BEd in Education, Gaeilge and/or Modern Languages off to a flying start!
September 2023 marked the launch of the new BEd in Education, Gaeilge and/or Modern languages programme in UCD to prepare high quality language teachers for post-primary school. We welcomed just over 50 students onto this new an innovative programme, a collaboration between the School of Education, School of Irish, Folklore and Celtic Studies and the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. Since its launch the students have been busy engaging in language learning, in education modules and in their first school placement.
Students engage with learning in a variety of ways including lectures, small group tutorials, active learning inside and outside of the classroom, and informal communities of practice (such as through the recently established and student led ciorcal cainte). Our focus is on creating a sense of community among the students, so they feel they belong within the broader UCD community. We have held a number of informal events throughout the academic year, including a trip to the cinema, which everyone enjoyed.
Many of our students are enjoying the benefits of the wider UCD campus, including membership of student clubs and societies. Our students have also organized their own social events, including nights out and a trip ice skating before the Christmas break. We believe in nurturing leadership among our students, establishing a BEd student forum and social committee. Our students have also been involved in outreach and community activities, promoting their passion for language learning.
