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Successful first course

A group of 20 enthusiastic teachers, from a variety of educational settings, gathered at St. Mary’s University College on the 9th and 10th for the first of the CREDIT courses ‘Exploring skills in CREDIT’.  The CREDIT project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland through its Sharing in Education Programme which is managed by the Department of Education.

An action packed two day programme began with contextualising the rationale for the importance of diversity and mutual understanding in NI, and helping the teachers to develop appropriate skills and a classroom environment conducive to dealing with sensitive issues.  Stranmillis University College was the venue for the second day of the course which provided opportunities for the teachers to review a range of relevant curriculum resources and be informed about case study examples of good practice in a number of local schools. 

Active learning was central to the course delivery and teachers enjoyed participating in a range of interactive activities.  The puppet session caused great amusement and certainly proved to be very popular with the teachers!  One participant commented that: “I find it really useful to practically participate in interactive activities. It gives me more confidence in using the activities in a class setting.”

The organisers are delighted with how the course was received by the teachers and was deemed very successful by all involved.  Other positive feedback received by participants includes: “I have learned about other cultures and how to approach dealing with diversity in a class.  I feel more informed and confident in this area”, and ‘it was really useful to hear of experiences in other schools and share ideas’.  Indeed one teacher remarked that ‘I have lots of ideas for staff development and whole school approach.  I will also use some of the circle time and ice breaker activities in my class.  I have been inspired to re-imagine my class’.

The teachers will return to Stranmillis University College on Thursday 1 December for a follow-up day where they will have an opportunity to present their personal reflections and plans for the future with regards to further developing this work in the school.

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