More than ever the pace of change in education and society requires Home Economics professionals who are adaptive experts and critically reflective practitioners who promote best practice both at classroom and organisational level. This module Professional Inquiry in Home Economics/Home Economics Education aims to establish a strong philosophical basis for participants to develop a purposive, professional identity, metacognitive skills, a spirit of teamwork, the dispositions for critical reflection and skills for evidence – based research. Effective professional inquiry facilitates the enhancement of professional practice in a spirit of dialogical reflective practice.

1. Critique the concept of professionalism and models of professional inquiry and development.

2. Engage in critical analysis of the philosophical underpinnings of Home Economics and Home Economics education, while appreciatingthe contribution of Home Economics to the enhancement of quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

3. Critically evaluate the concept of the reflective practitioner and apply the concept of the Home Economist as reflective practitioner to professional practice.

4. Critique emerging issues in Home Economics and Home Economics education.

5. Critically evaluate relevant national and international policy concerning professional practice within the context of Home Economics/Home Economics Education.

This module will focus on developing initial research knowledge and skills. The module will provide you with an overview of research, knowledge of data collection methods as well as an understanding of approaches to data analysis. This module has been prepared in response to the need for knowledge with regard to educational research methodology.

1. Critically discuss the concept of research

2. Explain the following terms: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Validity, Reliability

3. Critically evaluate ethical considerations when conducting educational research

4. Define the concept of primary sources

5. Discuss the importance of selecting the most fitting data collection method with the research question

6. Explore questionnaires, interviews and observations as instruments in primary data collection

7. Discuss the construction of the above instruments

8. Explore experiments, tests and scales as approaches in primary data collection

9. Explain the following terms: Variable, Experimental Hypothesis and Controls

10. Discuss approaches to data analyses.

This optional pathway module provides opportunities for Home Economics teachers / educators to interrogate professional practice; investigating and analysing design, fashion and textile craft education in a variety of contexts. The approaches adopted in this module will enable students to explore the social, political and cultural meanings and contexts which shape education in this field. Textile research emphasis in the 21st century is increasingly focused on problem oriented and technology enhanced learning, smart, ethical and sustainable fashion and textiles to meet the changing needs of an increasingly responsible and discerning global consumer and the inherent value of textile craft activity in enhancing wellbeing. Participants will develop a deeper knowledge of each of these elements, critically reflect upon their own professional practice and be provided with opportunities to explore a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to teaching design, fashion and textile craft.

1. Develop a sound theoretical knowledge of recent and current theoretical, critical and empirical research pertaining to design, fashion and textile craft education.

2. Debate key frameworks, policies and practices in design education with particular reference to the application of the design process, problem based learning and information and communications technology as core methodologies in fashion and textile craft in Home Economics curricula.

3. Develop and enhance skills in the design, application and evaluation of research in education, with special reference to fashion and textile craft education and to individual professional needs.

4. Analyse the educational role of museum/ gallery textile collections and develop strategies for using museum/gallery collections in the production of textiles and fashion educational materials and resources with a view to forming a basis for curriculum development and project based learning in Home Economics.

5. Critically evaluate global trends and developments in textiles and fashion with an awareness of sustainable and ethical influences and the richness and diversity of textiles and craft work historically and culturally as an educational medium.

6. Appraise the significance of design, fashion and textile craft education in the promotion and development of physical and cognitive skills and positive well-being in participants.

Promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and societies is a central tenet of Home Economics education. The natural sciences have amassed and continue to research knowledge regarding nutritional requirements of individuals and populations, and in turn, this has influenced public health policies both nationally and internationally. At the same time, social, cultural and political influences are at play and impact significantly on food provision, choice and consumption patterns: each of which has a bearing on the quality of life of individuals, families and societies. It is apparent then, that nutrition, diet and health issues are complex in nature, and arriving at a deeper understanding of these complexities necessitates drawing on theories and concepts from both the social sciences as well as biological sciences. This Optional Pathway Module Nutrition, Diet and Health affords participants the opportunity to explore human nutrition, diet and health issues from both perspectives. In appraising these issues, participants will examine how Home Economics can contribute to the promotion and achievement of optimal health and wellbeing. In tandem with this, participants will reflect on their own personal role as Home Economics teachers/educators in facilitating this learning process.

1. Critically examine the contribution of nutrition and diet to health and ill-health from biological, social and political perspectives

2. Understand the importance of the sSchool as a setting for nutritional health promotion

3. Critique the role of education in food, diet and health, with a particular emphasis on the role of Home Economics

4. Evaluate how theories and practices concerning advances in nutrition, diet and health may be applied in the classroom setting

5. Reflect on current nutritional surveillance data and assess the implications of this data using a life stage approach

6. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural theories that underline food choice and consumption

This Optional Pathway module Family, Youth and Child Studies will enable Home Economics professionals who are engaged in working directly or indirectly with families, adolescence and children to have an understanding and appreciation of the changes taking place within families and the forces determining these changes.

1. Critically review the issues affecting families, young people & children today

2. Appraise the support systems available to families, young people & children

3. Critically review the law and policy in Ireland and member states relating to family, young people & children

4. Critically evaluate how education can positively promote youth oppportunities in the context of his/her professional practice in order to maximise youth participation and capacity building

5. Demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and competencies in the development of content and methodologies for implementing effective currcula/programmes together with collaborative monitoring, review and evaluation.

6. Enable young people to understand and appreciate the contribution of culturally diverse groups to Irish society

7. Evaluate services and interventions to promote positive mental health among young peopple and children

8. Collaborate closely and effectively with related and relevant organisation and professionals to promote the positive development of young people and children