RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING FOR CERTAIN APPLICANTS
ONTO
LEVEL 7
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Template Document to List RPL Evidence
This should be submitted with your portfolio of application for
Recognition of Prior Learning
June 2014
Template to List RPL Evidence
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to highlight the structure of the Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Montessori Education. It is a three stage programme (Stage 1, Stage 2 and Award Stage). Each stage is composed a series of modules, all of which are mandatory.
Each module is underpinned by a series of Learning Outcomes (MLOs), which are intended to inform the student of his/ her transformation as a result of undertaking this programme of study. In other words, once the student has successfully completed a module and the associated assessment, he/ she should be able to, for example, demonstrate knowledge of major perspectives in developmental psychology relating to the child from birth to six years of age. (MLO in Developmental Psychology in Stage 1)
MLOS and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Prior Learning is learning which has taken place, but not necessarily been assessed or measured, prior to admission and acceptance to a programme of study. It takes two forms – it may be
(a) certified (normally called Prior Certified Learning),or,
(b) experiential (called Prior Experiential Learning)
In seeking to establish relevance of Prior Learning to the programme of study, the applicant must provide evidence of the learning. The purpose of this document is to illustrate the type of evidence which a student can use.
It is important to note that this document is framed very specifically in the context of those applicants who satisfy the criteria for entry under the process notified in SNMCI’s letter dated 27th May 2014.
Programmes Learning Outcomes
Each programme has a series of Learning Outcomes (PLOs). Similar to the MLOs, they are statements of the transformational impact on the student should they successfully complete the programme of study. The PLOs are at the top of the hierarchy in a programme of study. However, unlike MLOs, PLOs often combine a series of MLOs reflecting the shared learning which can take place across a number of modules within a programme.
In the case of the Level 7 Bachelor of Arts In Montessori Education, there are 10 PLOs, which are:
PLO 1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.
PLO 2. Create a learner centred environment using Montessori principles, to encourage discovery, exploration and active learning.
PLO 3. Evaluate other contemporary constructs of childhood, educational philosophies, and curricula, including the Aistear and Síolta frameworks, and the Primary School Curriculum (PSC).
PLO 4. Plan, deliver, assess and evaluate creative and inclusive learning experiences in a range of care and education settings.
PLO 5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the social and psychological development of the child, and an ability to apply social policy to practice.
PLO 6. Apply principles of best practice in relation to child health and welfare in a range of educare settings.
PLO 7. Manage an early years’ setting, meeting quality standards, with full autonomy and responsibility for own actions and those of others, conducting relationships in an ethical and professional manner.
PLO 8. Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively in care and classroom settings as part of a multi-disciplinary team, liaising with the wider community of practice, including parents, management, and other professionals.
PLO 9. Show increasing ability to critique self as a reflective practitioner and embed professional development as part of on-going lifelong practice
PLO 10. Demonstrate an ability to incorporate research in educare as an integral part of practice.
Purpose of this Document
The purpose of this document is to assist you with the identification of the required evidence to support your application for Recognition of Prior Learning. As each person’s experience is unique, this document cannot be prescriptive – your evidence of experiential learning is unique to you. This document can only suggest typical evidence available within early years’ settings.
Value of Evidence to Support Experiential Learning
SNMCI staff will measure the value of your evidence by the following criteria:
(a) Authentic: Evidence presented must be truly the work of the applicant;
(b) Sufficient: Evidence presented must show necessary breadth and depth of knowledge, skill and competence required for the learning outcome(s) or entry to a stage of a programme;
(c) Current: Evidence and examples presented should be up to date and relevant to the current best practice in the discipline;
(d) Relevant: Evidence submitted must be appropriate and relevant to the learning outcomes;
(e) Consistent: Candidates must demonstrate that they have performed the tasks and used the knowledge and skills (associated with the learning outcomes) at the level required in a variety of situations over a period of time.
How to Use this Document
All the modules on the Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Montessori Education are contained from page 6 onwards. After the list of MLOs, the first box indicates how the MLOS may be met. Having regard to the entry criteria onto the programme, there are the following options for demonstrating the achievement of MLOs:
(a) MLOs are in full through Prior Certified Learning and therefore, no further action is required;
(b) MLOS are partially met through Prior Certified Learning and their full completion requires an intensive workshop or similar arrangement;
(c) MLOS are met through a combination of Prior Certified Learning and Prior Experiential Learning;
The first box typically illustrates the nature of evidence required to support the application.
Each applicant is then required to list the evidence presented in the second box. This evidence must then be separately reference in the applicant’s portfolio. The learning you have acquired must then be recorded for each module in the second document - Template Document to Demonstrate Experiential Learning - and returned in Part 4 of your portfolio.
Completion of Document
Once you have completed this process for each of the required modules, you should then return pages 6 to 20 with your portfolio.
Page 1 © SNMCI 2014 June 2014
Template to List RPL Evidence
Programme Schedule Stage 1Name of Provider / St Nicholas Montessori College Ireland
Programme Title / Bachelor of Arts in Montessori Education
Award Title / BA in Arts in Montessori Education
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage NFQ Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits
Major / 7 / 5 / 1 / 6 / 5 / 60
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS Credits / Total Learner Effort Module (hours)
Status / NFQ Level / Total Hours / Contact Hours / Hours Independent Work
Montessori Infancy / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Montessori Emergent Curriculum 1 / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Montessori and Comparative Philosophies / 6 / 10 / 200 / 66 / 134
Introduction to Sociology / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Health, Safety and Nutrition / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Developmental Psychology / 6 / 10 / 200 / 66 / 134
Academic Writing and ICT Skills / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Gaeilge and the Arts (Visual Arts) / 6 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 68
Supervised Practice / 6 / 10 / 200 / 26 / 174
Programme Schedule Stage 2
Name of Provider / St Nicholas Montessori College IrelandProgramme Title / Bachelor in Arts in Montessori Education
Award Title / BA in Arts in Montessori Education
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage NFQ Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits
Major / 7 / 5 / 2 / 6 / 5 / 60
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS Credits / Total Learner Effort Module (hours)
Status / NFQ Level / Total Hours / Contact Hours / Hours Independent Work
Montessori Emergent Curriculum 2 / 6 / 10 / 200 / 66 / 134
Montessori Philosophy / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Introduction to Special Education / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Sociology of Childhood: Identity and Diversity / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Child Protection and Welfare / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Social Psychology / 6 / 10 / 200 / 66 / 134
National and International ECEC Policy / 6 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Gaeilge and the Arts (Children’s Literature) / 6 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 68
School Placement / 6 / 10 / 200 / 26 / 174
Programme Schedule Stage 3
Name of Provider / St Nicholas Montessori College Ireland
Programme Title / Bachelor in Arts in Montessori Education
Award Title / BA in Montessori Education
Award Class / Award NFQ level / Award EQF level / Stage / Stage NFQ Level / Stage EQF Level / Stage Credits
Major / 7 / 5 / Award / 7 / 5 / 60
Module Title / Semester / Module / ECTS Credits / Total Learner Effort Module (hours)
Status / NFQ Level / Total Hours / Contact Hours / Hours Independent Work
Montessori Curriculum and Competence / 7 / 10 / 200 / 66 / 134
Montessori and Educational Philosophy / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Special Education and Differentiation / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Sociology: Childhood in Late Modernity / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Research Methods for the Early Years / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Cognitive Psychology / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Introduction to Business Management / 7 / 5 / 100 / 33 / 67
Gaeilge and the Arts (Drama) / 7 / 5 / 100 / 34 / 66
School Placement / 7 / 15 / 300 / 26 / 274
Page 1 © SNMCI 2014 June 2014
Template to List RPL Evidence
Stage 1 Modules
Module 1-03: Montessori and Comparative Philosophies
Stage / 1Semester / 1 & 2
Module Title / Montessori and Comparative Philosophies
Module Number / 1-03
Module Status / Mandatory
Module ECTS Credits / 10
Module NFQ Level / 6
Intended Module Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of Montessori philosophy for the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic and spiritual development of the child (birth to three years)
2. Trace and discuss milestones in the history of child centred educational philosophy
3. Investigate other models of early years’ provision in Ireland and compare and contrast them with the Montessori Method
4. Explore the core themes and principles of Aistear and Síolta
5. Examine a range of types of play (outdoor and indoor) and reflect on the purpose of each in the holistic development of the child
RPL Requirements for Certain Applicants on L7 ProgrammeStatus / Evidence of achievement of MLOs through prior learning required
MLOs met through: / Certified Learning / (a) Saint Nicholas Montessori Education Centre of London;
(b) Single subject Certificate: Montessori Theory;
(c) Other to be approved by RPL Committee:
Experiential Learning / Applicant is required to produce evidence of:
(a) CPD in Aistear/ Síolta programmes organised through CCCs, Saint Nicholas Montessori Society etc;
(b) Examples of practice in own setting;
(c) Examples of lessons plans used in own setting;
(d) Participation in play-themed workshops etc
LIST OF EVIDENCE PIECES PRESENTED BY APPLICANT FOR THIS MODULE
Ref / PCL or PE. / Item
Module 1-04: Introduction to Sociology
Stage / 1Semester / 2
Module Title / Introduction to Sociology
Module Number / 1-04
Module Status / Mandatory
Module ECTS Credits / 5
Module NFQ Level / 6
Intended Module Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the origins of sociology and of key sociological theories, terms and concepts.
2. Define socialisation and summarise the primary stage which occurs during infancy and early childhood.
3. Outline and discuss the components of culture, i.e. the learned values, customs, norms and behaviour of a society. .
4. Outline and discuss the major sociological perspectives on childhood.
5. Question assumptions about childhood and discuss how notions of childhood influence the field of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
RPL Requirements for Certain Applicants on L7 ProgrammeStatus / Applicants have been introduced to this material as part of their previous certified learning, but in advance of additional sociology, there will be intensive sessions to bring students to the required standard.
MLOs met through: / Certified Learning / (a) Saint Nicholas Montessori Education Centre of London;
(b) Single subject Certificate: Montessori Theory;
(c) Other to be approved by RPL Committee:
LIST OF EVIDENCE PIECES PRESENTED BY APPLICANT FOR THIS MODULE
Ref / PCL or PEL / Item
Module 1-05: Health, Safety and Nutrition
Stage / 1Semester / 1
Module Title / Health, Safety and Nutrition
Module Number / 1-05
Module Status / Mandatory
Module ECTS Credits / 5
Module NFQ Level / 6
Intended Module Learning Outcomes