Postgraduate Diploma In Education

Christy001

Hi, am starting my postgraduate diploma in education next week, that is when my lectures start but I am also not starting my teaching practice until that time and I am wondering if I am totally wrong and should have started my teaching practice from when the school year starts?? Please help me out someone who has done this course or knows something about it, really worried:eek:

Il Trap

Christy001 wrote: »

Hi, am starting my postgraduate diploma in education next week, that is when my lectures start but I am also not starting my teaching practice until that time and I am wondering if I am totally wrong and should have started my teaching practice from when the school year starts?? Please help me out someone who has done this course or knows something about it, really worried:eek:

I'm not 100 per cent sure but I think that its expected that you are in your school from the beginning of the school year - ie. 3 weeks ago. Fair enough, you're not going to have any inspections during that time but technically you are meant to remain in your school for the duration of the school year - in theory this includes the final weeks of the year as well, even if you have completed all exams/inspections (this is kind of more down to minimising disruption for the schools themselves).

In saying that, it's still early enough to sort this out. I'd advise you to get on to your school ASAP and sort out your timetable/classrooms etc. Get into school this week and have some sort of a settling in period over you. I wouldn't let this go any later.

By the way, just a bit of advice - try not to have the large amount of hours dumped on you in your school. IIRC, six is the minimum you need to do each week and you should aim for this - why put yourself under unnecessary pressure with loads of hours you're not getting paid for. Also, try and balance out the number of classes you take in terms of your major and minor subject. You don't have to do lesson plans, evaluations or have inspections in your minor subject classes. So for instance, if you're doing English (major) and History (minor) possibly try to avoid a situation where you are doing say six English and two History. You must make up a lesson plan for every major class you teach throughout the year. In such a case, 4 and 4 or even 5 and 3 would be ideal.

Anyway, best of luck and don't sweat it. You will get sorted.

PS. Its been three years since I did my Dip so I am open to correction on these points.

Christy001

Hey, thanks a million for the reply. I don't know why I thought I did not have to start until my lectures start. I am trying to get in contact with the college at the moment but cant get through to any of them yet. I presume it can be sorted and there wont be any major fuss, I will get into the school as quick as I can and get started. Also on another point I am teaching Business as my main subject but they also have me teaching some P.E but I just have to do lesson plans for the business classes?? Correct

Il Trap

Christy001 wrote: »

Hey, thanks a million for the reply. I don't know why I thought I did not have to start until my lectures start. I am trying to get in contact with the college at the moment but cant get through to any of them yet. I presume it can be sorted and there wont be any major fuss, I will get into the school as quick as I can and get started. Also on another point I am teaching Business as my main subject but they also have me teaching some P.E but I just have to do lesson plans for the business classes?? Correct

My advice would be to get on to the school first. Sort out your classes there NOW. The whole teaching practice thing is really up to you. If you are encountering difficulties on the school side of things then get on to the college. Elizabeth Fleeton in the education office is very nice so maybe talk to her if needs be. Don't make a huge problem out of this if it isn't necessary. If you get sorted out this week I'd say you'll be grand and you can call into the office next week when you have lectures and explain the situation and how it is now (hopefully) resolved.

In terms of your subjects, if you are taking business as your major then that is the only subject that you will be inspected on and expected to produce lesson plans for. HOWEVER, I am not aware that Trinity offer PE as a subject so you will likely be required to take a different subject as your minor. A minor subject is compulsory! Its fine if you want to take some PE classes in the school but your major and minor subjects should take priority. Again, you must get this sorted ASAP.

Once more, I stress that I am open to some correction on these points.

Good luck!

dno7239

Perhaps I picked this up wrong, but as far as I know, we have to have a lesson plan for everything. One of the lecturers at induction said they will look at everything in your file (ie. all lesson plans), but focus on your major subject. You are right however, we are not getting observed in our minor. Again, I may have misheard but as far as I know this is what is expected. Better to be safe than sorry

Christy001

Hi dno7239,

So we have to do lesson plans for both our major and minor subjects?? I have being given P.E classes to teach in the school along with my major subject of business but should I be teaching a minor subject from the courses in Pedagogy of Teaching subjects?? Or what way did you choose your subjects, so i can change my subjects where necessary.

I actually missed the induction week so I am all over the place. Is there any other information which you think I may need right now? Any information would be great, thank you.

martined

The course handbook (including course outlines and regulations), timetable, calendar, information for incoming students and materials from induction week are all available on the course website:
http://www.tcd.ie/Education/courses/pde/postgrad-dip-education/

niamh198

Hi, I am starting the post grad in Education in Trinity and i'm a bit confussed about the whole Major and Minor thing.
I am taking Business as my major, firstly does that include Business Studies junior and senior, Economics & Accounting?

If this is the case what would be my minor subject be as my undergrad would not qualify me for other subjects?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!