More emphasis is to be placed on training primary and secondary school teachers in pedagogical skills so they can help pupils to "shine".

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn told the Irish Times more needs to be done to "empower teachers to be better at what they're doing".

In order to do this, both primary and secondary teaching degrees will be extended by one year so more intensive training can be given on pedagogical skills.

Mr Quinn claimed secondary-school teachers perform poorer in this area, as they are more focused on how to lecture on subjects, rather than educate children.

This reform is just one of a number of key changes the Minister wants to introduce to improve teaching methods.

Another suggestion was an educational passport which measures a child's progress at fixed stages and will be made available to parents.

Pedagogy is the art of imparting knowledge and skill to youngsters in a creative learning environment.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments