Leagan Gaeilge   Text Version   Display: Zoom (-) (+)   View ( Normal High contrast ) Printer Friendly  A to Z  Sitemap

news and events 2012 - 2013

Coláiste Éinde: St. Enda's Secondary School Galway: Transition Year ICT/Computer Animation Workshop

May 2013


The Transition Year students from Coláiste Éinde: St. Enda's Secondary School Galway participated in an ICT workshop in the School of Education, NUI Galway. The workshop focused on computer animation technology, and the students developed their own creative stop-frame animations on the Apple iMacs in the School's Apple Suite. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Tony Hall, Dr. Mary Fleming, Head of School and Director of Teacher Education and the PDE, Mr. Jim Lenaghan and Ms. Eilís Flanagan, School of Education, and Mr. Dan Fahey (PGDE alumnus) and Mr. Declan Benet, Coláiste Éinde: St. Enda's Secondary School.

Final Formal lecture for professional diploma in education, class of 2012 - 2013

May 2013

The Professional Diploma in Education, Class of 2012 - 2013, complete their last day of formal lectures in the School of Education, NUI Galway.

last day on campus for students on postgraduate diploma in special educational needs programme 2012 - 2013

May 2013

Students on the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs programme 2012 - 2013, complete their last day on campus in the School of Education NUI Galway.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs is provided by the School of Education, NUI, Galway, and supported by the Department of Education and Skills.  It is a recognised postgraduate qualification for all support teachers working in the area of special educational needs and learning support in mainstream primary and post primary schools and for teachers in special classes, special schools/units and other relevant educational settings.  The qualification also provides a foundation to enable participants to progress to further academic study, specifically, the Master of Educational Studies (MEd) programme at NUI, Galway.

Further information may be obtained by emailing Dr Pat Eaton, Programme Director patricia.eatonnuigalway.ie  or Andrea Higgins, Deputy Programme Director andrea.higginsnuigalway.ie

women in mathematics day, ireland - 4th annual conference

April 2013

The Women in Mathematics Day took place on the 30th April  2013 and was hosted in the School of Education, NUI Galway, in conjunction with the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL, UL) and the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI, UL). Sessions included presentations and posters by women active in mathematics, mathematics education and industry, at a variety of career stages.

The aim of this event was to bring together those passionate about mathematics and to demonstrate the variety of opportunities available to those engaged in mathematics/mathematics education.  The event provided an opportunity to hear some inspirational talks and to informally chat to others at different career stages.  While this was an occasion particularly for women active in mathematics to get together, men were certainly not excluded from the event.

Dr Terry Maguire (IT Tallaght) giving a keynote presentation entitled 'Developing Maths Eyes and Ears'

Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin (TCD) participating in the 'Threesis Competition'.

Ciara Lane (UCC) participating in the 'Threesis Competition'.

For further information please email maire.niriordainnuigalway.ie or click on the link to the WIMDI 2013 Programme Structure.

Founder of coderdojo visits presentation COLLEGE ATHENRY AND THE SCHOOL'S DOJO DEVELOPED BY NUIG PDE STUDENT

April 2013

On Friday 19th April, Mr. James Whelton, co-founder of CoderDojo visited the Presentation College Athenry's CoderDojo.

Pictured at the event (l-r): Ms. Anne Monaghan, Deputy Principal, Presentation College Athenry, Ms. Elaine Carroll, NUIG PDE student and organiser of the school's Dojo, Mr. James Whelton, co-founder of CoderDojo, Mr. Gerry Doherty, Principal, Presentation College Athenry, Ms. Andrea Higgins, School of Education and partner school coordinator for Presentation College Athenry, Dr. Tony Hall, School of Education. (Missing from picture: Ms. Maria Silke, School of Education, NUIG).

CoderDojo is a network of computer clubs all over the world, where young people can attend to learn computer programming in a fun and creative environment. Mr. Whelton spoke to students, staff and invited guests about his inspirational life and achievements, and how he founded CoderDojo, which has grown to become a global computing phenomenon.  There are now CoderDojos in at least 22 countries across the world, helping young people in Ireland and beyond to learn how to program computers, using a range of programming frameworks and tools, including HTML and Scratch.

Ms. Elaine Carroll, an NUIG PDE student who is completing her teaching practice in the Presentation College Athenry, started and now manages the CoderDojo in the school.  The Presentation College Athenry is one of the School of Education's partner schools in NUIG's partnership programme with post-primary schools.  

For further information about CoderDojo, click on: http://coderdojo.com/ .      

applications invited for maSTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAMME 2013 - 2015

April 2013

The School of Education, NUI Galway invites applications for its Master of Education (MEd) programme.   The closing date for receipt of applications has now been extended to 31st May 2013.

Please see the attached flyer for further information.

school of education third annual research seminar

April 2013

Dr Elaine Keane, Master of Education Programme Director, welcomes everyone to the School of Education's third Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar event.  

Researchers and educators participating in the Postgraduate Research Seminar.

The School of Education, NUI Galway hosted its third annual Postgraduate Research Seminar.  It was open to staff, researchers and members of the wider educational community and is an important event in the School's calender.  The seminar was part of the School's annual Research Seminar Series, the purpose of which is to highlight research activity in the School, and to provide a forum for discussion with respect to the research-educational practice link.

This annual seminar consisted of a number of parallel sessions, during which our PhD and MLitt students, and some our MEd graduates, presented on their current or recent educational research.

Research papers included reflections on specific methodologies employed, including participatory action research.  The audience includeed current MEd students, School of Education staff, and other people involved in education.

For a full list of presentation topics please click here.  

Further information can be obtained from Dr Elaine Keane, Programme Director Master of Education elaine.keanenuigalway.ie

Educational technology tutorials for students on the professional diploma in education programme

April 2013

Postgraduate Diploma in Education students discuss their Educational Technology assignments with their tutor, Ms Bonnie Long. 

The School of Education, NUI Galway, provide their Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) students with a comprehensive series of tutorials in Educational Technology.  These include amongst others, using technology to create resources for their own classrooms, classes on Digital Storytelling, WebQuests, creating presentations with Prezi and using the interactive whiteboard (IWB). 

new blended learning programme for further education teachers

April 2013

The Open Learning Centre (Adult and Continuing Education) has been granted accreditation by the Teaching Council of Ireland for its Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education).  NUI Galway was the first third level institution in Ireland to be granted such accreditation for the Further Education sector.  The programme, run in consultation with the School of Education, NUI Galway, is a two-year blended learning programme specifically developed to provide professional qualifications to persons who wish to register with the Teaching Council as Further Education teachers.

 

The photograph shows the first cohort of students with Dr. Anne Walsh, Academic Co-ordinator of the Open Learning Centre, Dr. Mary Fleming, Head of School of Education, Dr. Brenda Gallagher, Agnes Mangan and Dr. Marie Morrissey, Programme Tutors, and Jim Lenaghan, School of Education.

Apple distinguished educator class of 2013 awarded to staff member of school of education, nui galway

April 2013

     

The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Programme began in 1994, when Apple recognised K-12 and higher education pioneers who are using a variety of Apple products to transform teaching and learning in powerful ways.  Today it has grown into a worldwide community of over 2,000 visionary educators and innovative leaders who are doing amazing things with technology in and out of the classroom.  Apple is pleased to welcome Seán Ó Grádaigh, School of Education, NUI Galway to the ADE Class of 2013.

To view Seán's ADE application video, please click on the following link: https://vimeo.com/55114944 

This is a double triumph for Seán, as he was also recently awarded certification as an Apple Professional Development (APD) facilitator. 

Apple Distinguished Educators (ADEs) are part of a global community of education leaders recognised for doing amazing things with Apple technology in and out of the classroom.  They explore new ideas, seek new paths, and embrace new opportunities. That includes working with each other — and with Apple — to bring the freshest, most innovative ideas to students everywhere.

ADEs advise Apple on integrating technology into learning environments — and share their expertise with other educators and policy makers.  They author original content about their work.  They advocate the use of Apple products that help engage students in new ways.  And they are ambassadors of innovation, participating in and presenting at education events around the world.  Being part of the ADE community is much more than an honour — it’s an opportunity to make a difference.

Learn more about this group of innovative educators online at http://www.apple.com/education/ade

mathematics and education 2nd annual research symposium

March 2013

   

Photo shows Final year BA in Mathematics and Education students, class of 2013

  

Photo shows students with Prof Bob Cunningham (front row on left) and staff from the School of Education and School of Mathematics, NUI Galway.

Final year students on the BA in Mathematics and Education programme in the School of Education, NUI Galway and the School of Mathematics, NUI Galway, recently held the Mathematics and Education 2^nd Annual Research Symposium.

This successful one-day symposium was organised and developed by the students themselves.  Prof Bob Cunningham, Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the College of New Jersey, USA delivered the keynote address and the symposium also included a maths carnival, a presentation of research papers and a display of mathematics posters.

 

For further information please click here  

micléinn an dgo ag cruthú cheachtanna digiteacha ilmheánacha!

March 2013

Tá ceachtanna idirghníomhacha, ilmheánacha as Gaeilge cruthaithe ag mic léinn an Dioplóma Iarchéime san Oideachas (DIO) ag baint úsáid as bogearra Matchware Mediator faoi stiúir Seán Ó Grádaigh.  Cruthaithe ag micléinn an DIO, urraithe ag COGG (Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta), is áis iontach iad seo do scoláirí agus do mhúinteoirí ar fud na tíre.  Tugann siad deis do mhúinteoirí acmhainní digiteacha a úsáid sa seomra ranga ar bhealach atá cruthaitheach agus núálach. 

Tá siad dírithe ní hamháin ar mhúineadh na Gaeilge, ach ar theagasc ábhar éagsúil trí Ghaeilge chomh maith. Forbairt úrnua atá anseo i dtreo áiseanna a sholáthar do Earnáil Oideachais na Gaeilge.  Tá seo ag teacht le fís COGG a rinne urraíocht ar an mbogearra.

staff visit 'educa 2013' educational trainng event, helsinki, finland

March 2013

As part of a recent benchmarking trip to Finland, some of the staff from the School of Education, NUI Galway also made a visit to 'Educa 2013', an annual, national training event for educators in the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre.

 

Seán O'Grádaigh, Lecturer, Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas and Jim Lenaghan, Chief Technical Officer attending 'Educa 2013', Helsinki, Finland

While at this educational event, Seán assisted developers working on the 'Didactor' software programme, by providing a voice-over, as gaeilge, to a piece of text for use in that programme. The purpose of this software is to help teachers to monitor the progress of their students as they work through assignments.

Dioplóma gairmiúil san oideachas (dgo) students attended 'focal point' by team educational theatre company

March 2013

  

Students on the School of Education NUI Galway's Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas (DGO) programme attended the production of  'FOCAL POINT' presented by TEAM Educational Theatre Company in the Cube theatre, NUI Galway

Dráma dhátheangach 

The context of the play is that the Irish language is on life-support, and so too is its greatest scholar in this bilingual play that forces you to imagine a world without  sláinte, or any remotely similar word... A fluid melding of Irish, English and surtitles - even if you don’t speak a focal this will re-engage your passion for Ireland’s mother tongue!

Stiúrtha ag Mikel Murfi 
 • Scríofa ag Manchán Magan 
 • Cliar: Dónall Ó hÉalaí, Jody O'Neill 
 • seit agus dearadh: Sabine Dargent • TEAM Educational Theatre.

MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE: DISCIPLINARY LITERACY IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL - RESEARCH SEMINAR SERIES EVENT IN THE  SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

March 2013

L - R Dr Mary Fleming, Prof Elizabeth Birr Moje, Dr Brendan Mac Mahon

The School of Education, NUI Galway, held a Research Seminar Series (RSS) 2012-2013 event on Friday 8th March 2013.  This well attended seminar focused on Disciplinary Literacy in secondary schools in the context of the recent Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.  Challenges to developing cross curricular approaches to literacy were outlined based on findings from research in Irish schools and this event provided an opportunity to examine current approaches to Disciplinary Literacy and what can be learned from developments in the United States.  Dr Mary Fleming, Head of the School of Education, welcomed everyone to the event and then introduced both speakers.

Professor Elizabeth Birr Moje is the associate dean for research and an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the School of Education at the University of Michigan. She also serves as a faculty associate in the university’s Institute for Social Research, in Latino/a Studies, and in the Joint Program in English and Education.  She  is a leading expert on disciplinary literacy and recent co-edited books include Handbook of Reading Research, Vol. IV (2011); Reframing Sociocultural Research on Literacy: Identity, Agency and Power (2007); and Constructions of Literacy: Studies of Literacy Teaching and Learning in and out of Secondary Schools (2001).

Dr Brendan Mac Mahon, Programme Director of the Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas (DGO), School of Education, NUIG.  His talk drew on data from a research study on disciplinary literacy undertaken in secondary schools in 2010, which comprised of interviews with students, subject and support teachers, supplemented with audiovisual data captured in classrooms.  Research findings were examined in the context of actions for literacy at second level outlined in the National Strategy and in the context of wider policy change.  The talk focused specifically on the attitudes and practices of subject teachers with regard to supporting literacy in the classroom, and outlined implications for policy implementation, for initial teacher education and for practice at school level. 

presentation at computer education society of ireland conference

February 2013

 

Jim Lenaghan, Chief Technical Officer with the School of Education, NUI Galway, gave a presentation at the first evening of the Computer Education Society of Ireland's (CESI) '4.0 Back To Our Future', 40th aniversary conference held recently in Galway.  His presentation included an overview of the technology and facilities available to students in the School's, Educational Technology Centre, as well as the School's recent success with their free 'Science Hooks' iBooks for Junior Cert students.

apple IBOOKS AUTHOR SOFTWARE training FOR STUDENT TEACHERS

February 2013

Eilis Flanagan, PhD student in the School of Education, NUI Galway, provided the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) students with training on creating digital content for the iPad, using Apple's iBook Author software.

EdCo ebooks demonstrated to School of Education trainee teachers

February 2013

Sinéad Joyce, of the Educational Company of Ireland, gave a demonstration to trainee teachers of their easy to use on-line teacher resource platform in the School of Education, NUI Galway.  This offers teachers the full portfolio of Edco titles as e books.

She demonstrated the use of digital content in the classroom, and additional, curriculum-related on-line resources and discussed EdCo's online teacher resources and the future of e-learning in the classroom. 

school of education, nui galway holds development education day

February 2013

 

In the photo left to right: 

Dr Gerry Jeffers, NUI Maynooth; Dr Manuela Heinz, School of Education; Dr Brenda Gallagher, School of Education; Patsy Toland, World Wise Global School Project; Noleen Leahy, St. Wolstan's CS, Celbridge; Marie Flannery, UBUNTU Network, UL; Peadar King, KMF Productions; Dr Mary Fleming, Head of the School of Education; Tom Roche, Just Forests.

The School of Education, NUI Galway held a Development Education Day on Wednesday, 13 February 2013.

Organised with the assistance of Irish Aid and UBUNTU the event was attended by over 300 participants, including students on the Professional Diploma in Education, Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas and the BA in Mathematics and Education programmes.

Development Education is becoming an integral part of the second level syllabus in Ireland and as a consequence it is important that Initial Teacher Education programmes actively engage student teachers with development education. Development Education issues are core modules in a range of subjects at second level: Religion, Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE), History, Geography, English and Science. The Day provided attendees with some knowledge on the main emerging issues within Development Education and ideas on how to bring development issues into their classrooms.

18 expert facilitators were involved in the Day. Keynote speakers included: Dr. Diarmuid O’Donovan, NUI Galway; Mr. Son Gohy, Institute of Education, University of London; Mr. Peadar King, KMF Productions; and Mr. Patsy Toland, WorldWise Global School Programme.

This event builds on a very successful inaugural Development Education Day held last Spring. It is envisaged that such events will play a key role in integrating Development Education into Initial Teacher Education programmes in NUI Galway in the future.

Dr. Brenda Gallagher, Event Organiser, School of Education, commented: “Learning about strategies for integrating development education issues into teaching will enrich the pre-service teachers’ future practice and consequently the lives of their students”.

Dr. Mary Fleming, Head of the School of Education, commented: “This Day provided an excellent focus for our students, who, as future teachers, will be key ambassadors and promoters of justice, equality and fairness.”  

content & language integrated learning (clil) workshops for dioplóma gairmiúil san oideachas students

February 2013

An Dr. Áine Furlong (IT Phort Láirge) i mbun ceardlainne ar CLIL le múinteoirí faoi oiliúint an DGO.  Is aoi-chainteoir rialta í  Áine ar an gcúrsa agus bhí an cheardlann urraithe ag Foras na Gaeilge.

Dr. Áine Furlong (on left) from Waterford IT, facilitating a workshop in the School of Education, NUI Galway, on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) with student teachers on the Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas programme.  Áine is a regular guest-speaker on the programme and the workshop was sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge.

school of education staff contribute to new book on initial teacher education

February 2013

Re-Imagining Initial Teacher Education - Perspectives on Transformation an teideal atá ar leabhar úr a bhaineann le hOideachas Tosaigh do Mhúinteoirí  a heisíodh an mhí seo . Tá caibidil ag beirt de fhoireann Scoil an Oideachais sa leabhar , an Dr Brendan Mac Mahon agus Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir a scríobh i gcomhpháirt leis an Dr Áine Furlong (IT Phort Láirge). Cuireann an caibidil síos ar aistear atá déanta le chéile i dtaca le Gaeilge, le Nua-theangacha, agus le hOideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí. Is leabhar nuashealbhaithe, tráthúil agus luachmhar é an foilseachán seo i réimse an oideachais thosaigh do mhúinteoirí. Seolfar an leabhar go hoifigiúil ag deireadh mhí Feabhra.

Re-Imagining Initial Teacher Education  - Perspectives on Transformation - a new peer reviewed book was published this month. It includes a chapter entitled ’Irish and Modern Languages: A collaborative Journey in Initial Teacher Education’, co-authored by two members of NUIG School of Education staff, Dr Brendan Mac Mahon and Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, and Dr Áine Furlong from Waterford IT. This book is a timely and valuable addition to the field of Initial Teacher Education, and will be officially launched at the end of February.

The book is published by Liffey Press and further information can be obtained by clicking on the link below. 

http://www.theliffeypress.com/re-imagining-initial-teacher-education-perspectives-on-transformation.html

boston college professor delivers seminar on education research

February 2013

 

On Friday 8th February 2013 the School of Education, NUI Galway, hosted a seminar on educational research by Laura M. O'Dwyer, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.  

Overview of Seminar
International comparative studies in education provide educational researchers with immense opportunities for conducting secondary data analyses.  For example, data from the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) study, and the IEA’s Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) are freely available on the web.  When guided by important research questions and when done correctly, the analysis of national and international data sets can help to guide policy and practice.  During this seminar, Prof. O’Dwyer discussed the opportunities for conducting secondary data analyses using international databases, and described some of the practical, measurement, and analysis challenges in using these data sets to guide policy and practice.

application for postgraduate diploma in special education needs programme

February 2013

The School of Education, NUI Galway wishes to remind prospective students that the closing date is fast approaching for the combined Post Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education 2013/2014.

Application forms and further information are available as a circular issued from the Department of Education and Skills and posted on their website http://www.education.ie/ usually in January of the academic year prior to entry.

Please click on the link to access circular 0001/2013 for the 2013 - 14 programme.

Closing date for receipt of application forms is March 1^st, 2013.

Scoilnet awards science hooks resources page 'site of the week'

January 2013

The School of Education, NUI Galway have had their recently developed 'Science Hooks' web site awarded Scoilnet 'Site of the Week'.  The 'Science Hooks' web page was created as part of an Apple iBooks project.

 

Here are Scoilnet's reasons for selecting the site:

"Why was it chosen as site of the week?
It was chosen because:

• Hooks are highly engaging and well supported with additional contextual information
• Explanatory text is clear and promotes higher order questioning
• It provides an investigation methodology for each hook
• The scientific theory behind each hook is presented
• Guidance on how the hook can be incorporated into a lesson/lecture is available
• Associated questions, cross curricular links are featured
• Included are literacy & numeracy suggestions
• A rolling presentation containing a sumary of key words and ideas are included"

schools of Education and natural sciences nuig, work together on peer teaching and ibook development for science teachers

December 2012

 

Peer teaching laboratory session with PDE and DGO science students

The School of Education, NUI Galway, provided support for an initiative by three 4th year students from Biochemistry and Biotechnology in the School of Natural Sciences to provide novel training for Leaving Cert biology experiments.

Students Paul Abberton, Dervla Lillis and Eoin O'Toole targetted the support of new science teachers with the aim of helping them to present the obligatory Leaving Cert catalase enzyme experiments. These experiments gives second level students an important perspective on biochemistry, but can be difficult for teachers to get running with limited classroom time and facilities.

The 3 undergraduate students created high quality ’How To’ videos and integrated them into iBooks with background information and quizzes. This was supported by facilities and expertise provided by the School of Education. The students then tested the experiments and creations on a Leaving Cert class at St Endas College, Salthill with the help of teacher Ms Emma Dalton who is an NUIG Biotechnology graduate.

Finally, the undergraduate students facilitated a peer teaching laboratory session for NUI Galway Science Education students on the Professional Diploma in Education and Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas programmes who were able to see and practice the experiments first hand.

This combination of activities created a lot of interest and staff in the Schools of Education and Natural Sciences are hoping to continue the initiative. This project parallels other student-led efforts across campus, and shows how NUI Galway is building a portfolio of support and enthusiasm for the next generation of local science students.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Veronica McCauley, School of Education  veronica.mccauleynuigalway.ie  
Dr. Andrew Flaus, School of Natural Sciences  andrew.flausnuigalway.ie

scoilnet/pdst launch science hooks partner website with school of education, nui galway

November 2012

Developed by the School of Education, NUI Galway as iBooks (for the iPad), the Sci-Hooks series of  Innovative Science Resources for Second Level Teachers is now available online at http://www.sciencehooks.scoilnet.ie/. This fully bilingual website was designed and developed by Scoilnet/PDST to allow the video files and support material to be available to all teachers nationally.

The series focuses on very short (< 2min) videos that are visual and engaging, with support materials for science teachers, including literacy and numeracy guides.

higher education cpd qualification for SCHOOL OF EDUCATION STAFF

November 2012

L- R Dr Tony Hall and Dr Brendan Mac Mahon

Drs Brendan Mac Mahon and Tony Hall, School of Education, NUI Galway graduated at the recent Winter Conferring, NUI Galway with Postgraduate Certificates in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Delivered by the University's Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) the PgCert is a continuing professional development qualification for teachers at third-level, supporting the enhancement of learning, teaching and research.

INTERACTIVE WHITEboard training for School of education students

November 2012

Samantha Clewes, a teaching and learning consultant with Promethean UK & Ireland, recently gave students from the School of Education, NUI Galway an in-depth introduction to Promethean's ActivBoard interactive whiteboard and ActivInspire Professional Edition interactive software over the course of two days.  These introductory classes were supplemented by additional Educational Technology tutorials delivered by the School's Ed. Tech. team of tutors.

 

Samantha Clewes observes students from the School of Education's B.A. in Mathematics & Education programme practicing on the interactive whiteboard.

 

Professional Diploma in Education students getting instruction on how to use an interactive whiteboard before they practice using it themselves.

Masters of Education graduation 2012

November 2012

The Master of Education Graduation ceremony took place on November 23rd 2012.  24 educational professionals working in various sectors of the Irish education system graduated with a Master of Education degree at NUI Galway.  Some students from the 2011-2012 class, along with staff of the School of Education, are pictured below following their graduation. 

In the photo L to R:

Front row:  Dr. Elaine Keane (Director, MEd), Brian O'Donovan, Dr. Mary Fleming (Director of Teacher Education), Dr. Pat Eaton (Director of PDSEN), Dr. Patrick Farren (Lecturer, Modern Languages)

Second row:  Grainne Lally, Dr. Manuela Heinz (Director of Teaching Practice, PDE)

Third row:  Sandra Breathnach, Ita Corcoran

Fourth row:  Aine Ni Fhlatharta, Carmel Claffey, Ita Cunningham

Back row:  Carmel Kelly, David Daly, Sandra Noone, Kevin Sayers

nui galway create new innovative resources for science educators

November 2012

 

Photo L to R, Dr Veronica McCauley, School of Education, NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, President, NUI Galway, Dr Mary Fleming, Director of Teacher Education, NUI Galway and Seán ÓGrádaigh, School of Education, NUI Galway.

 

Dr Jim Browne, President NUI Galway with some members of the graduate teachers project team: left to Right: Martin Mc Hugh, John Byrne, Niamh Burke, Thomas Murphy and Charlene Mc Hugh.

The President, Dr James J. Browne, recently launched a series of Science iBooks (Sci - Hook Series), an innovative APPLE iBook resource for science educators (Nov 20th, 2012).  Sci-Hooks are short introductory video clips that aim to grab student attention by capturing what is interesting and engaging about a range of science topics.
 
Dr Veronica McCauley and Seán Ó Grádaigh, lecturers from the School of Education at NUI Galway, led this Science Education Research (SER) project with a design team of student science teachers from NUI Galway’s Professional Diploma in Education and Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas programmes.  A collection of over 30 Sci-Hooks were created for the Junior Science classroom. Funding from NUI Galway, An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) and Apple Ireland supported the project.
 
These Sci-Hook resources have been developed into a set of three iBooks - Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with over 10 videos and support material available in each category.  The SER Design team included Martin Mc Hugh, John Byrne, Niamh Burke, Charlene Mc Hugh, Thomas Murphy, Niamh Molloy and Corinna Byrne.  The design team created innovative videos that aim to capture novel and engaging aspects of science, and engage pupils immediately with their curious content, quirky film editing and animation fluidity.  These edgy snippets have been created in a way that allows seamless translation into other languages.  As such, a vibrant team of Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas students adapted them for dissemination throughout Irish Medium Schools nationally.

Once viral, dissemination seems to be rapid across the globe.  Prior to its launch, Sci-Hook Series had already received over 600 downloads.  They are available on iBookstores across 50 countries, with the largest market being the US with 32% of all downloads and this is expected to increase further as the Biology resources are published.

Click here for a preview:

Physics

Chemistry

An Fhisic

An Chemic

These iBook resources are free to download on your iPad through the iBookstore and are also available as videos and PDFs on iTunesU and will be made available through the Scoilnet portal early in December 2012.

phd hardiman scholarships 2013

November 2012

Please note that the National University of Ireland Galway has today (November 9th, 2012) announced the 2013 Hardiman Research Scholarship Scheme. These prestigious scholarships are fully-funded for four years.  Applications will not be accepted from current PhD students.

Further information about the scholarships is available at  http://www.nuigalway.ie/hardiman-scholarships/

launch of education matters yearbook 2012

November 14th 2012

Pictured at the launch of the Education Matters Yearbook 2012 with the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D.: Prof. James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway and Dr. Tony Hall, School of Education, NUI Galway, Editor of the Education Matters Yearbook 2012.

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D. today officially launched the Education Matters Yearbook 2012 at the offices of National University of Ireland in Dublin. Now in its sixth edition, and supported this year by NUI Galway, Education Matters Yearbook 2012 is a contemporaneous, living history of Irish education over the course of the year. Compiled and presented to complement other seminal Irish educational publications - curriculum, policy and research, the Education Matters Yearbook 2012 collects in one publication key voices and perspectives - national and international - on key policy, practice and pedagogy developments and innovations in 2012. With a foreword from the Minister for Education and Skills, it aims to provide a comprehensive compendium of all significant events, trends and debates in Irish education. This information is accompanied by review articles, commentary and analysis by leading educators, parents, students, educational organisations and the educational unions. Speaking of the launch, Minister Quinn said: “I am delighted to launch the Education Matters Yearbook 2012. This is a very worthwhile compendium of all the significant events, trends and debates in Irish education throughout the year. It covers all levels, from pre-school to 4th level, reflecting the various views and perspectives in Irish education.”

Among the notable additions to the Education Matters Yearbook this year are an article from the teaching diaspora/Irish teachers abroad; an article on the development of civic engagement at third-level; and the experience of being a student teacher completing the Professional Diploma in Education. Speaking of the launch, Dr Tony Hall of NUI Galway and Editor of Education Matters Yearbook 2012, said: " Education Matters Yearbook 2012 provides an invaluable, unified resource of information about Irish education - practice, policy and pedagogy - from across all sectors of the educational system: preschool and early childhood, primary, post-primary, the Irish language, third and fourth levels. It is a unique repertory of information and insight on Irish education."

Pictured at the launch of the Education Matters Yearbook 2012 with the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., Prof. James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway and members of the School of Education and Adult Education, NUI Galway (L-R) Dr. Mary Fleming, Director of Teacher Education, NUI Galway, Dr. Anne Walsh, Adult Education, NUI Galway, Dr. Manuela Heinz, Director of Teaching Practice, School of Education, Bonnie Long, Education Technology Tutor and Galway Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Education, Dr. Brendan Mac Mahon, Director of an Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas, School of Education, Diogo Gomes, Galway Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Education, and Dr. Tony Hall, School of Education, Editor of the Education Matters Yearbook 2012.

While retaining its familiar, easy-to-read 'look and feel', the layout of the Yearbook has been changed this year. To enhance readability and navigability further, selected news and media items are interleaved with relevant feature articles. In a time of change and challenge in Irish education, Education Matters Yearbook 2012 addresses the salient developments currently taking place in Irish education, including the growth of the early childhood education sector; patronage and pluralism in primary education; curriculum reform and literacy and numeracy at post-primary level; and the changing landscape of Irish tertiary education and research.

school of education showcases ibooks at nui galway 'explore' event

November 2012

Dr Veronica McCauley, Science Lecturer, School of Education, NUI Galway presenting on overview of the Science Hooks iBooks project to the invited audience at the launch of the Bright Ideas EXPLORE Innovation event held on campus in the Aula Maxima.

 

EXPLORE fosters on-campus innovation through student and staff collaboration, and is the first scheme of its kind in Irish higher education.
EXPLORE is a joint initiative of NUI Galway and NUI Galway Students’ Union and is supported by the Bright Ideas Initiative and the Student Projects Fund.

First graduating class of NUI Galway's BA mathematics and education specialist teaching degree in mathematics and applied mathematics

Tuesday October 23rd

Pictured following today's graduation ceremony with the President of NUI Galway, Professor James J. Browne are the first graduating class of the BA Mathematics and Education, Dr. Kevin Jennings, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics and Drs. Catherine Paolucci and Tony Hall, School of Education, NUI Galway. The BA Mathematics and Education is a four-year concurrent, specialist teaching degree in mathematics and applied mathematics, the first of its kind in the country. Graduates are fully qualified teachers, recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

The programme was introduced four years ago by NUI Galway as a response to the demonstrated need for excellent mathematics teaching in schools. Graduates are highly trained mathematicians, and are also qualified to teach applied mathematics. The programme uniquely blends modern pedagogy methods in mathematics with a concurrent teaching degree. The BA Mathematics and Education has attracted excellent students from all over Ireland, many of whom are already teaching in schools.

transition Year students bring shakespeare to life

October 2012

22 Transition Year students from St. Jarlath's College, Tuam participated in a day-long workshop using drama, new media and ICT to explore language and themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth, which is on the syllabus for examination in 2013 and 2014. Students enacted lines from the text and engaged in character analysis using ensemble and performative approaches, while developing stop-frame animations based on key scenes in the play. Pictured at the School of Education, NUI Galway are the Transition Year students from St. Jarlath's College, Brighid Cannon, Deputy Principal and English teacher, Brid Burke, Geography teacher and literacy coordinator, and Eilis Flanagan and Dr. Tony Hall, School of Education (workshop facilitators).

Visit from the University College of teacher education (UCTE)/viktor frankl hochschule, klagenfurt, Austria

October 2012  

Dr. Pia-Maria Rabensteiner and Dr. Gerhard Rabensteiner, University College of Teacher Education/Viktor Frankl Hochschule, Klagenfurt, Austria recently visited the School of Education, NUI Galway. Through the BEAM (Building European Identity through Spirit, Sense and Meaning) consortium and Erasmus Intensive Programme, the School of Education has developed collaborative research and teaching links with the UCTE/Viktor Frankl Hochschule, and with teacher education institutions throughout Europe. Dr. Pia-Maria Rabensteiner is Coordinator of BEAM, which was awarded a Lifelong Learning Award by the Austrian National Agency in 2011.



Dr. Pia-Maria Rabensteiner delivering a lecture on the pedagogy of Célestin Freinet to Year 2 BA Mathematics and Education students as part of their Philosophical Foundations of Education course.

400 maths teachers attend enrolment for Professional diploma in mathematics for teaching/dioplóma gairmiúil sa mhatamaitic don mhúinteoireacht

September 2012

400 maths teachers attended the enrolment/induction day on September 22nd at the University of Limerick for the Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching/Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht. The teachers were addressed on the day by Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD. Speaking at the event, Minister Sherlock said: "This programme is being made available nationwide free of charge at a cost of over €2 million and the response to the programme from the teaching community has been overwhelming. I salute the dedication and commitment of all those undertaking this programme of study." Pictured above at the enrolment day, with the Minister; Course Director, Prof. John O'Donoghue; mathematics educators and colleagues from the NCE-MSTL and mathematics and education departments, University of Limerick, were: An tOllamh Nollaig MacCongáil, Registrar and Deputy-President, NUIG; Prof. Tom Sherry, Dean of Science, NUIG; Prof. Graham Ellis, Professor of Mathematics, NUIG, and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, NUIG; and Drs. Catherine Paolucci, Máire Ní Ríordáin and Tony Hall, School of Education, NUIG. Delivered by a national consortium of higher education institutions, the bilingual, continuing professional development programme for 'out-of-field' maths teachers was developed by a joint NUIG-UL team. The Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching/Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht is accredited by both institutions through the NUIG-UL Strategic Alliance.

gafa le mata!
dioplóma gairmiúil sa mhatamaitic don mhúinteoireacht

September 2012

 

L - R  Dr Aisling McCluskey, Lecturer, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics and Dr Máire Ní Ríordáin, Lecturer (Fixed Term), School of Education, NUI Galway. 

Is cúrsa páirtaimseartha iarchéime dhá bhliain é an Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhuinteoireacht. Aithiníotar go bhfuil cáilíocht múinteoireachta ag na rannpháirtí agus mar sin tá an Dioplóma ag diriú ar feabhas a chur ar a gcuid eolais matamaitice agus oideolaíochta.  Is ann don chúrsa le cinntiú go mbeidh ar chumas muinteoirí déileáil le riachtanais chasta agus iomadúla oideachais matamaitice daltaí meánscoile. Is cúrsa nasctha é idir Scoil an Oideachais agus Scoil na Matamaitice, na Staistice agus na Matamaitice Feidhmí, OÉ Gaillimh, i bpáirt leis an NCE-MSTL, Ollscoil Luimnigh. Is é an Roinn Oideachais an foinse cistiúcháin don gcúrsa.

ceardlann drámaíochta agus gaeilge

September 2012

    

Participants in the recent workshop showing off their dramatic skills.  Photos by William Wall 

A drama workshop with Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, Lecturer, Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas, Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ, Gaillimh and supported by the Association for Drama in Education in Ireland (ADEI), was held in The CUBE, Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway on Dé Sathairn 22 Meán Fómhair last.

Sinéad demonstrated ways of topping up the teacher's tool kit of techniques for language teaching and learning with drama strategies, inspiring techniques - and plenty of fun!  Concentrating on the Irish syllabus, but useful for all language teaching, and transferable across the curriculum, it was a bilingual, practical workshop where teachers could participate in active, innovative, inspiring activities to bring with them and use in their own classes.

For further information contact: Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir, Scoil an Oideachais, OÉ, Gaillimh  sineadnighuidhirnuigalway.ie         

Ó Fhocal go focal - recent publication in the school of Education

September 2012

Dolores Stewart; Ó Fhocal go Focal, Coiscéim, 2012

More than a dictionary, this all-Irish phrasebook - with a focus on context - goes beyond mere definition to show the way in which a word is used.  Grammar is, consequently, an integral part of the word patterns reproduced here and is designed to be acquired easily, by sight. 

More than a thesaurus, Ó Fhocal go Focal  pushes the  boundaries of language beyond stock expression in providing a range of alternative phrases as proof that there is always another way to say the same thing.  An invaluable learning aid both in terms of language structure and of composition, 

Ó Fhocal go Focal is grant-aided by the National University of Ireland, Galway.

For further information contact: Dolores Stewart, School of Education, NUI Galway dolores.stewartnuigalway.ie      

Confronting schools and social inequality: policy, practices and pedagogies with professor bob lingard, university of queensland

September 2012

L to R.  Prof. Chris Curtin, Head of the School of Education, Prof. Bob Lingard, University of Queensland & Dr Mary Fleming, Director of Teacher Education.

The School of Education, NUI Galway held its first Research Seminar Series (RSS) event of the new academic year on Friday 7th September 2012.

The presentation, delivered by Professor Bob Lingard, considered the necessary and multiple ways of addressing the pressing political and policy issue of inequalities in schooling.  Teachers 'leading learning' and improving schooling through classroom pedagogies aligned with broad curriculum goals and educative assessment is the primary focus. He concluded his presentation with some recommendations for educational and broader policy developments set against global developments.

Professor Bob Lingard is currently a Professorial Research Fellow in the School of Education at the University of Queensland and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. Bob has an international research reputation in the areas of sociology of education and education policy and has published widely in these fields. His most recent books include: Globalizing Education Policy (Routledge, 2010), co-authored with Fazal Rizvi, Changing Schools (Routledge, 2012), co-edited with Pat Thomson and Terry Wrigley and Educating Boys: beyond structural reform (Palgrave, 2009), co-authored with Wayne Martino and Martin Mills. Routledge will publish his selected works in 2012.  

    

• Disclaimer
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Accessibility