The Certificate in  Pegagogy for Politics and Society facilitates learner engagement with the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching Politics and Society for Leaving Cert. The course is designed in line with the teaching and learning strategy outlined in the Politics and Society Curriculum Specifications.

The course content engages with pedagogical approaches to teaching Politics and Society and facilitatse a Freirean approach to critically exploring the theories and processes that underpin differing conceptions of the Politics and Society syllabus. It equips learners with the tools to face challenging situations in the classroom and aims to develop learners’ skillset to develop a classroom of inquiry and move between facilitator and problem poser.

This course emphasises the importance of critical thinking in education and promotes the idea that critical education is a key tool in social transformation. 

It also aims to provide learners with the skills to empower their own students to be agents of change. This supports learners to recognise their own power as teachers and reflective practitioners and equips them with the skills to develop a praxis-based approach to the Politics and Society classroom.

The course is delivered over a two-day working, comprising:

• Workshop 1: Teaching and Learning Strategies for Politics and Society
• Workshop 2: Theory in Practice – Designing and Creating the E-Portfolio

Credits: 5 ECTS

Delivery: Two-day workshop on-campus

The module content is broken into six themes:

Introduction: Sociology of Education

• Key Themes and Perspectives
• Oppression and Education

Introduction to Pedagogy

• Pedagogical Approaches to Learning
• Evidence-Based Teaching Practices – Rosenhine’s 10 Principles of Instruction
• Cognitive load theory
• Socratic dialogue
• Retrieval practices
• Effective feedback

Freirean Pedagogy

• Introduction to Paulo Freire

• Importance of Critical Pedagogy – Key Concepts

• Critical Pedagogy for Active Citizenship

• Transformative Learning – Liberation versus Domestication
• Education for Empowerment

Reflective Practice

• De-centring Knowledge
• Strategies for Reflection and Critical Thinking
• Developing Critical Consciousness

The Politics and Society Classroom

• Addressing Bias in the Classroom
• Power in the Classroom
• Egalitarian Relationships
• Accessible Classrooms and Anti-Oppressive Spaces
• Addressing Contentious Topics and Handling Controversial Issues
• Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment
• Teaching through Themes and Strands – Non-Linear Learning Approaches to Learning
• De-colonising Education and Pedagogic Interventions

Teaching and Learning Strategies for Politics and Society

• Teacher-as-Facilitator: Developing Facilitation Skills
• Dialogical Methods and co-creation of knowledge

Entry Requirements

Applications are assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with Carlow College Admission Guidelines and Procedures for Part-Time Learners

Fees

Course fees are €350 and payable at registration.

Applications

Applications for Certificate in Pedagogy for Politics & Society open in September each year. Full application details are available here