Module Details

Module Code: EDUC8050
Title: Montessori: Informed Practice
Long Title: Montessori: Informed Practice
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to give the student an understanding of the history of education and care for children in early and middle childhood in Ireland. The need for a holistic approach to education will be interrogated through the lens of current theories from neuroscience.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically evaluate the development of early childhood education and care, primary education and school age childcare in Ireland since the foundation of the State.
LO2 Use understanding of neuroscience to appraise current education and care practices, in early and middle childhood.
LO3 Develop models of best practice for supporting children’s social and emotional well-being in early and middle childhood.
LO4 Critically explore Montessori approach to education using contemporary theories from neuroscience.
LO5 Advance understanding of holistic development from a neuroscience perspective.
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
History
History of early childhood education and care, primary education and school age childcare in Ireland since the foundation of the State; influences on development.
Neuroscience
Exploration of the study of neuroscience; using understanding from neuroscience to build healthy brains; what neuroscience tells us about children’s language and communication development.
Neuroscience and Practice
How learning from neuroscience impacts on education and care in early and middle childhood; what practitioners should know about neuroscience; supporting emotional and social well-being; using neuroscience to defend practice; neuroscience as an advocacy tool; critiquing models of early and middle childhood education and care practice through the lens of neuroscience; using theories from neuroscience to critique Montessori pedagogy.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
Assessment Description
Individual Task: Present plan for supporting child's emotional and social well-being in early and middle childhood.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Critically explore Montessori pedagogy from a neuroscience perspective.
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 Lecture and class discussions Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent and guided research and reading 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 Lecture and class discussion Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent and guided research and reading 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
  • Conkbayir, M.. (2017), Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc., London, [ISBN: 9781474231909].
  • McTighe, J. & Willis, J.. (2019), Upgrade Your Teaching: Understanding by Design Meets Neuroscience, ASCD, Virginia, [ISBN: 9781416627340].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Vandenbroeck, M. et al.. (2017), Constructions of Neuroscience in Early Childhood Education, Routledge, New York, [ISBN: 9781138214828].
  • Featherstone, S.. (2017), Making Sense of Neuroscience in the Early Years, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc., London, [ISBN: 9781472938329].
  • Montessori, M.. (1988), The Absorbent Mind, ABC-Clio Press, London, [ISBN: 1851090878].
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_HMOED_8 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Montessori Education 7 Mandatory