Strategies for Transition From Primary to Post-Primary

The origin of the researcher’s work on this theme began with her experience of teaching senior primary school pupils and observing the difficulties that can exist in the transferring of these pupils to post-primary school. This research project aims to propose workable strategies to ease the transfer process and to make the transition a more positive experience for the students. Having encountered negative tones of fear and concern from sixth class pupils, much apprehension about their making the change and, in many cases, pupils exploring the feasibility of repeating the final year in primary school rather than transfer, the researcher undertook to explore the topic of transition further. A variety of research instruments were employed and these include: (a) Survey among students prior to and after entry to post-primary school, looking at their fears, concerns and hopes and examining their settlingin patterns. (b) Survey among the principals of the schools to which the pupils transferred and looking at practices in existence for the induction of pupils. (c) Interviewing teachers in primary and post-primary schools surveyed, about their feelings on transfer. (d) Comments from parents in schools surveyed as to how they perceive the transition process. It is proposed to plan an improved transfer programme in the light of responses received. Recommendations are made to ease the transfer for the pupils and to work towards the children being more prepared and consequently more content upon their arrival in post-primary school.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2000

Author dc:creator

• Lynch, Kathleen

• Education

Language dc:language

en