Education – (Grad.Dip.)

Applications for the PGDE must be made online via the Central Application Process through PAC at
The course normally commences in early September and lectures and teaching practice end in April/May. Examination results are usually available in late June.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment /The Teacher as a Critically Reflective Practitioner

The central focus of these modules is on enabling the student to develop a repertoire of pedagogical skills and to adopt a professional, self-analytical and reflective approach to classroom practice.

Disciplinary Investigations. These course elements are aimed at deepening the student's understanding of education, of pupils and their psycho-social development, of schools within their social context and of the structure and development of the system within which they work.

Teaching/Learning Seminars in Subject Methods
These consist of seminars/lectures/workshops devoted to the teaching methodology of school subjects. Subjects for these special sessions will include: Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Civic, Social and Political Education, Computer Studies, English, French, Geography, German, History, Irish, Mathematics, Music, Physics and Religion, Social, Personal and Health Education, Spanish.

Guest Lectures
During the year a number of guest lecturers are invited to address some specialist issues of importance to future teachers.

Tutorials

School Based Experience
Practical teaching is carried out on two full days a week in a school where the principal and members of staff have agreed to co-operate with the NUI Maynooth Education Department in this phase of the work. Students spend about 65 days per year in a school within a 40 mile radius of Maynooth. Students spend at least 8 class periods teaching spread over the two days involved. In addition there is a period of "block" teaching, i.e. up to three weeks continuous work in schools. Students make their own arrangements for teaching practice.