Module Details

Module Code: EDUC6020
Title: Pers & Prof Dev: Foundations
Long Title: Pers & Prof Dev: Foundations
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to support the student in developing an understanding of themselves as an individual and as a student Early Childhood Teacher. Explorations include awareness of self, personal and professional skills, dispositions and values. Learning will be experiential in nature, therefore regular class attendance is required to successfully complete the assessment components. Students are also required to complete 60hrs observational placement.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Summarise their personal dispositions, attitudes and values and relate them to those required by an Early Childhood Teacher.
LO2 Apply reflective practice to develop both personal and professional self-awareness.
LO3 Examine and practice a range of skills, relevant to the early childhood education and care profession, during small group interactions in class.
LO4 Apply the 'theory to practice process' as related to the early childhood education and care profession, through selected portfolio work.
LO5 Apply job application skills to secure approved setting for placement practice.
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
Personal Development
Self-esteem; self-worth; awareness of self; attitude; image; growth and fixed mindset; goal setting for personal development; motivation; identifying and addressing personal needs; life balance; recognising and managing stress; cultural adaptability.
Professional Development
Professional ethics - code of ethics, code of professional responsibilities; commitment; awareness and conduct; self-assessment; goal setting for professional development; expectations, roles and boundaries; confidentiality.
Professional skills, dispositions and attitudes
Communication skills - communication basics; barriers to communication; listening skills; communication styles; conversation skills; reflective practice skills; fitting in and getting along; public speaking - voice control, visual aids, oral presentations; improving confidence in interactions with others; developing and maintaining positive relationships, relationship building skills; teamwork; negotiation; problem solving; conflict resolution; observational skills; documenting and analysing observations; planning for next steps; task completion, developing and maintaining positive relationships and positive and healthy interaction with peers and adults.
Applying for professional practice placement
Application procedures - placement selection, CV, cover letter, making initial contact; interview preparation and technique.
Professional Practice Placement
60 hours of observation placement to be completed during inter-semester break.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 60
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Weekly reflection based on learning achieved during interactive class activities and discussions. Note that this assessment element is inextricably related to the delivery; therefore the student is required to attend the classes of this module in order to be re-assessed in this element.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Develop a portfolio of learning based on tasks assigned during class. Includes evidence of securing professional practice placement in an approved setting and reflection on observation placement undertaken in advance of start of module. Note that this assessment element is inextricably related to the delivery; therefore the student is required to attend the practical sessions of this module in order to be re-assessed in this element.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

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 discussion Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Discussion and skills development groups Every Week 2.00 2
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 discussion Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Discussion and skills development groups Every Week 2.00 2
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
  • Graham, I. and McDermott, M.. (2010), Your Learning and Development: Continuing Professional Development in Early Childhood Care and Education, Barnardos' Training and Resource Service, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781906004194].
  • Schonfeld, H.. (2015), Reflective Practice for Early Childhood Professionals, Barnardos' Training and Resource Service, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781906004330].
  • Dweck, C.. (2000), Self-Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development, Psychology Press, New York, [ISBN: 1841690247].
  • Donohoe, J., McDermott, E. & Regan, C.. (2021), Professional Practice in ELC, Boru Press, [ISBN: 9781838413446].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Donegal County Childcare Committee Ltd.. (2012), Professional Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education, DCCC Publishing, Donegal, [ISBN: 9781907235054].
  • Collins-Donnelly, K.. (2014), Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief: A Cognitive Behavioural Workbook on Building Positive Self-Esteem for Young People, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, [ISBN: 9781849054621].
  • Envy, R. & Walters, R.. (2013), Becoming a Reflective Practitioner in Early Years, Sage Publications, London, [ISBN: 9781446267943].
  • Hayes, C., Daly, J., Duncan, M., Gill, R., Whitehouse, A.. (2014), Developing as a Reflective Early Years Professional: Critical Thinking, Critical Publishing, Northwich, [ISBN: 9781909682214].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMOED_8 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Montessori Education 2 Mandatory