Quality of teaching - Consistency is important

A report by the Economic and Social Research Institute suggests that there are significant differences in the way children in different schools are being taught.

The research is based on interviews with 8,500 nine year olds at 850 different schools.

There are distinct variations not only between schools but also even within some schools. Female teachers tend to devote more time to drama, art and religion classes, while their male counterparts tend to concentrate more on English, maths, Irish, and physical education.

The primary school curriculum, which was introduced in 1999, was designed to develop a more child-centred approach to teaching and learning. More emphasis is placed on an interactive approach with the pupils. However, the report finds that whole-class teaching is still dominant across the teaching spectrum.

Minimum times prescribed for each area during a week are frequently not being implemented. Younger teachers have adopted the new methods better, and the children in gaelscoileanna are more likely to experience the broad curriculum as intended.

Older teachers, on the other hand, tend to be holding on to outdated ways. The curriculum is designed for all teachers. It should apply to all, not just young teachers.

The report seems to suggest that many older teachers are in need of further teacher training.