DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2019 - 2020

Module Title Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Module Code ES546
School 78

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

Students will obtain a systematic understanding of knowledge based on the latest research in the field of Curriculum Studies and will be able to undertake a research study in which they will develop, initiate and evaluate curricular initiatives in schools.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of curriculum theory and recognise it's manifestation in modern day, post primary education.
2. Critically reflect on different theoretical perspectives in curriculum studies and appraise their impact on teaching and learning in contemporary Post Primary Education.
3. Synthesise the theoretical perspectives in curriculum studies and interpret their influence on education policy and practice in contemporary post primary education
4. Assess the relevance of the evaluation methods in the development of curriculum in the Irish post primary education system
5. Evaluate how the curriculum theory informs the practice of post primary teachers in the Irish education system
6. Critically evaluate the theoretical and practical implications of choosing and applying a particular research method such as action research or observation in the classroom setting
7. Evaluate empirical and theoretical research in this domain



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lecture Led Input
Online activity20Online Engagement and development of self-evaluation instruments: Reporting back on use of self evaluation instruments; Sharing professional practice; Engaging in critque of materials develope; Sharing professionial knowledge and insights in an online forum
Group work11Focused Group work in subject based teams analysing curriculuar and evaluation materials through the lens of a specialist teaching area.
Independent Study70Library, research etc
Total Workload: 125

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

Curriculum
Introduction to Curriculum Theory: raditions of curriculum thought; current issues in curriculum theory; perspectives (historical, sociological, political, psychological) on curriculum; a personal philosophy of curriculum

Curriculum Design
ISSUES IN CURRICULUM DESIGN Curriculum aims and objectives; priorities and resources in curriculum design; curriculum organisation and structure; curriculum design and needs analysis; integration and the structures of disciplines

Curriculum
Impact of curriculum theory on recent Irish educational initiatives

Evaluation
Introduction to evaluation theory

Evaluation
Exploration of recent international Exploration of recent international initiatives in school and subject evaluation from the perspective of evaluation theory (e.g. OFSTED. SICI)

Evaluation in Irish Schools
Theoretical origins and structure of current Irish programme for school evaluation (WSE) Emerging systems of evaluation in Irish schools Cycle of Evaluation - School Planning, Curriculum Implementation, Evaluation

Evaluation
Comparison of International Evaluation Systems

Self Evaluation
Exploration of theoretical underpinnings of self evaluation movement Examining the role of stakeholder groups in the process of self-evaluation - parents, policy makes, Management Bodies .

Self Evaluation
Design and implementation of a range of self evaluation instruments in a school setting

Self Evaluation
Engagement in online debate and Engagement in online debate and discussion about the potential role of self evaluation as a mechanism for professional development and school improvement

Professional Induction Seminars
Focused Seminars with relevant professional input.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Gerry McNamara, Joe O'Hara: 2008, Trusting schools and teacher, P. Lang, New York, 978-0-8204-8638-3
  • Frances and Roland, Bee: 2003, Learning needs analysis and evaluation, 2nd Edition, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London, ISBN:0-85292-967-6
  • George J. Posner: 1995, Analyzing the curriculum, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, ISBN 0-07-050705-8
  • Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manion, and Keith Morrison: 0, Research methods in education, 0415195411
  • Department of Education and Science,: 2003, Department of Education and Science, Ireland 2003, Looking at Our School, an aid to self-evaluation in second level schools.,, DES, Dublin,
  • Professor A Vic Kelly,: 0, The Curriculum, 1847872751
  • John MacBeath and Archie McGlynn: 2002, Self-evaluation, RoutledgeFalmer, London, 0415277426
  • Beulah Ainley,: 0, Developing a Self-Evaluating School, 1855395363
  • John MacBeath: 0, Schools must speak for themselves, 0415205808
  • Brendan Walsh and Rose Dolan,: 0, A Guide to Teaching Practice in Ireland, 0717145115
  • John MacBeath and Hidenori Sugimine; with Gregor Sutherland, Miki Nishimura, and the students of the Learning School: 2003, Self-evaluation in the global classroom, RoutledgeFalmer, London, 978-0415258265
  • David Scott: 0, Critical essays on major curriculum theorists, 978-0415339834
Other Resources

28713, Virtual Learning Environment, DCU, 2010, Moodle, Internet, moodle.dcu.ie, 28714, Website, Website: Inspectorate, 2012, Self-Evaluation Resources, http://www.schoolself-evaluation.ie/post-primary/, 28715, Website, Education and Training Northern Ireland, 2012, http://www.etini.gov.uk/, 28716, Website, OFSTED, 0, http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/,
Programme or List of Programmes
PMEProfessional Master of Education
Archives: