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PLACEMENT LEARNING

Module code: EDF601
Credits: 25
Semester: Year-Long
Department: FROEBEL EDUCATION
International:
Coordinator: Séamie O'Neill (FROEBEL EDUCATION)

	Overview
	This module is designed to prepare and equip students for School Placement. It consists of three elements: School Placement, Early Childhood Education and Inclusive Education. 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) and children with Special Educational Needs. 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 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, SP1 allows students to become familiar with the culture and practices of schools through observation in an infant classroom one day a week.In Semester 2, students undertake a 3 week placement in infant settings and a 3 week placement in 1st or 2nd class setting. This allows students to build on their teaching and classroom management skills. Students must independently pass both the Classroom Performance and Placement File elements of each School Placement. Students also undertake a one week Gaelscoil placement and academic service placement in Semester 2. On all placements, students are expected to work closely with their co-operating teachers and engage in professional dialogue and learning with their peers in an effort to make connections between placement experience and educational theories. Due to Covid-19 opportunities for School Placement may be limited.

Overview

This module is designed to prepare and equip students for School Placement. It consists of three elements: School Placement, Early Childhood Education and Inclusive Education.

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) and children with Special Educational Needs. 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 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, SP1 allows students to become familiar with the culture and practices of schools through observation in an infant classroom one day a week.In Semester 2, students undertake a 3 week placement in infant settings and a 3 week placement in 1st or 2nd class setting. This allows students to build on their teaching and classroom management skills. Students must independently pass both the Classroom Performance and Placement File elements of each School Placement.
Students also undertake a one week Gaelscoil placement and academic service placement in Semester 2.
On all placements, students are expected to work closely with their co-operating teachers and engage in professional dialogue and learning with their peers in an effort to make connections between placement experience and educational theories.

Due to Covid-19 opportunities for School Placement may be limited.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Observe, plan, teach and evaluate lessons and play centres on School Placement while observing the Codes of Professional Conduct for Teachers Demonstrate an ability to plan, critically reflect upon and evaluate the strategies and planning systems with reference to Aistear, Síolta and the Primary School Curriculum. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the structure, purpose and appropriate application of the relevant curriculums, policy documents and frameworks toward meeting the needs of all children in an inclusive manner. Identify and utilise a range of methodologies suitable for infants to 2nd class. Review, source, select and use appropriate resources and materials for teaching and learning in classrooms from infants to 2nd class. Undertake a case study based on observations of one child and relate theories of early childhood development towards the emergence of a vision for their professional identity

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Graded
Continuous Assessment detail(s): This module has two required components. 1 Students are required to compile a case study of a child using an e-portfolio and critically reflect on the evidence through the lens of theories of early childhood development towards the development of an emerging professional vision and identity. 2 It is a requirement of this module that students attend and complete all elements of School Placement including ASP, Mainstream Classroom Placement and Gaelscoil Placement. 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. A percentage Grade will be allocated to the Placement File.
Other detail(s): SP in the infant setting is assessed on a pass/not passed basis. SP in 1st/2nd class is graded, based on performance and file. It is a requirement of this module that students attend and complete all elements of School Placement, including preparation of files for block placements. Progression on School Placement: Students who fail either/both elements of school placement i.e performance and/or file must undertake a repeat placement. However, permission to undertake a repeat School Placement will be at the discretion of the relevant Examinations Boards. One additional placement is normally provided to students who fail a School Placement. The final overall mark for the School Placement is derived from a weighted mark of 70% for classroom performance and 30% for file preparation. It is a requirement of this module that students independently pass both the performance and file elements of each school placement block. The overall mark for this module is derived from a weighted mark of 80% for School Placement and 20% for the Child Study portfolio assignment. To progress to EDF620 all elements of EDF601 must be passed.

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

Pass standard: 40%
Could the result of this module be capped? No
Satisfactory attendance is a requirement of this module

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Supplemental assignment. Supplemental school placement. Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

Timetable

Courses / Module

PLACEMENT LEARNING

Semester 1

Semester 2