Twenty seven normal school students with state scholarship went for Ireland on August 14th, 2010. They would attend an “Excellent Normal School Students Training Program” at National University of Ireland. Five of them had be given full-scholarship, which was sponsored by our university.
At National University of Ireland, they listened many courses, including “Learning to Teach”“Innovations in Education”“Experience of Irish Schools and the Irish System”“Education Policy and Issues” and“Developing a Personal Understanding”. The teachers are experts of local universities and institutions. On the third day they had landed there, a welcome ceremony was held at their Pugin Hall in a church, which was founded in the 18th century with profound history. Their President Tom Collins made a brilliant speech. Ms. Lan Heping, our counsellor to Ireland, attended the ceremony and made an enthusiastic speech, too. Our leader, Professor Wei Baolin, expressed our thanks to them. After that, all people took part in their traditional dance.
At the university, the students learned the advanced western educational theories. They discovered that some of the principles are just like ours, which could be further integrated. Their Dean of Education Department, Dr. Aidan Mulkeen introduced their educational system to us.Dr. Gerry Jeffers explained their featured educational program – Transition Year. Ms. Mary Reilly gave us training in the field of teaching technique. Our student not only gained knowledge from their enlightening instruction, but also found one’s own interest through the series of activities.
Our student also visited local schools and exchanged ideas with the teachers.
Group Discussion with teachers at National University of Ireland
(Translated and Edited by Shui Tao. Email: tao.shui0430@gmail.com)
