Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 14/12/2011. Tags: Secondary School News
A review of secondary schools in Ireland has identified a number of areas in which the quality of the education system can be improved.
The Improving Second-Level Education: Using Evidence for Policy Development
report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) highlighted three key areas where the country could do better.
This includes moving away from grouping classes by ability, which it stated harms individuals' development across the board.
It was also emphasised that an active teaching method focused on engaging students in discussion rather than delivering passive instructions results in better performance, as does improving day-to-day interaction between staff and pupils, which can help cut misbehaviour.
Author of the study Dr Emer Smyth said: "In the current climate, it is important that schools know they can make a crucial difference to the educational development of their students."
It is vital there is a focus on teacher training throughout educators' careers in order to promote a positive atmosphere and engage students in classes, the report stated.
Earlier this year, a study by the ESRI found a focus on instructing students in how to pass their exams has led to a narrow range of learning experiences at Leaving Certificate level.
Written by Donal Walsh
Comments
DebMcMahon
(14-12-2011 18:45)
yeah mixed ability is great for the children at the lower to middle end ability but unless they are going to cluster the advanced children mixed ability doesn't work for the gifted child and they are usually used as tutors in their own classrooms which is already happening in primary schools.