Sequential or Block NUIG

jimmyeatworld

Hi Guys

Looking for some advice, my friend has been accepted for the PGDE in NUIG starting in September! Just wondering has anyone got any opinions on whether he should do the sequential or block release for his teaching practice?? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both???

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Jimmy

Toto Wolfcastle

I did sequential in NUIG. I just finished up teaching this week. The block students have been finished teaching since mid-April. Sequential students get more of a chance to supervise and sub which means more experience in the classroom. (As well as the opportunity to earn some money.) As sequential students are required to be in school every week, they get the opportunity to see how a school works over the entire year. It's also easier to plan for each week than it is to plan for blocks of 2 or 3 weeks, although there is still a huge amount of work in both.

Block students had the advantage for a lot of the time in that they had more free time to work on projects, but also had to make out lesson plans for the entire block which was added work. However, block students were out teaching for 3 weeks before exams and only had a week back in Galway to go to the library, etc, before the exams started.

Block students benefit from micro-teaching before going into school, which gives them a bit of experience and a chance to get over some initial nerves.

Overall I feel that sequential is a better option. Initially I thought that I had made the wrong decision, but talking to block students I know I made the right one.

It's also worth mentioning that I have heard that block students may be getting more time in school. I'm not sure about this though so it might be work contacting the course director. Your friend should contact her anyway (details on NUIG website) to get some advice. She loves to talk!

Once he chooses sequential he can't change to block. If he chooses block he might still get sequential, and can also choose to change to sequential if he's early enough. So it's worth having a think about it. Also, schools are getting filled pretty fast so he needs to get moving on finding a TP place.

Anymore questions, feel free to ask. I have a lot of opinions on the course! Best of luck.

jimmyeatworld

Thanks for the info Janey!!

gaeilgegrinds

Initially block seems much easier & perhaps it is but I'd go for sequential because you build up a much better rapport with the school & students. Easier to succeed in the classroom & also, IMO, get a job afterwards too. Also, lots of subbing given to sequential students.

sunflower!

I'd def agree!!! I'm also just finished sequential in NUIG!! it was probably more consistent work and at times I thought I might have made the wrong decision especially when there were projects and lesson plans to be done!! over all though sequential is the better option it allows you to get a much better feel for teaching, you get to know the school, staff and students better even though you are finished a good month if not more after the block its still worth it!! You will also have a better chance of getting subbing as you’ll be around the school all year! There is also the added bonus that your class might not realise you are a student which can be a real benefit! This happened with me as I only had first years and as they were new to the school too they never realised I was a student at all!! Your friend should def contact the course director she does love to talk but can be a real help!:)

Toto Wolfcastle

sunflower! wrote: »

I'd def agree!!! I'm also just finished sequential in NUIG!! it was probably more consistent work and at times I thought I might have made the wrong decision especially when there were projects and lesson plans to be done!! over all though sequential is the better option it allows you to get a much better feel for teaching, you get to know the school, staff and students better even though you are finished a good month if not more after the block its still worth it!! You will also have a better chance of getting subbing as you’ll be around the school all year! There is also the added bonus that your class might not realise you are a student which can be a real benefit! This happened with me as I only had first years and as they were new to the school too they never realised I was a student at all!! Your friend should def contact the course director she does love to talk but can be a real help!:)[/COLOR]

LOL ya, she is a great help, although the first time I spoke to her she gave out to me at half 8 in the morning and nearly made me cry. This was during the summer too, before the course began!

I should also add that another thing to take into consideration is whether or not your friend wants to teach in a school outside of Galway. If not, I'd go with sequential, but if so, block would obviously be the way to go.