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PLACEMENT LEARNING 2:EDUCATION FOR THE MIDDLE YEARS

Module code: EDF225
Credits: 10
Semester: Year-Long
Department: FROEBEL EDUCATION
International:
Coordinator: S�amie O'Neill (FROEBEL EDUCATION)

	Overview
	School placement is a central feature of the B Ed initial teacher education programme. With a clear focus on the middle years of the primary school, this module is designed to prepare and equip student teachers for school placement in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Students will extend their repertoire of teaching skills to include group teaching, cross-curricular skills, integration, monitoring pupil progress, medium to long-term planning and designing age-appropriate activities. Students will also engage in thematic planning, implement a variety of strategies for teaching and learning; assess pupils� learning and employ effective classroom management skills. They will familiarise themselves with co-operative teaching and learning methodologies and how to effectively motivate pupils to learn. They will explore how digital technologies can be embedded and utilised as pedagogical tools. At all times, students will be encouraged to reflect on their experiential learning and evaluate and review planning. Professional relationships will be explored, including how best to work with parents and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the benefit of the children. In Semester 1 students will be placed in pairs for three weeks in a 1st or 2nd class setting. In Semester 2, students will be placed for three weeks in a 3rd or 4th class setting, one week in a Gaelscoil setting and complete Alternative Service Placement (ASP) Prior to each mainstream block placement, students will observe in their settings on Orientation Days. This allows students to become familiar with the culture and practices of schools. On all placements, students are expected to work closely with their Treoraithe and hosts. In Semester 2, students will critically examine the DEIS Plan which sets out the Department of Education and Skill�s vision for the provision of better opportunities for those in communities at risk of disadvantage and social exclusion. A Home School Liaison Teacher from a partner school will present to the students based on their questions and gaps in their knowledge.

Overview

School placement is a central feature of the B Ed initial teacher education programme.

With a clear focus on the middle years of the primary school, this module is designed to prepare and equip student teachers for school placement in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Students will extend their repertoire of teaching skills to include group teaching, cross-curricular skills, integration, monitoring pupil progress, medium to long-term planning and designing age-appropriate activities. Students will also engage in thematic planning, implement a variety of strategies for teaching and learning; assess pupils� learning and employ effective classroom management skills. They will familiarise themselves with co-operative teaching and learning methodologies and how to effectively motivate pupils to learn. They will explore how digital technologies can be embedded and utilised as pedagogical tools. At all times, students will be encouraged to reflect on their experiential learning and evaluate and review planning. Professional relationships will be explored, including how best to work with parents and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the benefit of the children.

In Semester 1 students will be placed in pairs for three weeks in a 1st or 2nd class setting. In Semester 2, students will be placed for three weeks in a 3rd or 4th class setting, one week in a Gaelscoil setting and complete Alternative Service Placement (ASP)

Prior to each mainstream block placement, students will observe in their settings on Orientation Days. This allows students to become familiar with the culture and practices of schools. On all placements, students are expected to work closely with their Treoraithe and hosts.

In Semester 2, students will critically examine the DEIS Plan which sets out the Department of Education and Skill�s vision for the provision of better opportunities for those in communities at risk of disadvantage and social exclusion. A Home School Liaison Teacher from a partner school will present to the students based on their questions and gaps in their knowledge.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Plan, teach and evaluate lessons on school placement and implement a range of methodologies, including digital technologies, and Froebelian approaches to achieve planned learning outcomes. Review, source, select and use appropriate resources and materials for teaching and learning in Middle Years classrooms. Demonstrate ability to establish classroom management strategies that support suitable and effective learning for all pupils and that promote and maintain positive behaviour. Identify and utilise planning practices with a specific emphasis on project methods, integration of subjects and group teaching practices for Middle Years Classrooms. Assess the achievement of curriculum objectives and adapt their teaching accordingly. Individually, and in collaboration with colleagues, reflect on his/her attitudes, and beliefs about teaching and learning, and Alternative Service Placement, which informs and guides his/her professional practice. Gain an understanding of how education can contribute to social justice. Critique the current DEIS plan for primary schools. Organise and maintain their Taisce portfolio of learning.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Ungraded
Continuous Assessment detail(s): It is a requirement of this module that students attend and complete all elements of School Placement, including preparation of files for block placements. It is a requirement of this module that students independently pass both the Classroom Performance and Placement File elements of each School Placement block. In Semester two students will undertake a Gaelscoil placement and Alternative Service Placement in a setting other than a primary school, where the client group have experienced challenges in education. Students will reflect on their learning through a journal and make a poster presentation to share their learning with peers. Students are expected to abide by the guidelines outlined in the Froebel School Placement Handbook and have due regard for the core values and professional commitments as set out in Teaching Council�s Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. Students will be awarded a pass or not passed mark in this module. Grades are not awarded. Satisfactory attendance is a requirement of this module. Should COVID 19 Restrictions remain in place, students may have a limited School Placement Experience. Due to Covid-19 Restrictions, SP supervisors may not be allowed to visit schools Following SP, the student teacher will participate in a post SP interview with their supervisor to ensure that all areas of Performance were satisfactory.

Assessment type	Options	Weighting
Continuous Assessment		100%
University scheduled written examination	No	0%
Other		0%
Total		100%

Could the result of this module be capped? No
Students will be awarded a pass or not passed mark in this module. Grades are not awarded. Please note that if you do not pass one/both elements of School Placement you must repeat both elements. Satisfactory attendance is a requirement of this module.

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes

	Additional Reading
	Cohen, L., Mannion, L & Morrison, K. (2010) A guide to Teaching Practice. 5th Edition. London: Routledge Publishers. Department of Education & Science (1999) Primary School Curriculum. Dublin: Stationery Office. Department of Education & Skills (2017) DEIS � Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DES: Stationery Office. Pollard, A. (2014) Readings for Reflective Teaching in Schools. 2nd Edition. London: Bloomsbury. Pollard, A. (2019) Reflective Teaching in Schools. 4th Edition. London: Bloomsbury. Sahlberg, P. (2020) Let the Children Play. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Westwood, P. (2020) Commonsense Methods for Children with Special Needs and Disabilities. 8th Edition London: Taylor and Francis

Additional Reading

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PLACEMENT LEARNING 2:EDUCATION FOR THE MIDDLE YEARS

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