Module Details

Module Code: EDUC6011
Title: Curriculum & Assessment
Long Title: Curriculum & Assessment
NFQ Level: Fundamental
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 is designed to explore the role of curriculum and assessment in providing
high quality, inclusive early childhood education and care for infants and young children,
as outlined in the national practice frameworks e.g. Aistear and Síolta with recognition of
children as citizens with rights.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Appraise the integrated nature of curriculum and assessment in providing high quality, inclusive early childhood education and care for infants and young children.
LO2 Plan an early childhood curriculum that supports the infant and young child as a competent and confident learner and a citizen with rights (UNCRC 1989) and incorporates the principles of the national practice frameworks (e.g. Aistear & Síolta).
LO3 Document children's learning, and support children to assess and reflect on their own learning, using a range of tools, for sharing with parents/carers and for further planning of appropriate learning opportunities.
LO4 Examine national and international research on early childhood curriculum and assessment.
LO5 Discuss the adult role in the process of curricular programme design, implementation and assessment supporting inclusive sustainable 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
Theoretical understanding
Understanding curriculum and assessment; literacy and numeracy, assessment for learning - process or product; national and international perspectives on early childhood curriculum design; integrating curriculum, pedagogy & assessment; inclusive environments; principles of national practice frameworks and policies e.g. Aistear & Siolta, (First 5 2019-2028)
View of the child
Child as a confident, competent learner; and a citizen with rights in the here and now. Child-led pedagogy; including the child in planning; questioning, exploring and problem solving, inclusive practice; individual and group identity formation.
Skills and competencies
Planning early childhood curricula for infants and young children; exploring observation and evaluation systems; identifying provocations and learning opportunities; collaborative teamwork; communication; consultation.
Adult role
Adult Role in supporting children’s individual & group participatory identities & affording ‘space, voice, audience & influence', to do so (Lundy Model of child Participation, philosophising approach).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Curriculum development
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Poster presentation of core curriculum elements
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 Lectures 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 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
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Josephine Donohoe, Eileen McDermott, Caroline Regan. (2021), Professional Practice in ELC, 1st. Boru Press, County Tipperary, [ISBN: 9781838413446].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Epstein, A.S.. (2007), The Intentional Teacher, NAEYC, Washington, DC, [ISBN: 9781928896418].
  • Stacey S.. (2011), The Unscripted Classroom: Emergent Curriculum in Action, Redleaf Press, USA, [ISBN: 9781605540368].
  • Flood, E. & Hardy, C.. (2013), Early Childhood Curriculum, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717156283].
  • Hayes, N.. (2013), Early Years Practice: Getting it Right from the Start, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717157204].
  • Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards. (2020), Anti-Bias-Education-for-Young-Children-and-Ourselves, 2nd. NAYEC, USA, [ISBN: 9781938113581].
Recommended 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 2 Mandatory