanding of children’s development from infancy to six years of age 2. Demonstrate understanding of the application of psychological theories and research to professional values and practice 3. Acquire an understanding of developmental psychological research and its contribution to policy and practice in areas such as children’s rights, education, healthcare, and the media. 4. Reflect critically on contested issues in child development in ways that are informed by psychological theory and authoritative up to date research in the psychology of children’s learning and development. 5. Integrate significant insights, arguments and perspectives from developmental psychology with learning from other college courses and from their reflection on their own experiences. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Themes of Development Origins of behaviour; pattern of developmental change; forces that affect developmental change. Research methods in Developmental Psychology Selecting a sample, gathering data, establishing patterns and causes, studying change over time, and ethics of research with children. Biology of Development Genes, nervous system, brain and environment. Physical Development Brain development, motor development, physical. Infancy Sensation, perception and learning. Language and communication Components of language, theories of language development, facilitating language development and the antecedents of language development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources
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