PDE - NUIG 2012

exporter11

I am thinking about doing the professional diploma in education in NUIG starting sept 2012.

I am currently working full time but have an option to scale back and return to college for the course -a huge decision because theres a mortgage to be paid etc, but i really want to do this course also!

I'm wondering if i could fit a part time job (not in the education sector) around the college term? I would appreciate it if any current students would share the timetable for this year with me so i would have an idea of how i could make this work.

Thanks in advance!

Paddytheplaster

exporter11 wrote: »

I am thinking about doing the professional diploma in education in NUIG starting sept 2012.

I am currently working full time but have an option to scale back and return to college for the course -a huge decision because theres a mortgage to be paid etc, but i really want to do this course also!

I'm wondering if i could fit a part time job (not in the education sector) around the college term? I would appreciate it if any current students would share the timetable for this year with me so i would have an idea of how i could make this work.

Thanks in advance!

What subjects will you be studying for the PDE?

exporter11

Modules are generic for this course (at least according to what I have read in the course outlines)

My subjects are Accountancy and Business. I'd hope to be able to register as post primary teacher. I am fully aware that the job market is dire, but its something i have always wanted to do and i am going to try and get the Hdip either on a full or part time basis.

ABruce

I am also hoping to do the PDE in Nuig Sept 2012, I was wondering if anyone could tell me some info about the course, how demanding it is.........assignments, exams etc I have already done a 4 year degree course and worked full time so I am hoping that the PDE is managable!

frain

Hi Bruce,

I am a PDE student in NUIG at the moment. The course is demanding, I wont lie. There are no exams, it's all continuous assessment. There are a lot, a LOT, of little assignments to do throughout the year (1,500 words) and two main assignments (7,000 words each). These two assignments and your teaching practice are the most heavily weighted. The assignments come quick and fast so the best advice I can give you is to keep on top of them because you have a lot of lesson planning and preparation to do for each lesson also. As well as this, you have weekly reflections and post lesson evaluations to do (800 words).There is a lot of work involved.

If you do it in NUIG, you will most likely be on block release. This means you will spend 17 weeks on TP and the remainder in college. These weeks are divided up into blocks. Because of this, you might find it difficult to work full time. I don't know what job you have but I'd say it could be tough to juggle it all. Some subjects also require some Saturdays also so that's something you'll have to consider with regards to work. It isn't stipulated but you should try and spend as much of the day as possible in school as at the end of it, you need a good reference. You need to stand out. The Principals are very busy and don't really have time to get to know us student's so it's important to make as much of an impression as possible. Your supervisor also speaks to the Principal about your professionalism, your ability to mix in the staff room etc...

I don't really know what else to tell you. If you have more questions I'd be glad to help.

Best of luck with it all, I bet you'll be great

ABruce

Thanks Frain,

Yes it sounds quite demanding but I have a great interest in teaching. The small assignments (1500) I would imagine are ok to keep on top of. Is there a lot of group work? Unfortuately I have been told today that the teaching council will only recognise one subject for me (history) to teach at post primary and I am a little concerned that it is not enough. How are the lectures in NUIG? Is the daily timetable intense? Any more info would be great x

frain

One subject is fine Bruce. I know a lot of students with one subject. You get the option of choosing another subject to study for the year. You go to the workshops and do the assignment for that subject and you get a certificate of achievement for it. It's something else you can put on your CV along with history. Although, I don't think it qualifies you to teach the subject. It's more of a merit for your CV but you could be lucky and end up teaching both subjects. I'm not sure really how that works.

The timetable isn't too intense but the times for this year were awkward. For example, you may have something at 9am and nothing again til 2pm. You have plenary lectures, they are the core modules and then you have workshops and other classes to attend. You're not in college much though after the first month. The timetabling may be different next year though.

Have the places been offered yet? If so, I would advise you look for a teaching practice school asap.

Hope this helps.

ABruce

Yes, the places have been offered. I am just trying to weigh up the options of doing it or not with only one subject and in regards to future job prospects. Thanks again

maggles

Hi I'm starting in NUIG in September and was wondering if anyone had the same problem as me. On the PAC application I put down that Politics and Society was the other subject that I will be teaching, as well as Irish. I can't find confirmation that schools will be teaching the subject anywhere so I am really confused. Anyone know anything?? For TP hours I can teach French and also CSPE but would really like to know about Politics and Society. I have to do another Certificate or something after the PDE to be able to teach P&S which confuses me even more..should I be allowed do TP in this subject. Need help because I really need to get a school in and around Galway City and I want to know what I'm talking about on my CV and cover letter.

Thanks and toodles.

spurious

Politics and Society has been shelved for the moment along with many other rebalanced and reviewed syllabi. The DES won't be doing anything that costs money, like introducing a new subject, for a while yet.

electoralshock

maggles wrote: »

Hi I'm starting in NUIG in September and was wondering if anyone had the same problem as me. On the PAC application I put down that Politics and Society was the other subject that I will be teaching, as well as Irish. I can't find confirmation that schools will be teaching the subject anywhere so I am really confused. Anyone know anything?? For TP hours I can teach French and also CSPE but would really like to know about Politics and Society. I have to do another Certificate or something after the PDE to be able to teach P&S which confuses me even more..should I be allowed do TP in this subject. Need help because I really need to get a school in and around Galway City and I want to know what I'm talking about on my CV and cover letter.

Thanks and toodles.

What is your degree?? This the most important thing! Even if you do not get one of your degree subjects when your on TP, you are still registered to teach it.

For the moment I advise go with subjects that are in the school(s) that you are applying to. Most (if not all) schools have website with list of subjects they offer (at times they do not even offer these).

CSPE is always a good bet. However you can teach Irish and French? Have you done them to degree level? If so put them down on your CV.

Don't worry about the P & S subject when it is rolled out you can check with the Teaching Council if you can teach it depending on your degree!!

Get your CV out in Galway City this week! Tomorrow if possible!

Good Luck!!