Module: Concepts & Contexts in Education & Training

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Concepts & Contexts in Education & Training
Module Code	EDU1076
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Policy & Professional Practice
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the changing concepts and contexts of Irish and European education & training provision and the sociological and philosophical developments underlying these. It also faciliates students in clarifying the contexts of their own particular education or training provision and their values and attitudes regarding the concepts underlying these.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the role of key stakeholders in the development of Irish education
2. Explain how the structural and legislative framework within which the Irish education system operates
3. Distinguish between the historical development and structural reality of the Irish primary, secondary, tertiary and further education sectors
4. Analyse the factors influencing curriculum developments in the Irish education system
5. Analyse current and future trends in education

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	20354	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Brendan Walsh	Module Teacher	Orna Farrell

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

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

Theme 1
Changing face of Irish and European education and Training

Theme 2
Socio-eceonomic changes and their influence on education and training

Theme 3
Equality and cultural issues in education and training

Theme 4
Current structures of education and training in Ireland and Europe

Theme 5
Concepts and philosophies in education and training

Theme 6
Principles of community education

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Coolahan, J.: 0, Education in Ireland: History and Structure, all, IPA,
Akenson, D.: 0, The Irish Education Experiment, last chapter in particular,
O'Buachalla, S: 0, Educational Policy in Ireland in the Twentieth Century,
Walsh, B.: 0, The Pedagogy of Protest,
DES: 1995, Charting our Education Future: White Paper, DES,
Randles, E.: 1975, Post-Primary Education in Ireland,
Harford, J.: 2008, The Opening of University Education to Women in Ireland, First chapter in particular,
Raftery, D.: 2007, Female Education in Ireland 1700-1900, chapter one in particular,

Articles:

DES: 1998, The Education Act,

Other Resources

None