Module Details

Module Code: PSYC7006
Title: Child Psychology
Long Title: Child Psychology in Education
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3110 - Psychology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to provide students with an insight into how psychological theories, and principles of human development have implications for the educational setting. It highlights how childhood experiences have the potential to impact holistic development and future life chances. It relates how theories and concepts are applied in the learning environment.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the main theoretical and historical perspectives of Child Psychology
LO2 Evaluate the reciprocal impacts between genes and the environment and the nature vs nurture debate
LO3 Discuss theories of cognitive, neurological and psychological child development in infancy, early childhood, middle childhood and late childhood
LO4 Examine how trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and positive childhood experiences impact on children's learning, development, behaviour and relationships
LO5 Analyse neuro-informed approaches to guide and support the behaviour of children in primary education
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 and Development of Psychology
Psychology as a discipline, behavioural, cognitive, humanistic, biological and sociocultural approaches to psychology. Psychological concepts in educational contexts. Implications for practice.
Nature Vs Nurture
Nature vs Nurture debate. Needs and drives, Attachment. Parenting Methods of Control. Mia Kellmer Pringle's Needs of Children, Maslow's need theory, Kohn's motivational theory. Social connectedness and social competence. Co-regulation and self regulation theory. Lessons from twin Studies. Impact of social, cultural and environmental factors including poverty on learning and development. The Bio-Ecological Systems Theory. Supportive communities and integrated trauma sensitive services. Vertical and horizontal transitions. A positive transition to primary school is a predictor of children’s future success Protective factors for building resilience. Environmental factors that impact on brain development, Biological factors that impact on brain development. Implications for practice.
The Learning Process: Developmental and Learning Theories
Compare and contrast theories and their implications for educating children, Behaviourist theory, Cognitive theory, Sociocultural theory, Multiple Intelligences theory, Bio-ecological theory, Maturation theory, Humanistic theory, Moral development & common moral transgressions of childhood, Personality development, Learning styles, Application of theory, Implication for practice.
Understanding Learning: Education and Neuroscience
Structure and function of human brain, neuron, synaptic transmission, memory. Triune Brain, Amygdala, Hippocampus role in learning and memory. Pre-fontal cortex..Play behaviour and the social brain, Hand model of the brain. Neuro- informed approaches to guide and support children behaviour. Regulate, Relate Reason (3Rs of connecting to the learning brain). Learning opportunities to promote vagal tone. The importance of co-regulation and connection for guiding and supporting behaviour. Implications of neuroscience research for practice.
Trauma, Adversity and Trauma Sensitive Approaches
Trauma defined. Positive, tolerable and toxic stress. Adverse Childhood Experiences. Impact of adversity and trauma on child's brain, behaviour, learning and relationships. Neglect. Deprivation. Impact of poverty. Interventions. Trauma sensitive approaches. Relationship based approaches. Relational Pedagogy. Trauma reducing practices.The importance of one good adult, the buffer. Key Person Approach, Classroom design. Implications for practice.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Compare/ Contrast theories of cognitive/ psychological development and its application to the education of children from birth to 12 years
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Terminal Exam assessing core content and concepts covered in the module.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Reading and Research 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 Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading and Research 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
  • Aubrey, K. & Riley, A.. (2022), Understanding and Using Education Theories, 3rd. Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781529761306].
  • Buckler, S., & Castle, P.. (2021), Psychology for Teachers, Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781529743036].
  • Santrock, J.W.. (2020), Lifespan Development, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, [ISBN: 9781260571455].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Woolfolk Hoy, A.. (2018), Educational Psychology, 14th Edition. Pearson, New York, [ISBN: 9780134774329].
  • Siegal , D & Payne Bryson, T. (2018), The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nuture Your Child's Developing Mind, Random House USA Inc, New York, United States, [ISBN: 9780553386691].
  • Banyard, P., Norman, G & Winder, B. (2019), Essential Psychology, 3rd. Sage, London, [ISBN: 9781526456854].
  • Rathus, S.. (2016), Childhood and Adolescence : Voyages in Development, 6th. Cengage Learning, UK, [ISBN: 9781305504592].
  • Romero, V, Robertson, R. & Warner, A,. (2018), Building Resilience in Student impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences,, Corwin,, London, [ISBN: 9781544319414].
  • Slavin, E. (2018), Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice, 12th, Pearson, London, Pearson, London, [ISBN: 978013489510].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMOED_8 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Montessori Education 5 Mandatory