This module requires students to take a detailed look at a variety of planning and teaching skills and concepts that combine to make a teacher effective in the classroom. Students are introduced to the complexities of planning and preparation for student-centred learning in preparation for their school placement in semester 4. A particular emphasis will be placed on planning, implementing learning strategies, assessment and evaluation of practice.

This module will introduce students to the various elements required to establish and maintain an effective/positive learning environment. Building upon their experiences in Year 1, students will explore the purposes of education locally and globally. They will be introduced to Universal Design for Learning, models of planning, communication skills and the relational art of teaching. Framed by the Junior Cycle Reform and with a focus on instructional alignment, students will explore learning goals (learning outcomes, learning intentions, success criteria and assessment). Through the use of curricular and instructional models, students will explore various pedagogical approaches as they consider organisation of the learning experience. In their Micro-Teaching labs, students will be provided with opportunities to plan and develop lesson plans and a unit of learning that reflect their developing understanding of learning goals; organisation of the learning experience; assessment; differentiation; Junior Cycle key skills; literacy; numeracy; global competences, and well-being indicators. Students will have the opportunity to implement these plans in small group settings with peers and young people (Micro-Teaching) and reflect on their own learning from this experience.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to Set clear, challenging and achievable learning goals for all pupils in line with the curriculum. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methodologies that can be used to facilitate planned outcomes. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the planning implications for developing students' literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills. Appraise the underlying principles and models of curriculum design and employ them as relevant in the preparation of coherent schemes of work and lesson plans. Demonstrate an understanding of differentiated approaches to promoting effective learning. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to effective assessment, both summative and formative. Prepare and critically evaluate coherent Units of Learning and Lesson Plans that include appropriate pedagogical and assessment strategies. In groups, deliver team teaching lessons with peers and second level students, appraise the work of peers, and effectively communicate constructive feedback Review and evaluate planning processes through the use of reflection on Micro-Teaching experiences

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to Demonstrate effective communication strategies and engage in reflection and critique of their own communication styles. Appreciate the importance of the variety of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective teaching and learning.

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The module is delivered in one 2-hour lecture and two one-hour Micro-Teaching laboratories per week format. Exploring teaching, learning and assessment strategies and their application to planning is a core focus of this module and therefore the module draws strongly on research pertaining to instructional alignment, models of planning/curriculum models; and pedagogical/instructional frameworks. The module is framed by contemporary national and international research that focuses on areas such as planning, assessment, and differentiation of learning. The module is also informed by relevant policy initiatives that have direct implications for the professional practice of teachers. The module aims to enable students to competently engage in the teaching process, through Micro Teaching labs, and take professional responsibility for teaching and learning while on School Placement. This module requires students to take a detailed look at a variety of planning and teaching skills and concepts that combine to make a teacher effective in the classroom, for example, effective planning, communication; and the relational art of teaching. Micro-Teaching labs introduce the student to the importance of good practice when planning and preparing learner-centred, active learning experiences, including the development of learning resources as well as accounting for student differentiation. Micro-Teaching also addresses key issues in planning including the management of the learning environment, assessment for learning, mixed ability teaching and the effective use of ICT to support learning. Micro-Teaching labs introduce students to post-primary pupils from a variety of diverse communities. The model of reflective practice used throughout Micro-Teaching provides students with opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of their role as a teacher and the skills and competencies required.