Module Details

Module Code: EDUC6012
Title: Creative & Critical Thinking
Long Title: Creative & Critical Thinking
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The module will provide students with the theoretical underpinning of how creativity & creative development promotes and extends critical thinking in the context of the young child. Focus will be placed on the role of the adult in providing authentic learning opportunities through an Inquiry Based Learning approach in order to promote self-initiation and investigation in children under the age of six.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain Inquiry Based Learning in the context of the young child
LO2 Recognise the image of the child
LO3 Discuss creative development and its link to cognition in children birth to three and three to six.
LO4 Analyse a range of creative forms of expression used by children birth to three and three to six
LO5 Reflect on the role of the adult in promoting creativity and critical thinking in children
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Inquiry Based Learning
Constructivist Learning and Theorists; Piaget, Dewey, Vygotsky and Freire. Intellectual engagement. Active involvement of child in learning. Enquiry as a central component in effective learning. Child as inquirer. Child as researcher. Self initiated learning. Learning through problem solving, experimentation, hypothesising, researching. Child agency. Iterative learning.
Creativity and Cognition
Creative-play. Expression and Communication. Problem-solving and thinking skills. Risk-taking. Imagination and originality through creative processes; Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Movement and Drama. Learning and development through experiences and environment. Enabling environments and materials which result in intrinsically motivated involvement of child. Appropriate questioning for learning. Quality creative learning indicators.
Adult Role
Child-Adult interactions. Creative and imaginative play. Supporting well-being, learning and development. Facilitating and scaffolding creative learning process. Promoting investigation, exploration and discovery through provocations and learning opportunities. Image of the Child. National Frameworks, Regulations and Guidelines.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Assessing student's understanding of creativity as a learning process to promote critical thinking in the ECEC context.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
Critically analyse a selection of creative forms used by young children
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Interactive workshops Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Engage in self directed learning-review of theoretical concepts addressed in lectures/workshops Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Interactive Workshops Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Engage in self directed learning-review of theoretical concepts addressed in lectures/workshops Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Douglas A. Johnson. (2015), Teaching Outside the Lines: Developing Creativity in Every Learner, Corwin SAGE company, UK, [ISBN: 1483370163].
  • Woods, A. (2014), The Characteristics of Effective Learning: Creating and capturing the possibilities in the early years, Routledge, UK, [ISBN: 0415737937].
  • Miller, L. (2010), Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years (Critical Issues in the Early Years), SAGE, [ISBN: 1849205788].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bruce, T. (2011), Cultivating Creativity: For Babies, Toddlers and Young Children, 2nd. Hodder Education, UK, [ISBN: 144413].
  • L, Edwards. (2009), The Creative Arts: A Process Approach for Teachers and Children, 5th. Pearson Education, UK, [ISBN: 978-129204126].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMONT_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Montessori Education 5 Mandatory
CR_HECEC_7 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care 1 Mandatory