Investigating the Introduction of Aistear into the Fourth Class Curriculum

This Action Research project follows and documents the outcomes that arose before, during, and after implementing an 'Aistear' scheme of work in a Fourth Class classroom. The 'Aistear' sessions were carried out with pupils from a Fourth Class in Dublin. The study sets out to answer the following research questions; 1. What advantage would Aistear have on children in the Senior Cycle on their imagination and capacity for independent learning? 2. Would Aistear help further the pupils' understanding of curriculum concepts and skills and thereby enhance their learning and attitudes towards their learning? Data was collected after each play session and reflected upon in order to make adaptations to future sessions and planning. A variety of data was collected, including pupil's brainstorms, teacher observations (recorded in a reflection diary), pupil's learning logs, and a pre-study and post-study questionnaire. Once all the data had been gathered from the play sessions, it was analysed. I drew some preliminary conclusions about the challenges and benefits of including Aistear in a Fourth Class classroom. The final chapter of this research project consists of a number of insights that I gained from carrying out this study. These insights may inform any teacher who wishes to introduce or re-introduce Aistear in their classrooms in the Primary Senior Cycle.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Halpin Duffy, Rose

Language dc:language

en