21st Century Teaching & Learning

Course Overview
The aim of this course is to equip in-service teachers with the requisite knowledge, skills and competence to support the development of an innovative learning culture within schools that is team-based, technology mediated, project-focused and cross-curricular.

The course modules enhance the expertise of participant teachers in new models of teaching and learning with particular emphasis on Science Technology Engineering Maths/Computer Science. They also aim to address complex challenges related to developing an inclusive educational environment and preparing all school students for higher academic aspiration and progression, through a focus on whole school culture, leadership and change. It is intended that participant teachers will learn how to develop and lead a 'cultural change process' within the classroom and the wider school community.

Is This Course For Me?
The course is aimed at currently practicing teachers in post-primary schools in Ireland. It is suitable for teachers of any subject, not just STEM. Every year, we also have several primary school teachers take part; however, the course is only suitable for teachers of senior primary students, i.e. 5th and 6th class. We also accept teachers in further education, third-level institutes, and informal educators such as CoderDojo staff. An interview may be required if an applicant falls outside our typical target audience. Due to the practical nature of most of the modules and assignments, applicants should be class teachers or at least have sufficient access to groups of students for the purposes of lesson planning and implementation.

The course commitment includes attendance at six modules and each module running on a full Saturday (Digital Media comprises a full Saturday and one Friday evening).

Modules include Introductory Modules (Digital Media Literacy; Problem Solving in the 21st Century; Contextual Mathematics; STEM Pedagogy; Information Literacy), Programming/Coding Modules (Introduction to Programming through Animation; Intermediate Programming through Game Design; Text-based Programming; Exploring Computer Systems), and Leading Culture Change in School Modules (Leadership and Change Management In Education; Inclusive Education: issues related to equality, diversity and (Dis)advantage in Educational Settings; Teacher as Co-Researcher).

Certificate participants complete one assignment for each module.

Academic entry criteria: Possess qualifications and competencies recognised at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (for example, a higher diploma or Honours degree). Documentation supporting these qualifications, such as academic transcripts and parchments, references and CVs, must be received by 31st July 2024.

Professional entry criteria: Be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and / or have a minimum of one year’s experience working in educational or related contexts. Being in employment as an educator during the academic year for which the applicant is applying to the programme is also suitable.

Closing Date 30th August 2024

21st Century Teaching and Learning (P. Grad. Cert.) is a one-year, part-time course that is worth 30 ECTS credits.

Next Intake: September 2024

Career Opportunities
Using the the Bridge21 pedagogical model, this course equips in-service teachers with the requisite knowledge, skills and competence to support the development of an innovative learning culture within schools, that is team-based, technology mediated, project-focused and cross curricular.