Module Details

Module Code: EDUC6018
Title: Montessori:The Infant Child
Long Title: Montessori:The Infant Child
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 give the student an overview of the core principles of the Montessori philosophy of education with particular emphasis on the child from birth to three years of age. Pedagogical tools for supporting the infant's development will be explored. Learning will be experiential in nature; therefore, regular class attendance is required to successfully complete the assessment components. The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Appraise the stages of child development as outlined by Dr. Montessori.
LO2 Analyse core Montessori concepts relating to early childhood education and care.
LO3 Discuss Montessori philosophy and the development of the infant and toddler.
LO4 Evaluate Montessori principles in action in relation to the infant and toddler.
LO5 Plan, deliver and review appropriate, inclusive learning experiences and environments for infants and toddlers.
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 of Montessori Approach
Biography of Maria Montessori; history of the Montessori approach to education; evolution of Montessori education in Ireland; Montessori pedagogy as democratic practice.
Montessori & Human Development
Planes of development; basic human tendencies, holistic development.
Core Principles of the Montessori Philosophy
Absorbent mind; spiritual embryo; sensitive periods; movement in education; normalisation and environmental obstacles; social development; language development; independence, freedom and responsibility; cosmic plan; imagination and fantasy; intellectual development; auto education.
Implementing the Montessori Approach for Infants and Toddlers
Order; independence; freedom and limits; absorbing culture; birth environment; prepared environment for infants and toddlers; sensorial impressions; emerging numeracy and literacy; Montessori and the practice frameworks; involving and including primary care giver(s); exploring and developing Montessori inspired provocations; incorporating children's rights; encouraging exploration and philosophising; democratic practices within nido and infant communities.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Present research on the core principles of the Montessori approach to education and care.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Plan, deliver and review appropriate learning experiences for infants and toddlers.
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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Skills development incorporating care and learning needs of the infant and toddler. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent reading and research. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Skills development incorporating care and learning needs of the infant and toddler. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent and guided reading and research. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Healy Walls, Clare.. (2008), At the Heart of Montessori 1: Core Principles, Waterpark Books, [ISBN: 9780955716829].
  • Healy Walls, Clare.. (2008), At the Heart of Montessori 2: Core Principles in Action, Waterpark Books, [ISBN: 100955716837].
  • Healy Walls, Clare.. (2008), At the Heart of Montessori 3: The Infant Toddler (0-3 Years), Waterpark Books, [ISBN: 100955716845].
  • Montessori, M.. (2009), The Absorbent Mind, BN Publishing, [ISBN: 1607960931].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Mitchell, L.. (2019), Democratic Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education: An Aotearoa New Zealand Case Study: 24 (International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education and Development, 24), 1st. Springer, [ISBN: 978-981131791].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMOED_8 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Montessori Education 1 Mandatory