Module: Coaching & Inclusion Studies

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Coaching & Inclusion Studies
Module Code	SPO1035 (ITS: SS338)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module will focus on the theory and practice of sports coaching for all. It will allow students to develop an understanding of the skills required to be an effective and inclusive coach for all athletes and of the theory and practice behind this. Students will organise independent coaching experiences for themselves throughout the semester where they will implement coaching theory and practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss and understand the role of the coach and their role in including participants off athletic abilities
2. Discuss coaching philosophy and define their own coaching philosophy.
3. Identify the important elements of communication in sports coaching including athletes who may communicate in different ways
4. Identify relevant differentiation and inclusion strategies that can be implemented when coaching individuals with different abilities.
5. Describe an individual’s coaching behaviour and assess the positive and negative aspects of a particular coaching style including its impact on inclusion.
6. Demonstrate the ability to self-organise coaching experience with an athlete or club and implement learned inclusive coaching theory and practice in an applied setting.
7. Demonstrate the following transferable skills: oral presentation and written communication skills; synthesis and problem solving; independent learning skills and group work skills.
8. Teamwork & Collaboration. Students will demonstrate collaborative communication in a team environment.
9. Futures literacy. Students will generate actionable strategies relating to possible futures

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Coaching and inclusion theory content
Workshop	24	Inclusive coaching practicals
Clinical placement	52	Coaching athletes in an applied setting
Independent Study	150	Reading and revision
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11592	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Sarah Meegan	Module Teacher	Niall Corcoran

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Student practical coaching session - Plan and deliver a coaching session	30%	Week 8
In Class Test	In class test on inclusive coaching	25%	Week 11
Group assignment	Students, in pairs, develop a coaching session plan for implementation in a coaching episode	15%	n/a
Professional Practice	Students self-organise practical coaching experiences with an athlete or in a club setting	10%	n/a
In Class Test	In class test on coaching theory	20%	n/a

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

Role of the Coach
The coaches role will be explored and along with their role in including athletes of different abilities

Coaching Philosophy
Discuss coaching philosophy and define their own coaching philosophy.

Effective Coaching
Drawing upon research the students will identify the important skills of effective coaching and explore elements such as interpersonal communication in sports coaching and working with participants who may rely on non- traditional forms of communication

Planning in Coaching
The students will explore why planning is important along with the key considerations and strategies to successfully undertake a coaching plan.

Coaching Style and Behaviours
Effective coaching behaviours will be examined and discussion of the positive and negative aspects of a particular coaching style including its impact on inclusion.

Inclusion coaching and differentiation
Students will identify relevant differentiation and inclusion strategies that can be implemented when coaching individuals with different abilities.

Pedagogy within coaching
Pedagogical skills and management tasks relevant to the planning and implementation of effective sports coaching will be explored theoretically and practically.

Coaching experience
Students will self-organise coaching practical experience for themselves in a club or 1:1 coach:athlete setting.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None