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This module is designed to prepare and equip students for classroom-based School Placement (SP) in year one of the PMEd. It consists of three elements: School Placement -which is developed in increasing sophistication over two semesters; lectures - which provide the theoretical foundations and practical support for SP; and seminars (known as Learning Circles) - within which students engage in structured professional dialogue making connections between their placement experiences and educational theories.
Within the lectures, the focus is placed primarily on early childhood and Inclusive education, classroom management and lesson planning appropriate for the junior classes in primary schools (Infants to 2nd class). The module explores the stages of child development, the creation of positive and constructive learning environments, play and other methodologies, in addition to examining theoretical influences on teaching and learning from literature on early childhood and Inclusive education. The module also explores the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, Aistear in addition to policy documents pertaining to inclusive education.
With regard to Inclusive Education, key concepts underpinning educational provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs are examined. Guidelines and supports provided by the DES and other government agencies are discussed and students are required to develop knowledge of the characteristics associated with particular disabilities in addition to the range of specific methodologies and specialist resources/equipment available to support learning.
Inspired by Froebelian influences, SP in semester 1 allows students to become familiar with the culture and practices of schools through observation in an infant classroom one day a week for seven Fridays. Students undertake a three-week block placement in the same classroom which will enable them to begin to develop their repertoire of teaching and classroom management skills based on their observations and theoretical input. On this placement, students are expected to teach up to three lessons across the curriculum per day along with setting up and facilitating play activity centres with specific reference to their observations and the needs of the children.
School Placement in Semester 2 is a three-week block placement in a 1st or 2nd class setting which allows students to build on their teaching and classroom management skills. This placement is graded and students must independently pass both the Classroom Performance and Placement File elements of each School Placement block.
On all placements, students are expected to work closely with their co-operating teachers and engage in professional dialogue and learning with their peers during the Learning Circles in an effort to make connections between placement experience and educational theories.
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PLACEMENT LEARNING
Semester 1
