Module: Psychology of Individual Difference & Diversity

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology of Individual Difference & Diversity
Module Code	EDU1093 (ITS: ES217)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Policy & Professional Practice
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to assist students to identify individual differences across educational settings from preschool to adult, further and continuing education in order to promote inclusionary educational practice. Students will develop the ability to identify individual needs and develop a critical understanding of the impact of those needs on individual development within an educational context.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify individual needs within an educational context across Social, Emotional and Cognitive domains.
2. Examine the relationship between cognitive, social and emotional difficulties on academic attainment.
3. Distinguish the differences between formal and informal educational assessment
4. Develop individual programmes to promote inclusionary practices within a range of educational settings
5. Examine the psychological impact of individual difference and diversity on educational practices

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	lectures
Professional Practice	46	work based reflection and experiences
Professional Practice	55	research and reading
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10546	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Orna Farrell	Module Teacher	Jane O'Kelly, Sophie Butler

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	case study	100%	Week 1

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
Overview of theories of development

Theme 2
Individual Differences and Diversity

Theme 3
Inclusionary practices within various education contexts

Theme 4
The relationship between psychological and educational outcomes

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Snowman, J., McCown, R., & Biehler,: 2009, Psychology Applied to Teaching, 12th edition. USA: Houghton Mifflin Company.,
Woolfolk, A., Huighes, M., & Walkup, V.: 2008, Psychology in Education, 1st edition. London, England: Pearson Longman.,
Spalton, E: 2004, The Special Needs Handbook, 2nd edition. UK: First & Best in Education Ltd,
Dare, A., & O Donovan, M.: 2004, Good Practice in Caring for Young Children with Special Needs, 2nd edition. UK: Nelson Thornes Ltd.,
Rose, D. H., & Meyer, A.: 2002, Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age; Universal Design for Learning, 1st edition. Virginia, USA: ASCD.,
Rogers, J.: 2007, Adults Learning, 5th edition. London, England: McGraw. Hill Companies.,
Knowles, M. S., HoltonIII, E. F., & Swanson, R. A.: 2005, The Adult Learner, 6th edition. USA: Elsevier Inc. ButterworthHeinemann,
Curzon, L., B.: 2005, in Further Education 6th edition. UK: Continuum,
Gardner, H.: 2006, Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons 2nd edition. NY: Basic Books,
King, F.: 2006, Spcial Education in Irish Classrooms; Apractical Guide 1st edition. Dublin, Ireland: Primary ABC,
Wood, D.: 2004, How Children Think and Learn 7th edition. UK: Blackwell Publishing.,
Gregg. Noel.: 2009, Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilites and ADHD: Assessment and Accommodtion., First, Guilford Press, London,
Stevens. P. & O' Moore. M.: 2009, Inclusion or Illusion, Blackhall, Ireland,
Miller, D., Linn. R., & Gronlund. N.: 2009, Measurement and Assessment in Teaching, 10th, Pearson, United States,
Wilkinson. W.K.: 2003, Straight Talk about AD?HD: A guide to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for Irish Parents and Professionals, Collins Press, Ireland,
Delfos, F.M.: 2004, Children and Behavioural Problems, Kinglsey, London,
Lovecky. D.V.: 2004, DIfferent Minds: GIfted Children with AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome and other Learning Deficits., Kingsley, London,
Axline. Virgina. M.: 1974, Dibs: In Search of Self, Penguin, London,
Haddon. Mark.: 0, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime,
Griffin. S. & Shevlin. M.: 2007, Responding to Special Educational Needs: An Irish Perspective, Gill & MacMillan, Dublin,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None