Module Details

Module Code: EDUC7001
Title: Holistic Health
Long Title: Holistic Health
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims to foster best practice in health and well being through the recognition of
the interactions between theory and practice. This module shows students how to
integrate practices that promote the construction of equilibrium between one’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual condition into the Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC) environment.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explore the the concept of holism - of looking at life, health, illness and recovery holistically.
LO2 Reflect on personal and professional stressors and how these can be managed.
LO3 Discuss the fundamental influencing psychosocial factors and causal determinants of health.
LO4 Appreciate how holistic practices can be adapted for children.
LO5 Foster best practice in health and well being through recognition of self care as an ethical imperative.
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
Wellbeing Matters
What is health? What is wellbeing, WHO definition. 6 Dimensions of Wellness; physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual environmental, social. Define Holistic health, holism, What is Health Education, Purpose of Health Education. Self care and self awareness. Holistic health and its impact personally and professionally. Psychosocial factors and causal determinants of health.
Stress
Understanding stress. Types of stress and stress response. Positive, tolerable and toxic stress. Internal and external stressors. Stress hormones, cortisol adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, Stress and the brain. Flight/ Flight/Freeze response. Optimum stress. Stress in childhood. The cost of stress. Symptoms of stress, Burnout. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Address the Stress. Causes of stress in teaching/caring. Psychological and Biological Health issues , fatigue. Management of Stress. Making Stress work. .
Child Holistic health
What does being healthy mean for children? Article 24 of UNCRC. Bio-Ecological Systems theory. How can society and family positive influence a child's health? Determinants of health. Stressors in children's lives. Prenatal health. Factors that determine mortality and ill health in infants. Maternal Nutrition. Infant feeding. WHO recommendations on breastfeeding. The factors that influence a woman's decision to breastfeed. Child poverty /health inequalities in Ireland and First 5's measures to tackle early childhood poverty. Short/ long term consequences of poverty. Definition & impact of food poverty. Interventions to alleviate food poverty. The health of the child in a family impacted by stress, domestic violence, child abuse, Addiction. Caring for children whose parents misuse. Obesity. Risk factors & Protective factors, First 5's Measures to promote positive health behaviours and the mental health of babies, young children and their families. National Healthy Childhood Programme.
Promoting Holistic health
How to adopt a holistic approach to health. Maslow before Bloom. Benefits, availability and utilisation of complementary avenues of health care. Systematic evaluation of complementary therapies. Creating a balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual health. Promotion of good vagal tone. Breath, mindfulness and meditation. Play therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, pet therapy. Nature, Transforming sleep, healthy sleep patterns and sleep architecture, practical tips for improving sleep. 5 ways to wellbeing (NEF). Strategy to build positive mental health and emotional literacy. The Leuven scale.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Identify and reflect on how holistic health impacts both personal and professional development
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Blog post:

You have been invited to write a blog post on a topic associated with holistic health that has been covered in lectures or has been researched through self-directed learning
You are required to present your blog to your peers.This will be followed by questions and discussion.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Prepare and critique an information leaflet that makes a case to workplace colleagues or parents for introducing a new holistic therapy or complementary therapy to the education and care environment.
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 Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Learning 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 Material Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Reading & Learning 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
  • Hawkins, K & Burke, A. (2021), The Mindful Teacher Toolkit, Corwin, London, [ISBN: 978152931774].
  • Holmes, E.. (2019), A Practical Guide to Teacher Wellbeing, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526445865].
  • Glazzard, J. &Trussler. S.. (2019), Supporting Mental Health in Primary and Early Years A Practice-Based Approach, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526459367].
  • Sellars, M.. (2017), Reflective Practice for Teachers, 2nd. Sage Publications Ltd., [ISBN: 9781473969094].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Rose, J., Gilbert, L., Richards, V.. (2016), Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781446287309].
  • Howard, C., Burton, M & Levermore, D.. (2019), Children’s Mental Health and Emotional Well-being in Primary Schools, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526468215].
  • Malone, E.. (2020), Your Stress-busting Booksmart, PRIMARY TEACHER, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526494].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HECEC_7 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care 5 Elective