Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The purpose of this professional studies module is to enhance students' pedagogical knowledge and to prepare them for their first professional placement. The module aims to facilitate students to revisit and more deeply explore a range of teaching, learning and assessment approaches. It will enable students to critically evaluate different approaches thus developing their pedagogical content knowledge and competency in selecting and structuring approaches to meet the needs of all their pupils. The practical context of teaching in schools will be explored through the lenses of classroom and behavior management, assessment and working with relevant stakeholders (e.g. School Management, Treoraithe, Guardians/Parents). Students will be provided opportunities to learn about and critically evaluate models of Technology Integration (e.g. TPACK, SAMR) and related pedagogical approaches for embedding technology in their practice. They will use a variety of different information and communications technologies appropriate to science and mathematics teaching. They will explore digital integration in the context of relevant specifications, Junior Cycle Key Skills, assessment practices, collaborative practices, and using pupils as content creators. This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and digital learning workshops. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate and discuss different models of technology integration and related research and digital education policies 2. Demonstrate a capacity to use a range of different digital tools for the purpose of development of teaching and learning resources and classroom instruction 3. Collaboratively design research informed and justified inclusive learning episodes for science and mathematic lessons which appropriately incorporate digital tools to enhance and enrich the learning experience. 4. Recognise a range of teaching strategies for coping with practical classroom management issues (behaviour management). Students will appreciate the complexity and various sources and manifistations of challenging behavour and encoutner a variety of practical school based approaches to same including dealing with with Principals, parents and other agents. 5. Introduction to the importance of monitoring pupil progress for the purpose of pupil development and for parent/teacher meetings, charting progress in a practical manner (use of record keeping, teaching journal etc) and understanding the most constructive approaches to working with parents. 6. To understand the theory underlying reliability and validity in classroom testing/evaluation.They will be able to choose appropriate evaluation methods after considering variables associated with time/place/content/pupil cohort etc. They will understand procedures relating mark allocation, complex and simple questioning and how to use testing as a form of diagnosis for 'effective' teaching. 7. Will understand the concept of learning for mastery, its operation from simple to complex. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Models, Theory and Policy of Digital Integration Students will explore and critically evaluate relevant models, theories and policies regarding Digital Integration. The will specifically explore these recent European and Irish policy developments Digital Tools Students will explore a range of digital tools to support their understanding of and capacity to integrate these into their teaching. They will explore a range multi-platform (Android, iOS, Windows, Apple, Open-source etc.) tools in the context of Video, Audio, Web-design, podcasting, quiz development, mobile apps etc. Digital Pedagogies Students will engage with a range of pedagogical approaches for effective incorporation of digital tools. This will examine approaches such as storyboarding, finding, selecting and curating information, quizzing, using visualisations to develop conceptual understanding, using students as content creators Critical evaluation of digital tools Students will utilise a range digital frameworks to critically evaluate digital tools. This will involve review of concepts such as Functionality, Universal Design, Accessibility, Module Design, Cognitive engagement, User Interface, Technical considerations etc. Classroom/behavour management Consideration of: 'types' of challening behaviour / of personal expectations and understanding of same based on school experience. Study of practical approaches to challenging behaviour through case study / theory. Parents as partners Understanding of parental role in supporting teaching / preparation for parent-teacher meetings/ record-keeping / understanding the role. concerns and expectations of the parent in the educative process Learning and Assessment Theoritical and pracatical understanding of evaluation and testing types. Practical consideration of school based testing. Learning to text for mastery for simple and complex knowledge Principal expecations of NQT. Study of Irish NQT literature pertaining to the expectations of and placed upon new and beginning teachers. Pupils' expectations of their teachers. An account of what research demonstrates are the expectations of pupils of thier teachers and schooling. Building your career profile Practical introduction to developing and maintaining a career profile through their Taisce. Disucssions and preparation for applying for teaching positions. Introduction to external agencies such as the Teaching Council, ASTI, TUI, subject organisations and so forth. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources
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