Tráth na gCeist Bórd Feachtas i gColáiste na Toirbhirte, Corcaigh
January 22, 2014
Ceanneagraíochtaí nua roghnaithe ag Foras na Gaeilge
January 22, 2014
Capall ard an oideachais
January 22, 2014
Changes to the Junior Cert
January 22, 2014
Sir, – Having worked in the Academy system in the UK, I have experienced teacher-assessment first hand.
In spite of claims to a holistic or student-centred approach, teachers and students were presented and assessed in terms of results. Consequently the pressure on teachers to attain results led to “pro-active” marking. I now teach in Ireland and find that the Junior and Leaving Certificates, while cumbersome and costly, do provide transparency, accountability and, above all, equality. Both exams, however, dominate teaching and learning in Irish schools. They restrict more innovative teaching and limit learning outside of curriculums that one can pick and choose from in order to maximise points.
Some of proposed changes are to be welcomed. We need to move to a formative form of assessment that would maintain the virtues of our current system. A formal approach to continual assessment is a positive move. Nevertheless, that teachers would assess their own students would impinge upon the integrity of any such assessment. That those who seek to implement the Junior Cycle Student Award do not seem to understand the consequences that such an approach to assessment would have is worrying for all concerned. – Is mise,
NIALL COOPER,
The Ridgeway,
Bishopstown,
Cork.
www.irishtimes.com
Samhail Nua Mhaoinithe – cén tionchar d’earnáil na Gaeilge?
January 22, 2014
Stiúrthóir naíonra
January 22, 2014
Six Year Rationalisation Process Concludes
January 21, 2014
A rationalisation process initiated in 2008 came to a conclusion last week with the announcement by Foras na Gaeilge of the six lead-organisations chosen for future funding. With 19 existing bodies being whittled down to just six, a process which was instigated to ‘improve effectiveness and efficiencies’ across the sector has caused great destruction.
19 organisations who had worked collaboratively alongside one another for years, were forced into a situation of fierce competition, categorised into groups by Foras na Gaeilge, and forced to compete head-to-head.
Two radio stations, Raidió na Life and Raidió Fáilte, were granted clemency as their licencing structures prevented them from working on a 32 county basis, a prerequisite for survival under the new structure. An tÁisaonad, an organisation which provides Irish language teaching aids in Northern Ireland were also given leniency, with future funding for this organisation and the two aforementioned radio stations to be made available in future on a schemes basis.
With 3 of the 19 organisations sure of their future, the process then saw 16 other organisations jockeying for position for six golden tickets to ensure their future. Critics at the time claimed the new model could potentially destroy much of the existing language support structures across the 32 counties. The six successful applicants would be invited to take part in a new slim-lined funding structure, and all funding from Foras na Gaeilge to the remaining applicants would be discontinued from 30 June 2014.
While some of the organisations above already have a 32 county mandate, each of their headquarters are based in the Republic of Ireland which has caused concern over the perceived lack of support to be given to the existing language structures within Northern Ireland. Pobal, Altram, Iontaobhas Ultach, and Forbairt Feirste will lose their funding from mid-2014, which will result in unemployment for their current staff and possible dissolution of the organisations.
As voluntary organisations, many of these groups in theory could continue to exist, however without funding, paid staff or premises, their work will be greatly inhibited.
Speaking in media interviews this week, Foras na Gaeilge spokespersons alluded to a case of lead organisations providing employment for the staff of the unsuccessful organisations, however this has been dispelled as ‘spin-doctoring’ by some participants in the process. In just one of the remits, “Awareness Raising, Language Protection and Representation” three organisations will have their funding discontinued from the end of June which will leave fourteen staff members unemployed: Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge (six staff members) ; Pobal (four staff members); and Iontaobhas Ultach (four staff members). While the chosen lead-organisations may be granted permission to employ one or two more staff to ensure their representation in Northern Ireland, it is unlikely that employment would be available to the remaining 12 employees.
In a statement on Friday, Kevin De Barra, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, the central steering council for the Irish language voluntary movement, said: “Since 2008 we have publicly flagged the difficulties with the proposed system, however in September 2013 when we chose to partake in the process, we understood that losing our funding was a potential outcome. While Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge will continue as a voluntary organisation, albeit without funding or staff, from now until June 2014 we will be looking at ways of ensuring the projects undertaken to date will continue under the new structure”.
Gaelport.com
Seimineár ar ‘Atógáil Phobal na Gaeilge’
January 21, 2014
Lift language barrier
January 21, 2014
Language matters. It forms our thoughts and shapes our lives.
The Irish language, because of exclusion from public life, has gone from being the majority language in the early 1800s to being a minority language today. This was the greatest social change in Irish history. Imagine had England been conquered and its language replaced by Spanish, French or German. Imagine an English population unable to read Shakespeare except in translation and cut off from their own history. Imagine the effect this would have on the psyche, confidence and sense of self of any people. Our English-only mentality costs us export markets and jobs. The Danes learnt English without abandoning Danish and have a stronger economy than us. Speaking Irish makes Ireland sound and feel like a regular European country. It will recover our intellectual and cultural sovereignty and contribute to an inclusive Irish identity beyond colour or creed.
Dáithí Mac Cárthaigh BL
Baile Átha Cliath 7
www.independent.ie
Game on for Cu Chulainn: Spanish man creates Irish language computer game
January 21, 2014
A Spanish software expert has devised a computer game based on the adventures of Cu Chulainn after falling in love with the Irish language Francisco Blazquez (46), who is from Madrid, first came to Ireland when he was 18 to learn English.
But he was so taken with the Irish language that when he returned home he signed up for classes at the official language school in his native city.The software consultant has been based in Ireland since 2010, and Francisco and his partner Eva Garcia are now set to launch their new game ‘In Cu Chulainn’s Footsteps’ on Thursday at Croke Park. The game features music from Clannad, Kila and Sharon Shannon, and legendary broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh also provides a voiceover for part of the game — in English and in Irish. “The idea is to promote Irish,” said Francisco. “Our aim is to create a portal with many games.”
The game can be played in both Irish and English, swapping and mixing both languages as the player wishes. “It is aimed for children aged between eight and 12, or perhaps slightly older. Players lead Cu Chulainn through a mysterious island, solving puzzles and riddles to find the way out of there,” said Francisco, who has formed his own company, Duineacu. He said that along with the game, players will also find information related to Irish culture including music, literature, sports and legends. It is a 3D adventure played in the third person, driven by mouse clicks or taps on the screen. A licence to play the game is bought online, he said.
Meanwhile, in the school version, teachers can very easily change the content, the voiceovers and the text. Francisco, who has three children — Andrea (14), Iria (12) and Adrian (7) and lives in Trim — revealed that he regularly visits the Meath Gaeltacht village of Rath Cairn in a bid to continually improve his Irish.
For further information see: www.cuadventure.com
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
