Cúrsaí Samhraidh 2015 Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál Summer course information April 2015 1
Cúrsaí samhraidh 2015 Click on the course title to read about the course ONSITE COURSES (1-7 JULY)... 3 1. Technology and Learning with LEGO Education... 3 2. Gaeilge: saibhreas agus cruinneas do mhúinteoirí... 3 3. Exploring local history... 4 4. Interactive white boards in the primary school... 5 5. Balanced integrated literacy instruction in middle and senior classes.. 5 6. Gaelic Games in the primary school: advanced course... 6 7. Teaching Science using children s literature... 7 8. SPHE in the context of a health promoting school... 7 BLENDED COURSES... 8 9. Gaelic games in the primary school: a cross-curricular approach (blended)... 8 ONLINE COURSES (1-15 JULY)... 9 10. Exploring Development and intercultural Education thoughout the Primary Curriculum... 9 11. Building Bridges of Understanding, a strategic approach to children s comprehension development.. 9 12. Supporting children s early literacy development... 10 13. Balanced integrated literacy instruction in middle and senior classes... 11 14. Learning's the business: entrepreneurship in senior primary classes... 11 15. Online tools for the primary classroom... 12 2
ONSITE COURSES (1-7 JULY) 1. Technology and Learning with LEGO Education Presenter Mr. Rory McGann MIC Date 1 5 July 2015 Fee 20 Technology and Learning with LEGO Education is aimed at teachers interested in equipping themselves with the skills required to effectively use technology, robotics and a variety of methodologies to support teaching and learning in areas of literacy, numeracy and STeM. Throughout the course, participants will engage in a variety of student-lead, teacher-led and practice-based learning opportunities, working both in an individual and group capacity, to explore theoretical and practical underpinnings of technology, creativity and play using LEGO in education. Participants will - Develop basic skills in the LEGO education robotics to promote literacy, numeracy and STeM Build and program robots using LEGO bricks and a simple, icon-based, drag-anddrop software Explore the use of LEGO WeDo kits to support teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on Science, Technology and Maths Engage in SSE process to critically evaluate the potential of hands-on learning to stimulate pupil engagement and improve the quality of learning Develop new classroom techniques for the use of technology in teaching and learning Extend opportunities to problem solve by experimenting collaboratively and creatively with technology and LEGO WeDo Think creatively to develop working models Think logically and create a program to produce a specific behavior 2. Gaeilge: saibhreas agus cruinneas do mhúinteoirí Láithreoir Niamh Ní Cheannabháin Ionad Coláiste Mhuire Gan Smál Dáta 1 7 July 2015 Táille 50 3
Braitheann cumas múinte Gaeilge go mór ar chaighdeán Gaeilge an mhúinteora féin. Díreoidh an cúrsa seo ar chumas Gaeilge an mhúinteora a fhorbairt. Pléfear na téamaí atá ainmnithe i gcuraclam na Bunscoile, ina measc, mé féin, sa bhaile, an scoil, bia, an teilifís, siopadóireacht, caitheamh aimsire, éadaí, an aimsir agus ócáidí speisialta. Déanfar éisteacht, labhairt, léitheoireacht agus scríbhneoireacht a chíoradh ar bhealach cruthaitheach, comhtháite. Tabharfar aird faoi leith ar úsáid na teanga chun cumarsáid a dhéanamh agus chun tasc a chur i gcrích. Déanfaidh an cúrsa cumas an mhúinteora a fhorbairt sna slite seo a leanas: úsáid na Gaeilge mar ghnáth-theanga chumarsáide a chur chun cinn taitneamh a bhaint as foghlaim na Gaeilge tré bheith gníomhach inti cumas éisteachta agus labhartha an mhúinteora a fhorbairt agus a m(h)uinín chun an Ghaeilge a úsáid a chothú cumas léitheoireachta agus scríbhneoireachta an mhúinteora a chothú ag leibhéil a oireann do mhúinteoir bunscoile saibhreas agus cruinneas an mhúinteora i labhairt agus i scríobh na Gaeilge a fhorbairt Beidh an cúrsa ina chabhair mhór dóibh siúd atá ag ullmhú do Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge. Is i gcomhpháirt le hionad Oideachais Luimnigh atá an cúrsa seo á sholáthar, agus é maoinithe ag an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna. 3. Exploring local history Presenter Josephine English MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Fee 70 This course will examine the rationale for teaching History through the local environment, illustrating how Ireland s history is reflected in the story of Limerick city and county. Teachers will engage in activities which help to illuminate aspects of the broader history programme and link local history with other curricular areas. The importance of planning in delivering this aspect of the programme will be emphasised and teachers will enjoy opportunities to plan, carry out and assess studies in the classroom and on site, including: an examination of the effects of continuity and change over time in O Connell Street, Limerick; features of Georgian Limerick; life in medieval Limerick - a history trail; recreating aspects of medieval life using role-play, story games and creative writing. The course has been revised in line with schools prioritisation of literacy and numeracy, as a result of the national strategy for these areas. Suggestions will be made as to how literacy and numeracy skills may be developed and assessed through the material covered. By the end of the course, teachers will have developed their skills to enable them to plan for, and implement local history studies in their own school. 4
4. Interactive white boards in the primary school Presenter Laura Nic Eoin MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Fee 20 This course will develop teachers skills in using the Interactive White Board (IWB) to support children s learning in the Primary School Curriculum. Teachers will prepare a number of lessons during the course, thereby exploring the full potential of this resource. Teachers will have opportunities to review lessons incorporating the use of an IWB and present their lesson(s) to class colleagues on the final day of the course. The course is funded by the PDST Technology in Education (formerly NCTE). 5. Balanced integrated literacy instruction in middle and senior classes Presenter Dr Martin Gleeson and team MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Fee 70 This course examines the key elements of an effective programme of literacy development for middle/senior classes. It introduces a range of approaches to develop children s vocabulary, both formally and informally, using a variety of text genres. It draws on current research on effective instruction of comprehension strategies. There will be opportunities to consider the use of comprehension strategies and procedural prompts. It also focuses on the development of a unit of study incorporating a balanced integrated approach to literacy development. On completion of this course participants will be enabled to: Understand the principles underpinning balanced, integrated, effective literacy instruction in senior primary classes Understand the complementary nature of reading / writing instruction in facilitating children s literacy development Devise an integrated unit of work for senior classes incorporating key elements of literacy instruction such as word identification, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension and writing in a variety of genres Develop a cross curricular approach to literacy instruction Apply a range of assessment for learning approaches to identify progress in literacy acquisition and to inform future instructional decisions. 5
6. Gaelic Games in the primary school: advanced course Presenter Joe Redington, Richard Bowles and guest tutors MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Max No. 25 Fee 20 This is an advanced course in the teaching of Gaelic games as part of the Physical Education curriculum in primary schools. On successful completion of this course, participants will receive certification as a Level 1 Child Coach in hurling and Gaelic football as approved by Coaching Ireland. To enroll on the course, participants must have already completed a Foundation level coaching course. The aims of the course are: To promote the physical, social, emotional development of the child To develop teacher competencies in inclusion, management of external personnel, and general planning To examine opportunities for linkage within PE and integration with other subject areas To foster positive attitudes towards PE and school sport To develop strategies to ensure that school sport policy is in line with the aims of the PE curriculum To assist teachers in implementing a programme that is developmentally appropriate for individual children To examine the role of Gaelic games within the PE curriculum Participants will take part in a series of master workshops where they will develop their own coaching skills through peer-teaching scenarios. A range of teaching methodologies will be explored: direct teaching / guided discovery etc. Internationally recognized concepts like Games Sense, Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and Sport Education will also be addressed. The Fee and accommodation are funded by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Comhairle na Mumhan. 6
7. Teaching science using children s literature Presenter Dr Maeve Liston MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Fee No fee This science summer course will focus on fun science experiments and a wide range of activities (demonstrations, science tricks and mysteries) focusing on: Engaging children with science using science mysteries Using children's literature in science lessons Integrating maths in science activities Design and making engineering activities 8. SPHE in the context of a health promoting school Presenter Alanna O Beirne MIC Date 1 7 July 2015 Fee 20 This course provides an opportunity for teachers to consider the challenges of fully implementing the SPHE curriculum. The concept of the Health Promoting School is presented as a means for SPHE to permeate all aspects of school life. The content includes elements of the curriculum for each level at primary school. A whole school approach is advocated and SPHE methodologies and appropriate strategies and policies are discussed. Relevant resources and websites are highlighted and participants will receive an extensive range of supporting materials. Specific topics which are addressed include: Collaborative working Policy development in the context of SPHE (Cyberbullying and internet safety, Relationships and Sexuality Education, Code of Behaviour, Healthy Eating) Healthy environments (safe journeys to and from school / school gardens / playground markings) Grief education (introduction to Compassionate Communities concept and training in Zippy s Friends resource) Assessment of SPHE (evaluation practices and tools) This is a wide-ranging and interesting course which links the topics explicitly to aspects of the curriculum. SPHE s potential as a distinct subject and as an integrating force within the curriculum is emphasized. 7
BLENDED COURSES 9. Gaelic games in the primary school: a cross-curricular approach (blended) Presenter Richard Bowles, Joe Redington and tutors MIC Date 1,2,3 July onsite with two online units (4, 5 July) Maximum number 24 Fee 20 Curaclam na Bunscoile specifies that, Gaelic games should be given particular consideration as part of the games programme. This course will develop teachers basic skills through activities, enabling teachers to apply same in primary school situation. All age groups will be included. There will be a focus on pedagogical issues relating to the games strand and on developing teachers understanding and appreciation of games and PE in general. Linkage with other areas of the curriculum will be explored, as will possibilities for integration with other curricular areas. This course will enable teachers to: adopt a sequential approach to skill development in Gaelic Games promote an awareness of the importance of fundamental movement skills in all physical activity develop their skills in adapting games to ensure the appropriate participation of all children through the use of modified games. contribute to the inclusion of all children in PE activities (with regard to ability, gender, ethnicity, etc.) take account of difference within classes and developing progressive programmes throughout the school The course will pay address particular issues such as gender equity, curriculum integration and linkage within PE, and the role of Gaelic games within a healthy school environment. The course also addresses the needs of schools where coaches who are not primary teachers are employed during the school day to provide specific training in skill development. The course is funded by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Coiste Luimní. When allocating places, preference will be given to teachers who have not completed the course in previous years. 8
ONLINE COURSES (1-15 JULY) 10. Exploring Development and intercultural Education throughout the Primary Curriculum Presenter Brighid Golden Online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 90 This course will explore the use of development education (DE) and intercultural education (ICE) in the primary classroom. This course is an introduction to DE and ICE in the classroom and no prior knowledge or experience is required. The course aims to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes for teaching DE and ICE in their own classrooms and across the whole curriculum. Through this course, teachers will also learn about and develop strategies for evaluating DE and ICE practices at a whole school level. Through online articles, discussions, videos and presentations teachers will learn about social justice, human rights and other key concepts in DE and ICE. In particular, this course will focus on how DE and ICE concepts can be integrated across the primary school curriculum by exploring existing resources, methodologies and assessment strategies. To conclude, teachers will be given the opportunity to create evaluation strategies for assessing current practices in DE and ICE across their own school environments. The assessment for this course will take the form of participatory discussion forums, and the creation of schemes and assessment tools. 11. Building Bridges of Understanding a strategic approach to children s comprehension development Presenter Dr Martin Gleeson and team Online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 90 This course begins with an overview of current research on the reading process, focusing on the key elements of effective literacy instruction. It introduces key comprehension skills such as prediction, making connections, visualizing, questioning, clarifying, inferring, determining importance and summarizing. Video footage is used to model these skills with children responding using appropriate comprehension process motions. The course also focuses on Transactional Strategies Instruction (TSI) and shows how this can improve children s comprehension. Strategies examined include collaborative learning, word identification, vocabulary development, and individual response. The course also deals with the use of Assessment of Learning (AoL) and Assessment for Learning (AfL) for supporting children s learning. On successful completion of the course, teachers should be able to: 9
Understand the key elements involved in effective literacy instruction Model key comprehension skills comprehension process motions with appropriately challenging picture books Enhance children s comprehension through collaborative group work Apply a range of appropriate comprehension strategies to diverse text genres Understand the complementary nature of reading and writing instruction in supporting children s comprehension development Apply a range of assessment for learning approaches including sharing the learning intention and self-assessment Online course material includes text documents and digital video showing modelled practice and how various resources can be used to support children s comprehension development. 12. Supporting children s early literacy development Presenter Dr Martin Gleeson and team Online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 90 This course examines the phases of early literacy development and a range of approaches to support children s development for reading and writing. It includes a focus on children s vocabulary and comprehension development in the infant classroom, children s literature, and the use of Assessment for Learning approaches and Assessment of Learning approaches to support children s literacy. On completion of this course participants will be enabled to: Understand the principles underpinning balanced, integrated, effective early literacy instruction Understand the complementary nature of reading / writing instruction in facilitating children s literacy development Understand the developmental trajectory of children s early reading, writing and spelling development Devise a range of learning objectives in key areas of literacy development, such as word identification, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing for junior and senior infants Devise appropriate instruction to support the developmental needs of all children in mixed ability settings Apply a range of assessment for learning approaches to identify progress in literacy acquisition and to inform future instructional decisions. 10
13. Balanced integrated literacy instruction in middle and senior classes Presenter Dr Martin Gleeson and team Online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 90 This course examines the key elements of an effective programme of literacy development for middle/senior classes. It introduces a range of approaches to develop children s vocabulary, both formally and informally, using a variety of text genres. It draws on current research on effective instruction of comprehension strategies. Video materials will provide opportunities to observe teacher modeling and scaffolding of comprehension strategies, the use of procedural prompts. It also focuses on the development of a unit of study incorporating a balanced integrated approach to literacy development. On completion of this course participants will be enabled to: Understand the principles underpinning balanced, integrated, effective literacy instruction in senior primary classes Understand the complementary nature of reading / writing instruction in facilitating children s literacy development Devise an integrated unit of work for senior classes incorporating key elements of literacy instruction such as word identification, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension and writing in a variety of genres Develop a cross curricular approach to literacy instruction Apply a range of assessment for learning approaches to identify progress in literacy acquisition and to inform future instructional decisions. 14. Learning's the business: entrepreneurship in senior primary classes Presenter Eucharia McCarthy and David O Grady online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 20 This course is designed for fifth and sixth class teachers and school principals who are interested in entrepreneurship education. The course aims to enable teachers and principals to develop an understanding of entrepreneurship education and its place within the Primary Curriculum. It seeks to strengthen teachers capacity to incorporate entrepreneurship education effectively into their teaching. This online course will address the different aspects of setting up an entrepreneurship education programme in senior classes and learning how to 11
implement the curriculum through this project-based approach. In particular, the course highlights how many strands of the Primary Curriculum in Literacy, Mathematics and SPHE can be implemented through entrepreneurship education activities. Participating teachers will be introduced to a range of cooperative learning, collaborative learning and problem solving methodologies which promote independent, creative and critical thinking amongst primary pupils. Most importantly, this course highlights how entrepreneurship education instils fun and enjoyment into teaching and learning in senior classes. This course would be advantageous for teachers who are interested in participating in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme in 2014-2015, if it is available in their area. 15. Online tools for the primary classroom Presenter Brendan Barry online Date 1 15 July 2015 Fee 50 This course seeks to show teachers how the Internet has dramatically transformed from being merely a place to locate text, image, sound and video files to a place that allows children to create their own written work, their own pictures, as well their own sound, music, video and other files. A wide variety of free, versatile and child-friendly online tools will be explored: Free online writing tools, including online word processors, creative writing support tools, text effect generators, word cloud makers, story creators, collaborative writing tools, text-to-speech programs and online publishing platforms. Free online image creation and editing tools, including panorama and collage makers, screen capture tools, comic makers, special effects generators, avatar makers, and both 2D and 3D sketching tools. Other free online multimedia creation tools, such as sound creation and editing tools, video editing tools, animation makers, screen recorders and presentation programs. Free online utilities for creating educational artifacts such as timelines, maps, quizzes, etc. as well as useful tools for file conversion, storage, sharing and transfer. All tools will be explored specifically in the context of how they can be used by children for maximum educational value. 12