The LYIT is launching its second offering of its highly successful Masters of Arts in Learning and Teaching.
The Head of Department of Law and Humanities at LYIT, Anne Burke said teaching is one of the most demanding yet rewarding and important professions.
“Tailor-made Masters programmes are essential in supporting learning and teaching practices for the ever-evolving 21st century classroom. The School of Business at LYIT has a proven track record of over 14 years in executive and professional education at Masters Level for practitioners in their field”.
Anne McHugh, Chief Executive, from Donegal ETB strongly endorses professional development within the teaching profession.
“This new and innovative programme allows teachers to upskill without having to travel long distances. It feeds directly into many of the key areas of interest for Donegal ETB in terms of our wish to continue to improve the quality of teaching and learning in our schools and centres. I recommend the programme wholeheartedly”.
Key features of the programmes are: its focus on developing professional practice in learning and teaching; leading national and international best practice speakers; blended learning delivery; work-based learning and research in all modules; block delivery over 2 academic years at weekends; no exams (assessment is assignment based) and; unique networking opportunities across third-level, further education, post-primary and primary sectors.
John Andy Bonar, Head of Development LYIT, said LYIT’s Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching is a highly innovative new programme, specifically designed to support the continuing development of professional practice in contemporary learning and teaching, across the whole educational system from primary school through to third-level.
“Each module has been designed to explore the critical linkages between effective teaching and reflective practice and each module also affords participants the opportunity to develop practical skills to further enhance their professional teaching practice. LYIT is proud to make this learning opportunity available to the educational community and we are confident that it will contribute further to the emerging education and innovation eco-system across the West and North-West Region”.
Burke notes, “The first crop of participants are nearly through the first intake of the programme, and the feedback has been very positive. These participants come from a range of third-level, further education and post-primary backgrounds, and so contribute to a breadth of experience and to a dynamic learning environment”.
Paula McBride, post-primary school teacher, Mulroy College, Milford said during this course, you are using the techniques gained through learning, to better your practice.
“During the MALT lectures there is open conversation with educators from various educational backgrounds. This was great, it allows you to see where your pupils are coming from, and what will be expected of them when they leave their second level studies. The aspect I liked best about the MALT programme was the guest lecturers. They provided great knowledge, and practical insight into their chosen topic, which made the learning experience alot more interesting. Another great aspect of the course was written feedback on the assignments. This enable the learner to receive comments on areas to improve on.”
Shane McArt, post-primary school teacher, Crana College, Buncrana, adds, “So far I am enjoying the course and I have learned lots of new things. The lectures are of a very high quality and the lecturers have had the unenviable task of keeping the class motivated on a Friday night, which really hasn’t been a problem. Guest lecturers provides us with practical, first hand experiences, bringing us right to the coal face of learning.’
LYIT is inviting applications from primary, post-primary and third-level educators to take part in the 2016/17 Masters of Arts in Learning and Teaching programme starting in February 2016. Contact Anne Burke at anne.burke@lyit.ie or Lisa Devlin, Course Administrator, at 074 91 86206 for further information. Closing date for applications is Friday 5th February. Places are limited, so if you are interested please apply early.