General Chit Chat Thread

DJL292

Hi Guys,

I would really appreciate if any Mary I student past or present can give me their honest perspective on the differences (positives/negatives) in doing a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching opposed to a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching.

After completing a degree that I no longer have a passion for (Accounting/Finance 2:2) I am seriously considering in applying for either of these two options.

However, I am slightly sceptical of the Grad Dip, as Im worried that on completion, would a perspective employer/Principal treat me with the same academic standard as a B.Ed?

Also, would I as a Grad. Dip student have the same post graduate opportunities as a B.Ed graduate?

Finally, if anyone is doing the Grad Dip, I would really appreciate advise on its course structure and subjects?


Le Meas!

dambarude

Just to preface what I say, I don't know if you've been reading posts on the Teaching & Lecturing forum, or www.educationposts.ie, but the teaching market is pretty flooded at the moment.

Putting all of that aside, as far as I know the same opportunities in education postgrads apply to you after doing the grad dip. As regards the recognition of the course, you won't get any one answer. I have heard that the B.Ed is preferred, but I've also heard the opposite. A lot of principals would appreciate the fact that you've a bit more experience than somebody who has gone straight from the LC into the B.Ed.

The post grad is very intensive, with a lot of subjects being crapped together, as well as teaching practices.

Both the postgrad and the B.Ed are to be extended in length, so personally I'd hold off on applying for either for the time being.

If you've already done a degree I don't really see the point in doing a full new degree, I'd do the postgrad.

lighthouse

DJL292 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I would really appreciate if any Mary I student past or present can give me their honest perspective on the differences (positives/negatives) in doing a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching opposed to a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching.

After completing a degree that I no longer have a passion for (Accounting/Finance 2:2) I am seriously considering in applying for either of these two options.

However, I am slightly sceptical of the Grad Dip, as Im worried that on completion, would a perspective employer/Principal treat me with the same academic standard as a B.Ed?

Also, would I as a Grad. Dip student have the same post graduate opportunities as a B.Ed graduate?

Finally, if anyone is doing the Grad Dip, I would really appreciate advise on its course structure and subjects?


Le Meas!

dambarude wrote: »

Just to preface what I say, I don't know if you've been reading posts on the Teaching & Lecturing forum, or www.educationposts.ie, but the teaching market is pretty flooded at the moment.

Putting all of that aside, as far as I know the same opportunities in education postgrads apply to you after doing the grad dip. As regards the recognition of the course, you won't get any one answer. I have heard that the B.Ed is preferred, but I've also heard the opposite. A lot of principals would appreciate the fact that you've a bit more experience than somebody who has gone straight from the LC into the B.Ed.

The post grad is very intensive, with a lot of subjects being crapped together, as well as teaching practices.

Both the postgrad and the B.Ed are to be extended in length, so personally I'd hold off on applying for either for the time being.

If you've already done a degree I don't really see the point in doing a full new degree, I'd do the postgrad.

Having recently completed the 3 year B Ed course as a mature student I'll give you my two-pence worth.
If you are interested in this course I'd advise you to apply for both. I have never heard of any disadvantages in doing the one and a half year post grad course (from a job seeking point of view).
In doing that course you get your qualification in half the time, you don't have an academic subject like the 3 year course, your TPs are of shorter duration (final TP in B Ed is 5 weeks, 2 weeks in post grad). I disagree with Dambarude in saying the post grad is very intensive. The B Ed course is much more intensive.
The problem with the post grad course is that it is extremely difficult to get into, especially now that Mary I only takes 60 students, it was 150 until recently.
Oh and as dambarude said the 3 year B Ed course is being done away with for a 4 year course, not sure when that is actually coming in though.
Hope this helps

DJL292

dambarude wrote: »

Just to preface what I say, I don't know if you've been reading posts on the Teaching & Lecturing forum, or www.educationposts.ie, but the teaching market is pretty flooded at the moment.

Putting all of that aside, as far as I know the same opportunities in education postgrads apply to you after doing the grad dip. As regards the recognition of the course, you won't get any one answer. I have heard that the B.Ed is preferred, but I've also heard the opposite. A lot of principals would appreciate the fact that you've a bit more experience than somebody who has gone straight from the LC into the B.Ed.

The post grad is very intensive, with a lot of subjects being crapped together, as well as teaching practices.

Both the postgrad and the B.Ed are to be extended in length, so personally I'd hold off on applying for either for the time being.

If you've already done a degree I don't really see the point in doing a full new degree, I'd do the postgrad.

Thanks for your reply and helpful insight.

I did read that Mary I was accredited to extend the B.Ed to 4 years, however I did not hear anything on the Grad Dip.. Could you tell me to what duration they wish to extend it until and when itll be phased in?

On the jobs point of view, I read elsewhere, that B.Ed graduates had a much higher employment record compared to secondary teachers (something of around 40% difference) although presumably most of these positions were as resourse teachers.

I would like to know the employment records of Grad Dip graduates if anyone knows of them?

Much appreciated.
Le Meas

DJL292

lighthouse wrote: »

Having recently completed the 3 year B Ed course as a mature student I'll give you my two-pence worth.
If you are interested in this course I'd advise you to apply for both. I have never heard of any disadvantages in doing the one and a half year post grad course (from a job seeking point of view).
In doing that course you get your qualification in half the time, you don't have an academic subject like the 3 year course, your TPs are of shorter duration (final TP in B Ed is 5 weeks, 2 weeks in post grad). I disagree with Dambarude in saying the post grad is very intensive. The B Ed course is much more intensive.
The problem with the post grad course is that it is extremely difficult to get into, especially now that Mary I only takes 60 students, it was 150 until recently.
Oh and as dambarude said the 3 year B Ed course is being done away with for a 4 year course, not sure when that is actually coming in though.
Hope this helps

Thanks for your reply and helpful insight.

I'd really appreciate as a graduate from Mary I, if you could tell me your honest opinion on the Grad Dip course.

For instance, like you said with a shorter T.P and academic subjects, what else is "cut away"? Also, do you have any idea as to how the Grad Dip course is structured, i.e were Grad Dips combined with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year B.Ed students during their 18 month course.

Finally, What is the Irish content of the Grad Dip course compared to the B.Ed. I would love to teach in the Gaeltacht and Im slightly worried that a Grad. Dip would hinder my chances.

Apologies for the inquisitive nature, I understand if you choose not to reply,

Much appreciated,

Le Meas.

lighthouse

DJL292 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply and helpful insight.

I'd really appreciate as a graduate from Mary I, if you could tell me your honest opinion on the Grad Dip course.

For instance, like you said with a shorter T.P and academic subjects, what else is "cut away"? Also, do you have any idea as to how the Grad Dip course is structured, i.e were Grad Dips combined with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year B.Ed students during their 18 month course.

Finally, What is the Irish content of the Grad Dip course compared to the B.Ed. I would love to teach in the Gaeltacht and Im slightly worried that a Grad. Dip would hinder my chances.

Apologies for the inquisitive nature, I understand if you choose not to reply,

Much appreciated,

Le Meas.

I know lots of teachers who have done the Grad Dip. The teacher where I did home TP was a Grad Dip. Not having done the course I only know about it from some of the mature students who started the B Ed course with me but who applied and got the Grad Dip.
Grad Dip students never attended the same lectures as B Ed students although a lot of the courses were very similar.
I'm not really sure what the Irish content of the Grad Dip is. I suspect it is equivalent to the Gaeilge Gairimuil course the B Ed's do who don't keep up Irish as an academic subject after first year.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

dambarude

I'd advise you look at the Grad Dip timetables. The Grad A (first semester of dip) is here, the Grad C (third semester of dip) is here. There's no Grad B semester atm afaik.

Looking at those timetables it seems that Grads have 2 hours of Gaeilge Ghairmiúil a week. That probably doesn't work out the same as the B.Ed (who'd have 4 hours of Gaeilge a week in first year, who have (I think) 2 hours a week of Gaeilge in Sem1 of second year, and the same in Sem2 of third year. Ar fhreastal tú ar Ghaelscoil nó scoil Ghaeltachta?

Other things that are 'cut away' are (as far as I know):
-The education elective (a specialisation in one subject) which 3rd B.Eds do
-Shorter semesters, so ultimately less lectures in each semester. Especially in the last semester, I think they only have 7 weeks of lectures or something like that. That's all to facilitate Teaching Practice (TP).
-I'm not sure how exactly it falls, but it seems inevitable that grads have less lectures on subject methodologies than B.Eds.
-Shorter home TP- 2 weeks instead of 5.
-You mightn't think this one is particularly important... B.Eds have LOADS of Certificate in Religion lectures. Over the course of the degree it works out at something like 80 hours (in addition to RE methodology lectures). I'd say the grad course only has half of that, I could be wrong though.

Thinking of all that was a nice distraction from coursework!

MISU Office

DJL292 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply and helpful insight.

I did read that Mary I was accredited to extend the B.Ed to 4 years, however I did not hear anything on the Grad Dip.. Could you tell me to what duration they wish to extend it until and when itll be phased in?

On the jobs point of view, I read elsewhere, that B.Ed graduates had a much higher employment record compared to secondary teachers (something of around 40% difference) although presumably most of these positions were as resourse teachers.

I would like to know the employment records of Grad Dip graduates if anyone knows of them?

Much appreciated.
Le Meas

Hi DJL292, Students' Union here.

Just letting you know the indicative target dates for both courses mentioned, as stated by the Dept. of Education.

The BEd will be changing to a four year course and is meant to be introduced from September 2012. This is to include a total of one year of Teaching Practice spread over the four years.

The Grad Dip is going to extend to a minimum of 2 years, begining September 2014.

MISU

Poxyshamrock

MISU Office wrote: »

Hi DJL292, Students' Union here.
The BEd will be changing to a four year course and is meant to be introduced from September 2012. MISU

So, won't that mean an extra 400 students a year?

Will MIC in 2012 have the facilities to cater for this?

e.g. The promised library refurbishment and extension

dambarude

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

Will MIC in 2012 have the facilities to cater for this?

e.g. The promised library refurbishment and extension

They'd want to have started construction if a new library was to be ready for 2012. As it stands they haven't even been granted funding. So I'd doubt it.

angeldaisy

Sorry to interrupt the BED discussion:D

Anyone help me access Jstor, was told to sign in using my usual log in details - this didn't work:(

Insect Overlord

angeldaisy wrote: »

Sorry to interrupt the BED discussion:D

Anyone help me access Jstor, was told to sign in using my usual log in details - this didn't work:(

I think the college log-in details only work when you use Jstor on a college computer. I'm open to correction on that though.

However, this brilliant link was posted up here before:

dambarude wrote: »

Does this link work?

http://www.jstor.org.libraryproxy.mic.ul.ie/

angeldaisy

Insect Overlord wrote: »

I think the college log-in details only work when you use Jstor on a college computer. I'm open to correction on that though.

However, this brilliant link was posted up here before:

thanks so much for that, have no excuses now:rolleyes:

dambarude

Vote early and vote often guys!

We should be grateful to have it with all that's happening overseas.

lighthouse

angeldaisy wrote: »

thanks so much for that, have no excuses now:rolleyes:

Indeed. Nothing short of A1 now will be accepted.:D

MISU Office

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

So, won't that mean an extra 400 students a year?

Will MIC in 2012 have the facilities to cater for this?

e.g. The promised library refurbishment and extension

Hi Poxyshamrock,

It's still unclear what the intake of students will be when the BEd becomes a 4 year degree. The intake will either stay the same or be reduced to 300 students per year. The DES/TC still has to iron out these details.

Similarily, it is unclear what will happen to the BEd & Psych course in the sense that the most logical next step for the course would be for it to extend to 5 years. Would students still take up the course if it's this long though? Would it have to be a Masters level when they graduate? All these type of details still have to be fleshed out.

RibenaHead

MISU Office wrote: »

Similarily, it is unclear what will happen to the BEd & Psych course in the sense that the most logical next step for the course would be for it to extend to 5 years. Would students still take up the course if it's this long though? Would it have to be a Masters level when they graduate? All these type of details still have to be fleshed out.

I don't know if many leaving cert pupils would be happy to sign up to a 5 year course straight after school. It's a lot of committment when you're at that period of your life full of uncertainty!

Insect Overlord

Does anyone know if there is/will be a TEFL course running in the college this semester?

RibenaHead

Insect Overlord wrote: »

Does anyone know if there is/will be a TEFL course running in the college this semester?

Yes! It's usually on the two weeks after exams. There may be one or two weeks, they haven't decided yet. They said to check back at the end of Feb or start of March at the Education Office

Insect Overlord

RibenaHead wrote: »

Yes! It's usually on the two weeks after exams. There may be one or two weeks, they haven't decided yet. They said to check back at the end of Feb or start of March at the Education Office

Ah, great! Thanks for that.

boomkatalog

MISU Office wrote: »

.

The Grad Dip is going to extend to a minimum of 2 years, begining September 2014.

MISU

Does this mean there will be a postgrad option for sure in the future? Whisperings and rumours say otherwise :rolleyes: Would be great to have a proper idea of it they're going to get rid of it or now.

MISU Office

boomkatalog wrote: »

Does this mean there will be a postgrad option for sure in the future? Whisperings and rumours say otherwise :rolleyes: Would be great to have a proper idea of it they're going to get rid of it or now.

According to both the Teaching Council and the Dept of Education & Skills the Post Grad will be extended to two years, beginning in Sept 2014. You can see the info here from the DES's document in relation to improving literacy and numeracy. There's also info relating to the course's extension to two years discussed in TC's Draft Policy on the Continuum of Teacher Education here.

This would indicate the course is here to stay!

boomkatalog

MISU Office wrote: »

According to both the Teaching Council and the Dept of Education & Skills the Post Grad will be extended to two years, beginning in Sept 2014. You can see the info here from the DES's document in relation to improving literacy and numeracy. There's also info relating to the course's extension to two years discussed in TC's Draft Policy on the Continuum of Teacher Education here.

This would indicate the course is here to stay!

I'm so terrible at finding these things :rolleyes:

Thanks a million for that

MISU Office

Hello everyone!


MISU are running an event called ‘Forum-Fest’ ‘in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation.

‘Forum-Fest’ is the first of its kind in MIC and is a type of Music-a-thon or mini-music festival. Live music will be played in the Central Forum in MIC for 12 hours straight next Tuesday to raise money for charity.

If you are interested in playing or singing at the event call down to the SU or email misuprez@mic.u.ieThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

lighthouse

MISU Office wrote: »

If you are interested in playing or singing at the event call down to the SU or email misuprez@mic.u.ieThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Should that not be mic.ul.ie?

RibenaHead

Looking forward to "forum fest" - no more appropriate place to advertise than on a forum!

MISU Office

Yes, it should be misuprez@mic.ul.ie. Glad to see we have such vigilant spellcheckers on our Sticky! Yes, Ribenahead, no better place!

lighthouse

MISU Office wrote: »

Yes, it should be misuprez@mic.ul.ie. Glad to see we have such vigilant spellcheckers on our Sticky! Yes, Ribenahead, no better place!

My training in Mary I is shining through

By the way anyone interested in the Vikings for TP or a little late night reading might be interested in checking out the links here.

caroline_

Hi

I am hoping to go to Mary I in Sept 2011 to do the B.Ed.I have a question about the gaeltacht part, which 1st yrs do in June.How many weeks do we spend there? And which gaeltacht do we attend?

Thanks

RibenaHead

caroline_ wrote: »

Hi

I am hoping to go to Mary I in Sept 2011 to do the B.Ed.I have a question about the gaeltacht part, which 1st yrs do in June.How many weeks do we spend there? And which gaeltacht do we attend?

Thanks

All first year B. Ed and B. Ed. & Psychs do it in the summer after 1st year. It's for three weeks (fairly inexpensive). You can do it in Corca Dhuibhne (Co. Kerry - Dingle area) or in Connemara