2. The learning Experience of a 5th/6th Class Student in the Primary School setting
Barbara O’Brien

3. Objectives of the Session
To provide an overview of the learning experiences of 5th and 6th class pupils in the primary school setting
To provide an overview of the teaching methodologies of the Primary school Curriculum
To explore the three core subject area’s, english, irish and maths.

4. Primary Curriculum Principles
Broad and balanced curriculum
equip children with the knowledge and skills that will serve them later as adults
environment based learning
child is an active agent in their own learning
language is central in the learning process.

5. Curriculum Subjects

6. Teaching Methodologies
Talk and discussion
active Learning
guided discovery
hands-on approach
collaborative learning
problem solving
skills through content
use of the environment

7. Gaeilge
The emphasis in the junior years is on developing understanding and listening skills
In the middle and senior classes, the programme is extended and the emphasis is on pupils’ receptive and expressive language skills
These are developed through all 4 strands

8. Gaeilge
éisteacht
labhairt
léitheoireacht
Scríobhnoireacht.

9. Gaeilge Teachers use a variety of approaches
communicative, task-based approach to language learning
emphasis on enjoyment and on using the language in games, tasks, role-play, sketches and drama
children are encouraged to speak the language in real- life contexts and situations.

10. English The content is presented in the four strands at each level:
Receptiveness to language
Competence and Confidence in using language
Develop cognitive abilities through language
Emotional and Imaginative development through language

11. English
oral language
reading
writing.

12. English
Oral language is central to the development of the child’s general language ability
children’s reading encompasses a wide variety of text
children write for different audiences, purposes and in a variety of genres.

13. English
The curriculum identifies the importance of language in the learning process.
The development of oral language is given an importance as great as that of reading and writing at every level in the curriculum.

14. What do we teach? Explicitly teach reading skills
Explicitly teach comprehension skills
Where possible link reading, writing and oral language
Oral language is an essential component of every lesson and must be explicitly taught

15. How do we teach reading? Teacher read aloud Modelled reading
Language experience approach
Shared reading
Guided reading
Independent reading

16. Mathematics The mathematics curriculum identifies:
mathematical skills to be developed
content for children’ learning
Discussion, hands-on experience and active learning are encouraged as well as the development of mathematical language to share ideas and thinking.

17. Mathematics to develop a positive attitude towards maths
to develop problem solving abilities
to develop mathematical language
to enable the child to acquire an understanding of mathematical concepts and processes appropriate to their level of development and ability.

18. Mathematics
Strands
Number
Shape and Space
Measures
Data
algebra

19. Developing Mathematical Skills
Applying & Problem-Solving
Communicating & Expressing
Integrating & Connecting
Reasoning
Implementing
Understanding & Recalling
(PSMC:1999: 68)

20. Numeracy: The Big Picture
Specific Competencies
Key Skills
Teaching Strategies
Wider Primary Curriculum

21. Good practice in mathematics teaching involves....
Activity based learning
Clear use of mathematical language
Fundamental maths skills and knowledge
A problem solving approach

22. Discussion Teacher/Pupil Pupil/Pupil
Support and challenge the discussion
What do you think?
How did you do it?
Talk me through it.
Is there another way that you could do it?
Pupils discuss each others approaches/strategies

23. Supporting and Developing Mathematical Thinking
Pupil self-reflection
Teacher as Facilitator
Child-centred
Eliciting
Supporting
Extending
Language-based
Revoicing
Higher-order skills
Teacher not sole validator of mathematical knowledge -
Strategy-sharing

24. Available at www.pdst.ie - Mathematics
Teachers’ Manuals
Available at - Mathematics

25. Concrete – Pictorial - Abstract
Differentiation
Learning Trajectory

26. Overview of PDST Primary Supports for Leading Learning in the 21st Century
PDST Leadership Programmes
Misneach.....New Principals
Tánaiste New Deputy Principals
Tóraíocht.....Aspiring Leaders accredited by
Maynooth University
Forbairt Experienced Principals & ALNs
Spreagadh...NAPD & PDST collaboration
PDST Websites
pdsttechnologyineducation.ie
scoilnet.ie (portal for resources)
teachercpd.ie (on-line courses)
School-Self Evaluation
Teaching & Learning Framework; 6 Step SSE Process; gathering, collating & analysing relevant data; implementing the SIP for
literacy, numeracy and any other area of teaching & learning.
Literacy
SSE & strategies for improving
oral language, writing, reading and the use of broadcast /digital media.
Numeracy
SSE & strategies for improving numeracy. Supporting the development of Mathematical thinking.
Gaeilge
Tacaíocht chun Curaclam na Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm i Scoileanna T1&T2, Féinmheastóireacht Scoile, chomh maith le tacaíocht lán Ghaeilge a sholáthar do Ghaelscoileanna agus scoileanna sa Ghaeltacht.
Hide for post-primary seminars
Integrating ICT - Primary
Active Learning Methodologies- Key methodologies of the primary curriculum through the effective use of ICT.
Literacy & Numeracy – Creating, developing and using ICT to create teaching resources in all areas of primary literacy and numeracy.
SSE – Online tools for gathering, collating & analysing relevant data.
eAssessment & ePortfolios – Assessment of / for learning with ICT.
ePlanning & Collaboration – Google Apps for Education.
Tablet Technology Integration – Pedagogy, Curriculum & SEN
Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) – Google Classroom, Edmodo
Health and Wellbeing
SPHE including Child Protection and Stay Safe
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
Active Learning Methodologies
Anti Bullying-Procedures and Policy, Awareness Raising, Intervention, Prevention and Intervention Strategies PE
Wellbeing for teachers
Models of support:in-school support (in-class modeling, meeting principal/groups of teachers, Croke Park hrs), seminars, workshops, clusters