Courses / Module

This interdisciplinary module offers students a comprehensive introduction to the key
areas of Psychology, Sociology, History and Philosophy of Education. Key theorists and
thinkers inform the teaching and provide a critical framework for learning. The module is designed to encourage student-teachers to develop an integrated view of education as a practice and to enable them to apply learning from research to challenges encountered in school placement. Students will be encouraged to apply the skills of reflective practice encountered in the module on Professional Skills.

In History of Education, issues in Irish education and their impact on the development of modern systems of primary education are examined. These are explored against knowledge of early systems of education and the foundations of education in Ireland with particular reference to significant national and international figures who influenced practice and policy up to an including current educational policy developments. The importance of Scéim na Scol will be explored and students will engage in a folklore collection initiative with the National Folklore Collection Ireland focusing on the theme of Laethanta Scoile in the primary school. Sociology of Education provides students with an understanding of the influences of societal factors on education. An engagement with topics such as race, ethnicity, identity, types of schooling will scaffold students’ understanding of educational experiences through a sociological lens.

In Psychology of Education, students are introduced to psychological science and its relevance to teaching and learning. Particular emphasis is placed on theories of cognitive development including Piaget’s Stages of Development and Vygotsky’s Social Cognitive Theory. In addition, this module supports students’ understanding of concepts of the Self, attachment, emotional regulation and possible risks and resilience in childhood.

Philosophy of Education provides an opportunity for students to explore a range of philosophical theorists which highlight issues in relation to ethical behaviours, children’s rights and the nature of education. A key objective of this module is the facilitation of, regular systematic, critical reflection in order to allow students to develop, and articulate, their own personal educational philosophy, Sociology of Education: Ireland is in a state of ongoing transformation, experiencing rapid and dramatic cultural, economic, and social changes in a short period of time. Yet, there are structural continuities traced back to modern Irish society before and after independence that underlie and help explain these changes. Sociology, in general, provides us with the mindset to observe the social world, make connections, understand differences, norms, cultures, beliefs. The sociology of education is the study of how social institutions and individual experiences affects education and its outcome. The topics covered in this module seek to explain how people relate with one another, how hidden structures play an important role in everyday life, how individuals behave and how all these combined impacts on education and its outcome. A broad goal of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the discipline of sociology of education.