Courses / Module

Using a spiral approach and continuing to develop skills, values and knowledge in the cognate areas, this module prepares student teachers to adopt an integrated approach to quality teaching and learning for all pupils across the curriculum.
This bilingual module further develops students’ understanding and implementation of relevant theories for the effective linkage, integration and differentiation of teaching and learning introduced in Year 1 and 2.¿Students’ competence in adopting an integrated approach to teaching by using literacy, numeracy and scientific education across all curriculum areas will be enhanced.¿The use of Content and Language Integrated learning (CLIL) in the teaching of¿Gaeilge¿will be explored and the implications for practice reflected upon. Inclusive practices for supporting children learning English as an Additional Language will be reviewed with emphasis on home-language maintenance and the transferability of methodologies and approaches within the Irish-language curriculum for quality teaching and learning for all pupils.

Current curricular documents including Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA, 2009) will be explicated, discussed and explored in active-learning experiences. Through this, student teachers gain an insight into the concepts, skills and practical methodologies (station teaching, guided discovery, fieldwork, hands-on learning, problem solving, reflective practice, outdoor learning, digital learning, and talk and discussion) required for inclusive high-quality teaching and learning for all pupils underpinned by Froebelian philosophy. Through offering space for professional dialogue, student teachers will continue to¿explore their professional identity¿and agency as a teacher in primary schools.
Student teachers will be enabled to adopt a child-centred, Froebelian approach to curriculum development across languages, mathematics and science education. Differentiation, assessment for and assessment of learning are key components of this module.¿Methods of children recording their work, documentation and assessment of children’s work including self and peer evaluation will be evaluated to create and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Student teachers further develop their understanding of professional relationships and importance of collaboration with parents and families in the development of language, literacy, mathematics, and science education.

Through collaboration with Discover Primary Science and Maths, student teachers deepen their understanding of the quality teaching and learning of STEM.