This module focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes which will support student teachers in preparing for School Placement (SP) in the spring semester by developing their capacity to engage in and reflect upon effective planning, preparation and management of learning environments.

Students are provided with an introduction to the complexities of teaching to help students fulfil their role as facilitators of learning drawing upon Evidence Based Practice; Teacher as Researcher; Pedagogical Strategies; Classroom Management; Assessment for/of learning; benefits and limitations of using statistical analysis strategies to determine the effectiveness of pedagogical approaches. This module will help students to understand schools and the dominant teaching approaches that are used within them by looking at the history of Irish post-primary schools - educational provision in modern Ireland (school type; patronage/governance). The concept of the reflective practitioner will be central to this module where students will be given an introduction to the knowledge, skills and practices of reflection. The module examines the requirements of the Teaching Council and other bodies in relation to professional conduct, and child welfare issues.

•Evaluate key factors which influence teaching, learning and assessment in Irish post-primary schools drawing from research in the area of effective teaching and learning •Identify effective classroom management skills and evaluate appropriate pedagogical strategies for classroom management •Outline the Teaching Council Code of Professional Conduct and its relevance to professional practice •Differentiate between assessment for and assessment of learning within the context of your professional practice •Discuss the complexity of issues surrounding child protection and welfare in schools •Select an artefact for inclusion in students' Portfolio

•Appreciate key factors which have influenced the development of Irish second level education •Acknowledge the multiple roles of the teacher, with a particular focus on local and global responsibility

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The module employs a range of evidence-based approaches in the tutorials to enable students to experience a range of pedagogical strategies and to interrogate the key concepts in the module from various perspectives. For example, the use of case-based learning is used to provide opportunities for students to explore classroom scenarios from various perspectives. Exploring evidence-based teaching and learning strategies is a core focus of this module and therefore the module draws strongly on various meta-analysis studies of effective pedagogies to identify best practice for students. Where possible the module also aims to draw on contemporary research from Irish post-primary classrooms that deal with issues such as assessment, differentiation of learning and classroom management. The module is also informed by policy initiatives and changes that have direct implications for the professional practice of teachers. These include professional codes of conduct and legislation in relation to child welfare. The module aims to enable students to competently engage in the teaching process and take professional responsibility while on school placement.