Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Social&Personal Dev with Communication Skills
Module Code	ES125
School	School of Education Studies
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This skills-based module will provide learners with the basic skills needed for independent learning and social and interpersonal interaction, giving a foundation for developing critical thinking skills. It will also facilitate the beginning of reflective practice, guide in the recognition of learning strengths and introduce and give practice in a range of communication skills permitting learners to work effectively in a range of learning situations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Indicate how the application of the skills of time and stress management permit the reaching of a healthy work-life balance.
2. Explain the development of an individual development plan based on identified personal learning strengths, including the taught independent learning skills - planning, goal-setting, prioritising and workload scheduling.
3. Demonstrate the role of communication in influencing interpersonal relationships in both personal and professional situations.
4. Show the role in achieving successful outcomes in a group-work setting of decision making, including critical evaluation, and the effects of social interactions.
5. Assess the skills and techniques needed to develop lateral, creative thinking.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Group work	15	Preparation and completion of group work
Assignment	24	Preparation and completion of assignment
Directed learning	14	Learning Logs
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent learning time	48	Own Reading & Research
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lectures (each period will include a presentation, class discussion, group activities):.
Personal Learning & Goal Setting - the design of personal learning plans, goals and objectives, personal and work goals, work/life balance, the identification and drawing up of learning goals, the prioritisation of these goals in relation to the learning on this programme;Group- & Team-Work - understand the nature of groups, maximising individual contribution;Interpersonal Skills - personality profiling, self-esteem, relationship building;Communications - listening, feedback, non- verbal communication, facilitation styles and conflict resolution in the learning situation;Time Management - key elements of effective time management, keeping time logs, drawing up and prioritising tasks, setting deadlines;Stress Management - theories of stress, responses to stress, management of stress;Creativity - developing creativity through lateral thinking, creative problem solving, utilising learning strengths, applying the concepts of Multiple Intelligences,learning strengths: completing an Inventory of Learning Styles, identify learning strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to develop areas of weakness;Critical Evaluation - learning logs, making use of feedback, peer-evaluation, debriefing after learning incidents.

Group Work:.
Semi-independent learning in groups - learner-led group discussions and preparation for end-of-semester group presentation.

Tutorials:.
Tutor-led class discussions on the current topic and revision of earlier topics covered in lectures.

Independent Learning:.
Reading, research and writing a relective log.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Written Assignment focussing on selected elements of the module	80%	Sem 1 End
Presentation	Group Presentation with Tutor and Self and Peer Assessment elements	20%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Thompson, N.: 2009, People Skills, 3, Palgrave Macmillan, New York,
Palmer, S.: 2006, Coping with Stress at University: a survival guide, Sage, London,
Johnson, D.W.: 2003, Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and SelfActualisation, 8th, Allyn and Bacon:, London,
Covey, S.: 2004, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: restoring the character ethic, [revised ed.], Free Press, New York,
West, R. and Turner, L. H.: 2006, Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times, Thompson Wadsworth:, Belmont, California,
Belbin, R. M.: 1996, Team Roles at Work, Heinemann:, London,
DeBono, E.: 1995, Serious Creativity, Harper Collins:, London,
Ludlow, R.: 1992, The Essence of Effective Communication, Prentice Hall:, Englewood Cliffs, NJ,
Daunt, S.: 1996, Communication Skills, Gill and Macmillan:, Dublin,
Marshall, L. and Rowland, F.: 1998, A Guide to Learning Independently, 3rd, Open University Press:, Buckingham,