Course Resources Archive

The module aims to prepare students at threshold level with knowledge and understanding of child development and to develop their thinking about teaching as a profession.

Students will be supported to make links between theory and practice by reflecting on: discussions, observations, relevant reading, experience, and by analysing children’s learning.

The syllabus will include: theories of child development, communication and language development, the role and place of play in child development and ways these underpin and inform statutory documentation and curricula guidance.

Issues addressed include: the Education System, the professional role of the teacher, the implementation of reflective practice, learning and teaching, the learning environment, school and society (equal opportunities, diversity, inclusive practice, values and beliefs), the outdoor learning environment.

Students are further prepared for the workplace through sessions on planning, assessment and evaluation. They will also understand and learn in partnership with a class teacher to appropriately respond to individual learning needs through case study of children who are demonstrating developmental milestones within the expected age related parameters

Students will develop an understanding of inclusive values and learn how to interpret Programmes of Study appropriately for a diversity of learning needs, in order to access all children to learning in the subject

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of legislation concerning the development and well-being of learners;

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles underpinning the statutory and non-statutory Early Years and Primary Curriculum;

3. With support, make judgements about the emotional, social, intellectual, cognitive and physical development of learners;

4. With support, make judgements about children’s communication and language development;

5. Work in collaboration with others and effectively engage in reflection and debate in a professional manner.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.