Welcome to tonight's #edchatie discussion.
As usual, please introduce yourself before we begin discussing the topic.
Remember to include the hashtag #edchatie in all of your tweets too for the next hour.
Ok - so, let's get started with tonight's #edchatie discussion topic on "Do we have initiative overload? Is it time to reflect on all of the changes before we implement more?"
Of course, but the real question is how do we manage it? There are some wonderful initiatives out there, but many others that don't quite hit the mark #edchatie
#edchatie they're already referring to it as Senior cycle rather than Leaving cert online/jct/dept etc so reform isn't coming down the line its already in motion imo
Pat, teaching in Tipp. Yes, there are. I think the hope is each initiative would compliment each other. Change is a slow process though, and requires a social construct to evolve so space and time are required rather than further, or even too many initiatives! #edchatie
#Edchatie introductions: Liam Guilfoyle, researcher of the educational variety, background in post-primary science education. Curious to hear teachers' perspectives on 'initiative overload' across all subjects/levels. Does engaging with research(ers) help or hinder the overload?
#edchatie yes we have initative overload imo
yes we need to reflect before bringing in more
I've worked in a lot of schools over the yrs and everyone is scrambling like we're on a hamster wheel and we seem to do a little of a lot BUT to the detriment of basics. 1/2
Hi! Ciara here from @rathudotie - I think this is an interesting topic - having seen first hand overload of initiatives cause huge teaching crisis in UK, I would be worried about going down the same road. Also roll-out for support for teachers is ridiculously slow #edchatie
why with so many initatives are basic skills so lacking? I do think through no fault of their own the primary sector have seen this - too many initatives and not enough time for basics. What was so wrong with the 3 R's? 2/2 #edchatie
#edchatie The way I look at it.. I would rather be a student now with all the initiatives then without. It opens up so many more possibilities. As I said already the pace of change seems rapid now but we are coming from a somewhat standing start.
Along with many of my colleagues, I’m worried about the common level terminal JC exam in MFL which we still don’t know the composition of. I know that Business teachers haven’t been very impressed with sample papers released recently online. #edchatie
I would interpret the topic in both ways, & even a third somewhere in the middle - intiatives that filter out from third parties (e.g. teachers involved in pedagogical research and development etc.) - 'Initatives' in their own right, but not government or school driven. #edchatie
For example, I was doing some work on SSE and the lack of good resources being shared to help teaching make sense of it is crazy! More guidance and resources sharing needed #edchatie
Completely agree - it is great for students and should be great for students. But for students to thrive, their teachers need to thrive. Being overloaded with severe lack of guidance on said initiatives is not going to help anyone! #edchatie
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Just at the halfway point in tonight's #edchatie discussion, which is all about "Do we have initiative overload? Is it time to reflect on all of the changes before we implement more?"
What are your thoughts? Join in
I think many initiatives are created to fulfill course requirements on leadership programs. some are great, they manage to streamline processes others not so effective, but all increase workload, so we should be more discerning when selecting what we run with #edchatie
I saw that business paper and wasn't impressed! No incentive that I could see to drive on a traditional higher level student & the very defined spaces for answers is extremely restrictive. I cannot see how this gives a student a foundation of understanding going forward #edchatie
And when seeking further clarification or asking probing questions on the new JCT at cluster days or subject association conferences, teachers are often being seen as being awkward, combative or adverse to change (or all three!) #edchatie
Reform commenced five years ago and the first exams were last year. Many subjects only coming on steam or yet to come. I wouldn't consider that extremely quick. #edchatie
AfL is being pushed to schools via WSE but no training being provided for teachers learn how to do it effectively.
In fact, the opposite, folders are being encouraged - not AfL and increases workload.
Mismanagement of initiatives. #edchatie
but that delay was only largely caused by union disruption & asti teachers not engaging with initial roll out. Nothing to do with a dept policy to ease into it #edchatie
In reply to
@conpower, @TrionaIrl, @ciaraquill, @fboss
I think we need to look at the load on each school of all of the initiatives and review the cost in time ie if we invest time trying to improve differentiation in each classroom then what else is not getting done? #edchatie
For the #edchatie discussion...we could end up in a situation the UK has found itself in in years gone by with all the initiatives being promoted. We must be careful
If common sense like this continues I may even consider reversing my decision to leave the profession! (All those pointlessly wasted hours because of witless fads though....)
Did you know that the DES spends 4 times more on administration than it does on teacher training?
If they invested more, like paid for subs so staff could go on training/collaborate/observe lessons as one example.
#edchatie
#edchatie I think reforming the Leaving Cert is too important to put on the long finger until JC reform has had significant reflection time. At the very least the CAO / Admissions system needs to be reformed to take a holistic approach.
#edchatie Some obvious things - computerise to reduce admin (paper forms still processed for expenses / cover etc). More use of flexible learning options like MOOCs and Webinars.
Digitise exam marking - as a UK examiner it was always online - therefore teachers did not have to re-mark to fit the bell curve - grade boundaries could be changed on the system.
Computer says no! :) #edchatie
Looking to speak to teachers and students about the costs involved in teacher training programmes from post grad fees to resources etc and the length of time it takes to qualify - for an article. #edchatie#journorequest
Claire secondary school swords. Definitely have initiative overload, however it was way overdue in my opinion. Loving the freedom of the new JC Sci syallbus. Really looking forward to the overhaul of the LC Chem! It's about time practical skills were assessed too #edchatie
Some people find it difficult to be honest about new initiatives as they fear offending those in power. I'm not against change at all and have promoted new initiatives myself but strongly feel the need for a moment of reflection and constructive criticism. #edchatie
Really feel LC Chem is in need of a serious overhaul syllabus only changed in 2002 & already some of it is outdated. I worked in pharma before teaching & it was frightening to see PhD students unable to complete basic lab skills. Practical assessment is well overdue #edchatie
#edchatie No teacher would argue with that one. It was crazy to do this at the same time as paying lip service to wellbeing and mental health issues in schools.
We're into the famous final five minutes of tonight's #edchatie discussion on "Do we have initiative overload? Is it time to reflect on all of the changes before we implement more?"
Any last thoughts, solutions, challenges, ideas?
#edchatie I think a stronger culture of collaboration at all levels between teachers, schools, support organisations etc will help ease the burden. There are great examples of this around but still many places where collaboration is not utilised.
