Module Title:Emerging Issues in Early Childhood Education: Theory and Practice
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lecture. Presentation. Discussion. Case Study. collaboration and Group Activities. Observation and Analysis of Video clips. Guest Speaker. Reflection. Enquiry based learning. Feedback on learning activities.
Module Aim: As this module is presented in the final year of the programme, its aim is to ensure that the learners are fully conversant with the most up-to-date range of topics as applied to early childhood research, policy, theory, and practice nationally and internationally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identify and analyse current policy and research developments in Ireland
LO2 Trace the relationship between the emergence of professionalism and quality.
LO3 Identify and analyse current policy and research developments internationally
LO4 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of advocacy and collaborations in supporting children’s learning and development to the wider community and society in general.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Developments in Ireland
Consideration of the role of key government and other agencies in the development of early childhood policy and practice: e.g. Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth; Dept of Education and Skills; TUSLA Child and Family Agency. Early Childhood Ireland; Better Start; Children’s Rights Alliance; Pobal. Hub na nOg.
Identification of key research projects and agencies
• Consideration of the role of key government and other agencies in the funding, development and dissemination of research: e.g. Growing up in Ireland, Educational Research Centre. Katherine Howard Foundation, Child Development Initiative. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Professionalism and quality
• The evolving role of the professional in early childhood • Recent innovations with regard to ethical practice, workforce development, quality standards. Development of new strategy documents. Analysis of implementation of identified strategies: e.g. Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, Workforce Development Plan
Developments internationally
• Consideration of the role of key international and other agencies in the development of early childhood policy and practice: The European Commission, UNICEF, Eurofound, OECD, Exploration of Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Education. Environmental Education
Advocacy and collaboration
• Characteristics of advocacy • Characteristics of advocacy • Volunteering for collaboration e.g. County Childcare Committees • Networking: The Wheel; Board Match. Professional associations and organisations
Assessment Breakdown%
Project100.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Learners will be invited to identify a strategic policy and development and trace its trajectory from international conception to local implementation. 1,2,3,4 100.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Learners will be invited to identify a strategic policy and development and trace its trajectory from international conception to local implementation. 1,2,3,4 100.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Independent Learning Time 15 Weeks per Stage 6.73
Total Hours 125.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50
Independent Learning Time 15 Weeks per Stage 7.13
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_HWECE_B Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Practice 7 Mandatory