GMIT Prospectus 2021/22

Bachelor of Science Honours in Education (Design Graphics and Construction) (Level 8)

Code: GA980 Level: 8

Year 4: School Placement in Year 4 is a 10-week block and the student teacher is expected to deliver curriculum in the senior cycle. Students participate in peer-to-peer reflections, apply theory to their critical reflections to further enhance their awareness and appreciation of teaching and learning in the post-primary environment. Students further develop research and academic writing skills and are prepared for their future roles as professional teachers. ePortfolios are finalised and mock interviews are undertaken in preparation for applying for teaching positions. Other subjects taught include Professional Studies, Advanced Graphics, Building Services Technology and Dissertation. What are my career opportunities? Graduates of this highly specialised post-primary teacher education programme are qualified to teach Construction Studies and Design & Communication Graphics to Leaving Certificate honours standard and to teach Materials Technology (Wood) and Technical Graphics to Junior Certificate honours standard in all Irish second-level schools. GMIT Letterfrack has adopted modern and innovative learning and teaching methods, to ensure that graduates are equipped to become excellent teachers. Other Essential Information • Years one and two of this course are delivered at GMIT Letterfrack while years three and four are run at GMIT Galway , with some classes also in NUIG. • First year students must purchase tool, safety, and design kits upon registering for this programme which are sourced and specified by GMIT (contact Administration for more details). • Vetting Requirement: All places are offered on this programme subject to satisfactory Garda vetting clearance. • One of the subjects undertaken for the Leaving Certificate must include Design & Communication Graphics or Construction Studies at Higher Level (H5).

Why study a BSc in Education? If you are interested in becoming a post-primary teacher and are passionate about the subjects Construction Studies and Design and Communication Graphics, this highly specialised course provides you with a unique learning opportunity. In-class theory and carefully designed projects and assignments are used to ensure that learners can engage with the subject matter in a meaningful and comprehensive way. Small group sizes as well as the use of numerous and innovative teaching techniques will make for a varied, and stimulating learning experience. Design-led projects and, a strong focus on design, woodwork, CAD, and graphics ensures graduates are competent and confident in their role as a professional teacher. School Placements each year provide students with experience of the classroom, the role of the teacher and the whole- school environment in a structured and supportive way.

What will I study?

Year 1: Students are introduced to practical skills through a series of interesting projects using a range of hand tools, power tools and woodwork machinery. Teaching skills and pedagogy will be developed and honed first during simulated microteaching classroom environments and then during a number of carefully planned school placement blocks to introduce students in a supportive way to the school environment. Other subjects studied in the first year are Design Process, Furniture History, Technical Graphics, applied Mathematics and Materials and Construction. A common first year module called Learning and Innovation Skills helps students understand the nature of learning at third level and the importance of critical thinking. Year 2: Students further develop their teaching skills, undertake reflective practice, learn the principles of education theory, and develop design-led lesson plans. Skills are developed in the safe and competent use of woodwork machinery and a range of interesting projects are designed and undertaken. Students learn to respond to a design brief and apply the design process to full working prototypes. Other subjects studied are Graphics and Computer Applications, Sustainable Materials, Design Process and Manufacturing Technology. Year 3: School placement in Year 3 involves an eight-week block in a school where the student teacher, supported by GMIT lecturers, staff in the school and peer-to-peer support networks, takes responsibility for teaching students in the Junior Cycle curriculum. Lesson plans, critical reflections and classroom management techniques are further developed. Students also develop their ePortfolio. Subjects undertaken include Curriculum and Assessment, Education Studies, Architectural Design, and Applied Graphics.

Student experience

Anthony Timoney During my time as a student of the programme I was equipped with the tools of the teaching profession and consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to be educated there as a student teacher. The modern and well-equipped campus, the approachability of lecturers and support staff as well as the careful integration and practical application of all lecture content made for an extremely comfortable and supportive learning environment. Especially enjoyable were the carefully planned and supported school placements where we got the chance to practice our newly acquired skills in a real-world setting.

National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design & Technology

Places 16

Campus Galway and Letterfrack

Duration 4 years

Talk to us: Kevin Maye, Programme Chair Tel: +353 91 742661 | E-mail: kevin.maye@gmit.ie

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