Frequently Asked Questions - School Placement
PME students are participating in their school placements at times that do not clash with their UCD timetable (See timetable on Page 37). They will be required to undertake a minimum of four and a half hours teaching per week up to a maximum of eight hours in Year One and Year Two, as well as their block placement in Year Two (see further information on Block placement at point 6 below).
This should be, where possible, equally split across both of their subjects. However, there must be at least one class per week in the student’s second subject. Students should not be over reliant on TY classes.
PME students are typically expected to engage in observation during the first two weeks of their time in schools, making detailed notes on these observations. Ideally, this observation period should include not only classes which they will soon begin teaching, but a broader experience of a range of classes. After two weeks, it is desirable that they team teach with their respective cooperating teacher. After four weeks, it is expected that they will teach on their own (with the continued professional support of their cooperating teacher). If students are having difficulty obtaining these opportunities they must make their tutor aware of this. It is important to check the COVID-19 regulations as they apply to school contexts.
Students on placement will be assessed by two UCD personnel, their tutor and subject specific supervisor. The cooperating teacher and Principal will be asked to comment on how the student teacher is doing over the course of the placement, but will not play a role in the evaluation. The placement component of the programme will be managed by the Director of School Placement.
Students will have a minimum of four school placement observations annually in each year. However, in cases where students are in difficulty or a school believes that a student needs additional support, this will be organised as required.
The block placement is to take place in the second year of the placement, beginning in January. During this time, students will be in school all day every day. The Director of School Placement along with the student will have responsibility for managing and planning the block placement (in consultation with the school). The main purpose of the block is to provide students with a full immersion into the life of the school. Students will be expected to undertake the fieldwork for their professional dissertation during this time. Hence they will be asked to focus on either an aspect of their subject(s) pedagogy and/or a particular aspect of school life. During this time, it is expected that students take on further teaching duties, including exposure to senior classes, co-teaching opportunities etc. as agreed between the student and the school.
If a school is unhappy, for whatever reason, with a student teacher’s performance, they should communicate this to the School Placement Director who will immediately follow up with a meeting with the student and a visit to the school, and if appropriate an observation of the student teacher’s classes. A Supplementary Teaching Support Programme for Student Teachers will form a central part of the PME, whereby any student perceived to be in difficulty, either by school personnel or by the UCD-based supervisor, will be referred to this programme for an additional two hours a week in core areas such as classroom management, communication skills, planning and managing learning etc. In the event of the student’s placement continuing to be unsatisfactory from the school’s or University’s perspective, the University reserves the right to suspend a student from teaching practice where (i) teaching falls below an acceptable standard (ii) the student teacher’s behaviour in the school is such as to cause concern for the safety of pupils or colleagues or (iii) at the request of the school.
If a student fails the school placement module a repeat rather than a resit will be necessary. Students will only be afforded one opportunity to repeat their school placement. A student cannot enter PME year 2 without successfully completing the PME year 1 placement components.
While my school placement module is aligned with the UCD academic year, my school may require me to commence my placement at the end of August and to be available until the end of the school year. It is important therefore that I establish the school’s expectations prior to accepting my placement and if I make a commitment, I will honour it to the best of my ability. It is not acceptable for any student to leave a school placement without discussing this with the programme director.
If a student teacher is experiencing any difficulties with their school placement, they should immediately inform their Tutor and if necessary the Director of School Placement will also be contacted. If necessary, a meeting between the student, the Director of School Placement and the Programme Director will then be convened with a view to addressing the student teacher’s concerns.
Students cannot complete their full teaching requirements over one school day. In order to experience the rich variety of activities which take place in schools, students are required to be physically present in schools for a minimum of three days. If they are not timetabled on these days, they are encouraged to make themselves available for class supervision, extra-curricular activities, exam supervision, administrative support etc. as well as undertake lesson planning and preparation.
Placement schools must be no further than 100 kilometres from UCD. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the distance between UCD and their placement school does not impact negatively on attendance and punctuality.
University College Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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