Contents

We seek to develop in our students

[a] knowledge and appreciation of the discipline of education;

[b] a sense of the broad context of Irish education as part of society as a whole;

[c] an appreciation of the complicated nature of the teacher´s role and of the function of schools in society;

[d] knowledge of a range of models of instruction, with the ability to chose between them and to apply them in classrooms, laboratories and elsewhere;

[e] the ability and willingness to act as reflective practitioners, adopting critical insights into practice as appropriate.

1. Induction course - held over two weeks in September. The induction course lasts for two weeks and operates on the same pattern as the main course - i.e. on Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday and all day Wednesday. Its aim is to provide a general overview of the programme and to equip students for their introduction to teaching in the classroom. There is an emphasis on classroom teaching methods and `survival skills´. Specific pedagogy courses begin during the induction course when students will be able to meet their pedagogy coordinators and some of the TP supervisors.
2. College-based course - consisting of:
1. lecture courses on the disciplines of education;
2. courses in specific methods/pedagogies.
3. Lecture courses are given in all the disciplines relevant to the study of education.

The Department currently offers courses in the following areas:

• Philosophy of Education;
• Psychology of Education;
• History of Education/ Issues in Irish Education;
• Special Education;
• Sociology of Education and Curriculum, Assessment, Evaluation and Statistics.

A course in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and elective courses in some or all of the following will also be available:

• Social, Personal and Health Education;
• Civic, Social and Political Education;
• Education and Social Disadvantage;
• Intercultural Education;
• Drama in Education;
• Development Education.

Courses in pedagogy of teaching subjects are offered in the following school subjects:

• Business Studies;
• English;
• Geography;
• History;
• Irish;
• Mathematics;
• Modern Languages;
• Music;
• Religious Education and Science.

The purpose of the courses in pedagogy is to introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching as a subject. Teaching in each subject is shared by a team of full-time members of the School and part-time staff, some of whom are also practising teachers, and one of whom will coordinate each subject.

Each pedagogy team aims, in its own way, to develop in students:

• the ability to reflect on and evaluate their own practice;
• a working knowledge of relevant research into pupils´ learning and an appreciation of the importance of pupils being actively engaged in their own learning;
• an appreciation of the importance of developing positive relationships with pupils, based on principles of equity and inclusiveness;
• a rigorous approach to planning, combined with the ability to make considered choices from a range of teaching methods and resources;
• a knowledge of the content of their subject[s] as required for the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate examination syllabi.

Students must choose two pedagogy subjects.

The first or major subject should be whatever was indicated on your application form: the subject that you intend to teach full-time when your studies are complete. You will have been interviewed by the panel for this subject.

The second (minor) subject should be chosen from a range of possible subjects that do not clash with your major on the timetable. The minor pedagogy course will not be assessed and you will not be supervised if you teach that subject. Science and Modern Languages count as double pedagogy subjects.

Majors in these subjects do not have to choose a minor pedagogy programme. However, students taking either of these subjects as MINOR must also have a major.

Students are required to be present in their Teaching Practice School on Monday mornings, and on Thursdays and Fridays. Students must teach a minimum number of classes in their major subject during these times