ECHC H2021: Team and
Group Dynamics in the
Childcare Sector
Short Title:
Team and Group Dynamics in the Childcare Sector APPROVED
Full Title:
Team and Group Dynamics in the Childcare Sector
Module Code:
ECHC H2021
ECTS credits:
5
NFQ Level:
6
Module Delivered in
2 programme(s)
Module Contributor:
Martina Coombes
Module Description:
This module aims to equip the student with knowledge and skills in team and group dynamics in the
childcare workplace context. The student will engage with theories around team and group processes and
how these processes can be impacted upon within different environmental contexts. The module will
introduce the student to two different models of staged group development. The student will explore the
various team and group roles in an early childhood care and educational context. The module will examine
how to recognise and respond to team and group conflict and challenge the student to appreciate the
significant potential of teamwork in a childcare context. The module will also address the issue of team and
group dynamics when working with multi-disciplinary teams and with parents in particular.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Explore team and group dynamics, theories and processes.
Identify the group development stages and recognise the various roles which group members perform.
Distinguish between the various multi-disciplinary teams in a childcare context.
Examine the role of teamwork with specific reference to working with parents.
Recognise conflict in groups and apply appropriate strategies for responding to conflict.
ECHC H2021: Team and
Group Dynamics in the
Childcare Sector
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Definition of groups
Characteristics of groups; functions of groups; group structure; group norms; group goals; a brief history of the field of group dynamics.
Definition or teams and teamwork
Characteristics of teams, effective teamwork, multi-disciplinary teams, working effectively with parents
Models of group development
Explore the examples of developmental models; member change in group development; group development in specialised groups.
Group structures
Power structures; leadership structures; communication frameworks; group decision-making.
Group conflict
Types of conflict; sources of conflict; responding to conflict; role of negotiation in conflict; conflict resolution methods.
Indicative Assessment Breakdown
%
Course Work Assessment %
100.00%
Course Work Assessment %
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome
addressed
% of total
Assessment
Date
Case study
n/a
1,2,3,4,5
100.00
n/a
No Final Exam Assessment %
Indicative Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a
coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Reassessment is 100% by exam.
ITB reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
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ECHC H2021: Team and
Group Dynamics in the
Childcare Sector
Indicative Module Workload & Resources
Indicative Workload: Full Time
Frequency
Indicative Average Weekly Learner Workload
Every Week
2.00
Every Week
1.00
Every Week
3.60
Resources
Recommended Book Resources
Burn, S.H. 2004, Groups: Theory and Practice ­, Wadsworth Belmont
Stacey, M. 2009, Teamwork and Collaboration in Early Years Settings., Learning Matters Exeter
Doul, M. 2006, Using Groupwork, Routledge London
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
website: Combat poverty
http://www.combatpovery.ie/publications/ DevelopingFacilitationSkills2008pdf
Module Delivered in
Programme Code
Programme
Semester
Delivery
BN_HECHC_8
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education [240 ECTS credits]
4
Mandatory
BN_HECHC_7
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education [180 ECTS credits]
4
Mandatory
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