QQI Level 6 Curriculum and Pedagogy in Early Learning Assignment 1 & 2

Purpose of this module:

This module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge to utilise a range of curricular approaches and early childhood theoretical perspectives to provide an inclusive, nurturing, child centred, playful, pedagogical approach to early learning and development. This module further aims to support the learner to become a reflective professional, enhancing their professional development and pedagogical practices.

Minimum Intended Module Learning Outcomes (MIMLOs)

On Completion of this module learners will be able to:

1. Evaluate a range of curricular approaches and theory to inform curricular development and pedagogical practices.
2. Compare a range of pedagogical strategies to provide a holistic, nurturing and child-centred environment.
3. Utilise planning and methods to provide inclusive and create indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, appropriate to children’s strengths, needs and development, informed by theory, frameworks and guidelines.
4. Develop and lead the implementation of an ELC inquiry-based curriculum, providing individual and group learning opportunities appropriate to children’s strengths, needs and development.
5. Promote the use of reflective practice individually and collaboratively to support professional development, curriculum, and pedagogical practices.

Assignment brief – 1

Module Title: Curriculum and Pedagogy

Weighting: 40%

Format:

Learners are required to complete a written assignment which illustrates their knowledge and understanding of curricular approaches and pedagogical relevant to the ELC setting.

Performance Criteria

Introduction (5 Marks)

• Define curriculum and pedagogy (2 marks).
• Discuss the relationship between the two within the ELC setting (3 marks).

The Role of Aistear and Síolta in supporting play based curriculum and pedagogy (10 marks)

• Discuss the role of Síolta in the creation of a play based curriculum (3 marks).
• Discuss the role of Aistear in the creation of a play based curriculum (3 marks).
• Compare and contrast the principles of play based, emergent and inquiry based curriculums (4 marks).

Curricular approaches to support a play based curriculum (10 marks)

• Identify two theorists and discuss the impact that they have had on the development of modern ELC curriculum (5 marks).
• Identity and discuss two models of education and their approaches which contribute to a play based curriculum (5 marks).

Pedagogical strategies (10 marks)

• Discuss your interpretation of pedagogical leadership (2 marks).
• Discuss your interpretation of relational pedagogy (2 marks).
• Evaluate the role of the adult in pedagogical practice (2 marks).
• Discuss two pedagogical strategies that relate to attachment and play (4 marks).

Conclusion (5 marks)

• Appropriate summary with reflection (3 marks).
• Accurate use of referencing (2 marks).

Assignment brief – 2

Module Title: Curriculum and Pedagogy

Weighting: 60%

Format:

Learners are required to plan, lead in the implementation, evaluate, and reflect on two activities in the ELC setting and prepare one area within the ELC environment, considering the child’s strengths, interests, needs and development.

Performance Criteria

Plan, implement and evaluate two play based activities in the ELC setting (40 marks)

• Activity 1 – indoor activity to support an element of STEM.
• Activity 2 – Outdoor Risky Play Activity.

Note; The following headings should be used for each activity.

Introduction and planning (4 marks x2)

• Detail how your activity supports the specified area and reasons for choosing this activity – emerging interests and development should be considered (2 marks).
• Provide evidence of short term planning (2 marks).

Implementation (6 marks x2)

• Provide an overview of the implementation of this activity with consideration to your role and pedagogical approach (2 marks).
• Discuss the child participation and collaboration with other adults in the planning and implementation of this activity (2 marks).
• Discuss how health and safety was considered during the activity with reference to preschool regulations (2 marks).

Evaluations (6 marks x2)

• Detail how the activity supported an emergent and inquiry based curriculum with reference to the principles of emergent and inquiry based curriculum (2 marks).
• Discuss how the activity supported learning and development with references to key theorists (2 marks).
• What worked well and what changes would you make going forward (1 mark).

Reflection (4 marks x 2)

• Reflect on your strengths and weakness in the planning and implementation of the activity (2 marks).
• Reflect on your pedagogical approach and identify any changes you would make to your approach going forward (2 marks).

Prepare and evaluate one area in the ELC environment (20 marks)

Introduction and planning (2 marks)

• Provide an overview of the area you have prepared detailing any changes you have implemented (1 mark).
• Discuss the reasons for choosing this area and your changes – emerging interests and development should be considered (1 mark).

Implementation (6 marks)

• Discuss the child’s participation and collaboration with other adults in the planning and preparation of this area (2 marks).
• Detail how this area supports an enabling and inclusive environment (2 marks).
• Discuss how health and safety was considered with references to preschool regulations (2 marks).

Evaluation (6 marks)

• Evaluate if the area supports emergent and inquiry based learning – providing justification (2 marks).
• Discuss how the area supported learning and development with reference to two key theorists (2 marks).
• Identify ways to further extend learning and development (2 marks).

Reflection (4 marks)

• Reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses in the planning and creation of the area (2 marks).
• Identify areas for further professional development (2 marks).