Implement analytical, critical and problem-solving skills in the context of theory, methods of enquiry, applications and interventions within the discipline.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A number of supportive structures within teaching, learning and assessment methods form the basis of students' developing cognitive skills in the area of Early Childhood Studies. Both teaching and learning methods actively encourage students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Students are frequently required to consider aspects of both practice and theoretical perspective. Problem solving activities, for example in the shape of case study considerations, form the basis of a significant number of seminar activities. Through these, students learn to apply their knowledge and understanding to situations, both real and imaginary, thus requiring the use of their cognitive abilities applied to the practical context.
In addition, teaching places emphasis on information retrieval and the acquisition of research skills.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Apply analytical and problem solving skills in the context of professional placement.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods and strategies encompass ongoing discussion and reflection on practice issues. Placement activities, observations and planning exercises, develop students’ understanding and knowledge of professional skills. Utilising classroom discussions, case studies and small group work encourages analytical and problem-solving skills, as students develop the capacity to put these into practice.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Direct their own learning and thinking.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminar tasks support analytical skills, including the successful integration of information from a wide range of academic sources. They facilitate dialogue to promote effective engagement in discussions and debate, enhancing individual learning

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Display the capacity to communicate information in an accessible and understandable manner to different audiences and for different purposes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through both the written and spoken word, seminar tasks/assignments foster the skills required to prepare and deliver oral presentations, and effectively use and further develop personal competence, for example, through the use of I.C.T.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Participate in a critical community of learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and assessment methods promote the importance of collaborative working and apply critical thinking to the perspectives of self and others.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Manage information, accessing and reviewing literature from a variety of sources, citing references accurately.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching methods assist students to research from valid sources, requiring students to outline bodies of knowledge specific to module topics and professional practice.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Engage in in-depth investigations of the context and
development of early childhood services in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and a variety of international contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/Learning Methods develop students’ skills in identifying suitable reading materials; reading, interpreting and applying their knowledge to practice. This allows them, in turn, to use these skills to present in-depth investigations. Strategies include small group work, creating, for example, displays, posters and online collaborations.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Display knowledge and understanding of the learning processes inherent early childhood education and care from a variety of perspectives.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning strategies include lectures, group tutorials, seminars, independent research, online discussion fora and field trips/research.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Understand the critical role they undertake in professional contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning methods incorporate pre-placement preparation which facilitates students’ direct placement learning.
Tutors will further encourage this through discussion and seminar tasks related to modular content within taught sessions about professional contexts. They will use their Tutor visits to Placements to monitor this, and will provide feedback to the students in relation to their development.
Teaching also takes place through the use of each students' experience in the Placement/Employed context as a framework for exploration and learning. These are integral to the teaching process and are used as the basis for group discussion, seminar activity, assessment activity and the overall developing competence of the students as Early Years Practitioners.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans;

Plan, implement and evaluate a range of activities within the work placement context:

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/Learning methods and strategies include inputs about current planning schedules. Tutors assist students in their developing knowledge and capacity to plan for children’s learning by completing plans to be delivered on placement, these are the subject of discussion and review; small group work is used to help students evaluate their plans and implementation in order to identify next steps for children’s learning.

Methods of Assessment

Observation and Activity Plans;

Engage in a multi-professional approach as they understand and respond to the issues central to working with young children and their families in a variety of settings and communities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning methods, including lectures, placement investigations, seminar tasks and Guest Speakers, highlight for students the importance of developing competence in inter-professional working; highlighting the areas which can be best addressed through multi-disciplinary working practices. Thus, teaching takes account of a broad spectrum of expertise in the field, presenting a holistic picture of child development issues, education practices and care concerns. Teaching also utilises liaison with other fields of study and professionals through accessing a variety of perspectives on issues to present a rounded picture of the skills necessary to progress in this area.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans; Practice evidence and Core Principles Booklet

Develop an awareness of the fields of education, social welfare and health and how these apply to child care and education, policies and legislative demands.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning strategies include lectures, group tutorials, seminars, independent research, online discussion fora and field trips/research;

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans; Practice evidence and Core Principles Booklet

Respond to the needs of children and families in relation to education and care.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning strategies include formal inputs and small group work which helps students identify the needs of children in relation to education and care. This is used to enable students in their exploration of how to respond to identified needs in line with different professional contexts.

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation, PPDP, Reports, Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans; Practice evidence and Core Principles Booklet

Apply their knowledge and expertise to the learning context of children within placements

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching/learning methods incorporate pre-placement preparation which facilitates students’ direct placement learning.
Teaching also takes place through the use of each students' experience in the Placement/Employed context as a framework for exploration and learning. These are integral to the teaching process and are used as the basis for group discussion, seminar activity, assessment activity and the overall developing competence of the students as Early Years Practitioners.

Methods of Assessment

Placement Assessment, Observation and Activity Plans; Practice evidence and Core Principles Booklet