Critically Evaluate And Critique A Range Of Teaching Methods Relevant: Teaching Assignment, UCC, Ireland

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, student teachers will be able to:

• Critically evaluate and critique a range of teaching methods relevant in both teaching subjects.
• Generate student-centered lessons that promote effective learning.
• Analyze critically how students learn and compare and contrast effective teaching methods to support and scaffold this learning.
• Articulate a critical awareness of a variety of pedagogical theories and practices that enable and enhance classroom management.
• Formulate pedagogically proficient lessons in both subject areas for delivery.
• Integrate ICT appropriately and effectively into the delivery of both teaching subjects.
• Use a variety of differentiation strategies in lesson planning to devise effective and inclusive lessons.

Part A: Unit of Learning 

Develop a unit of learning in your TM1 subject area that could be used with a junior or senior cycle class. Use the learning outcomes in your subject specification or syllabus as the bedrock of your unit planning.
Choose the theme or focus area for your Unit of Learning in consultation with your TM1 tutor. Also, note the following:

• All sections of the Unit of Learning planning template should be completed in detail.
• When planning the Unit of Learning, consult the PMEPP SEPP Unit of learning Information Sheet in the Templates section of the SP Hub.
• MFL and Gaeilge students should complete the Unit of Learning in their target language.

Part B: Lesson Plans

Create two lesson plans related to the unit of learning created above.
The lesson plans should reflect an emphasis on interactive, creative, and effective teaching and learning methodologies.

• Lesson plans should demonstrate a structured sequence of learning activities that build on the learning that took place in the previous lesson, show progression in content, and make use of a range of research-informed teaching, learning and assessment methodologies. Plan for lessons of one-hour duration each.

• When planning the lessons, consult the PMEPP SEPP Lesson Plan Information Sheet in the Templates section of the SP Hub.
• MFL and Gaeilge students should complete the lesson plans in their target language.
• The Lesson Plan template provided on MyHELMS should be used, and the lesson plans should contain sufficient detail that would allow another teacher to teach the lessons.

Part A: Original Digital Resource 

Design an original digital resource to support a learner who struggles with literacy or numeracy to achieve the learning intentions outlined in one of your lesson plans created as part of Artefact 1.

Part B: Critical Evaluation 

Discuss how your digital resource will be used to support learners and evaluate critically the manner in which this resource supports the achievement of the lesson learning intention(s) with particular reference to differentiation.

Part B: You must include references to the lesson plans submitted for Artefact 1B, a minimum of five academic references in your critical evaluation, and a reference list to reflect your reading on this area.

Artifact 3: Reflective Essay 

Analyze and reflect critically on any three Module Learning Outcomes you have attained by completing Artefact 1 and 2.

(a) Your reflection must refer specifically to the artifacts as you evaluate critically how the learning outcomes were attained and how this supports your learning and professional development as a student-teacher.

(b) Critically discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a research-informed practitioner.