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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Social & Personal Development with Communication Skills
Module Code EDU1056 (ITS: ES125)
Faculty Policy & Professional Practice School DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This skills-based module will provide learners with the basic skills needed for independent learning and social and interpersonal interaction, giving a foundation for developing critical thinking skills. It will also facilitate the beginning of reflective practice, guide in the recognition of learning strengths and introduce and give practice in a range of communication skills permitting learners to work effectively in a range of learning situations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Indicate how the application of the skills of time and stress management permit the reaching of a healthy work-life balance in the context of life long learning
2. Explain the development of an individual development plan based on identified personal learning strengths, including the taught independent learning skills - planning, goal-setting, prioritising and workload scheduling.
3. Demonstrate the role of communication in influencing interpersonal relationships in both personal and professional situations.
4. Show the role in achieving successful outcomes in a group-work setting of decision making, including critical evaluation, and the effects of social interactions.
5. Assess the skills and techniques needed to develop lateral, creative thinking for use both as a learner and as a future teacher


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Independent Study15Preparation and completion of group work
Assignment Completion24Preparation and completion of assignment
Online activity14Online discussion
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study48Own Reading & Research
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10530Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorOrna FarrellModule TeacherJane O'Kelly, John Lalor, Melissa Lynch, Peter Tiernan
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWritten Assignment focussing on selected elements of the module80%Sem 1 End
PresentationGroup Presentation with Tutor and Self and Peer Assessment elements20%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Personal Learning & Goal Setting
Students will study the design of personal learning plans, goals and objectives, personal and work goals, work/life balance, the identification and drawing up of learning goals, the prioritisation of these goals in relation to the learning on this programme;

Group- & Team-Work
Through exploring this theme students will understand the nature of groups, maximising individual contribution; Interpersonal Skills - personality profiling, self-esteem, relationship building; Communications - listening, feedback, non- verbal communication, facilitation styles and conflict resolution in the learning situation

Time Management
Examining key elements of effective time management, keeping time logs, drawing up and prioritising tasks, setting deadlines

Stress Management
Explore the theories of stress, responses to stress, management of stress

Creativity
This theme focuses on developing creativity through lateral thinking, creative problem solving, utilising learning strengths, applying the concepts of Multiple Intelligences, learning strengths: completing an Inventory of Learning Styles, identify learning strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to develop areas of weakness

Critical Evaluation & Reflection
learning logs, making use of feedback, peer-evaluation, debriefing after learning incidents

Group Work:
Semi-independent learning in groups - learner-led group discussions and preparation for end-of-semester group presentation

Independent Learning:
Reading, research and writing a relective log

Tutorials:
Tutor-led class discussions on the current topic and revision of earlier topics covered in lectures

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Thompson, N.: 2009, People Skills, 3, Palgrave Macmillan, New York,
  • Palmer, S.: 2006, Coping with Stress at University: a survival guide, Sage, London,
  • Johnson, D.W.: 2003, Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and SelfActualisation, 8th, Allyn and Bacon:, London,
  • Covey, S.: 2004, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: restoring the character ethic, [revised ed.], Free Press, New York,
  • West, R. and Turner, L. H.: 2006, Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times, Thompson Wadsworth:, Belmont, California,
  • Belbin, R. M.: 1996, Team Roles at Work, Heinemann:, London,
  • DeBono, E.: 1995, Serious Creativity, Harper Collins:, London,
  • Ludlow, R.: 1992, The Essence of Effective Communication, Prentice Hall:, Englewood Cliffs, NJ,
  • Daunt, S.: 1996, Communication Skills, Gill and Macmillan:, Dublin,
  • Marshall, L. and Rowland, F.: 1998, A Guide to Learning Independently, 3rd, Open University Press:, Buckingham,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • Moodle: Web-based resources will be added to Moodle during the course,

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