Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This year-long module provides a foundational, immersive period of school-based professional placement. It is structured with a critical preparatory phase in Semester 1 to equip students with the necessary skills and context, followed by school placement in Semester 2. The preparatory phase consists of a series of workshops focused on core pedagogical skills, long-term planning, and the essentials of professional practice. This is complemented by a 5-Day Context and Engagement Period within the placement school, which serves as an essential bridge between university-based learning and the professional environment. During this time, students also begin their pre-placement Taisce preparation, establishing the framework for their professional portfolio. Building on this foundation, school placement in Semester 2 provides a supportive and collaborative environment for the development of student competence, agency, and professional identity as inclusive and critically reflective practitioners. The Taisce serves as the central instrument for professional learning, where students systematically document their journey in planning, reflective practice, and inclusive pedagogy. As a professional prerequisite for placement, students must satisfactorily complete all preparatory activities, the Tusla 'Children First' e-learning module, and mandatory university training on the professional and ethical use of social media. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Preparation for Professional Placement Understanding the Professional Placement Handbook; interpreting the Teaching Council's Code of Professional Conduct; introduction to school policies, including Child Protection (Children First); principles of short and long-term planning; sourcing and adapting resources. Developing the Professional Portfolio (Taisce) Structure and purpose of the Taisce; selecting and curating appropriate evidence of practice (lesson plans, resources, student work samples, reflections); connecting evidence Essential Resources EDS1098: School Placement Preparation - Pre-Placement Module Handbook 2025/26 BEdTEG School Placement Handbook 2025/26 Department of Children and Youth Affairs. (2017). Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Dublin. https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Children_First_National_Guidance_2017.pdf Teaching Council of Ireland. (2016). Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers, 2nd Edition. Teaching Council of Ireland: Maynooth. https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/fitness-to-teach/updated-code-of-professional-conduct/ Teaching Council of Ireland. (2021) Guidance for Registered Teachers about the use of Social Media and Electronic Communication. Teaching Council of Ireland: Maynooth. https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2023/09/guidance-for-registered-teachers-about-the-use-of-social-media-and-electronic-communication.pdf Teaching Council of Ireland. (2021). Guidelines on School Placement. Revised Edition. Teaching Council of Ireland: Maynooth. https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2023/08/school-placement-guidelines-updated-march-2022.pdf Muijs, D., & Reynolds, D. (2017) Effective Teaching: Evidence and Practice. Sage: London. Schuelka, M., Johnstones, CJ., Thomas, G. and Artiles, AJ (Editors) (2019). The Sage Handbook of Inclusion and Diversity in Education. Sage: London. Other Resources Website: Department of Education and Youth https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/resources-for-postprimary-schools/ Website: The Teaching Council of Ireland https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/ Website: National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for Schools (NCCA) https://www.ncca.ie/ Website: OIDE https://oide.ie/ Website: National Council for Special Education (NCSE) https://www.ncse.ie/ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||