Gaeilge: keep 'em talking

A report on Irish in primary schools has found that a more communicative approach to teaching is most effective. The study by the Instititiud Teangeolaiochta Eireann says classes in which a greater emphasis is placed on communication do better than other classes.

Launched last week by Chris Flood TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, the report acknowledges that the revised curriculum, to be introduced to schools in September, will contribute to Irish at primary level. However, it cautions, "without the more comprehensive educational and language planning enterprise which it proposes, improvement is likely to be limited".

The report reviews all the ITE's research and development work on the teaching of Irish in primary schools E over the last 10 years. Part of its findings are based on direct observation of Irish lessons by primary-school inspectors and on questionnaires answered by pupils and parents.

The report says that classes in which pupils spend a lot of time on routine reading aloud tend to have lower achievement in spoken Irish and less positive attitudes to the language. In a review of one three-year project, carried out by ITE researchers in consultation with 50 teachers to produce communicative materials, the teachers reported that pupils with lower levels of ability in Irish responded particularly well to new materials; pupils who had never previously shown an interest began asking when they would be doing Irish again. A wide variety of schools, including schools in disadvantaged areas, were represented in this project.

The report, which was researched, compiled and written by John Harris and Lelia Murtagh, says longterm planning is needed in order to focus on the complex interaction between the work of ordinary primary schools and life outside, as far as Irish is concerned.

Harris says this is the first comprehensive report of its kind to give "an unusually complete picture of the teaching and learning of a primary-school subject".

The report finds that "there is widespread agreement on the need for action and renewal in relation to Irish at primary level". Happily, it also shows pupils are reasonably well disposed towards the Irish language itself and towards the idea of integrating with Irish-language speakers. However, it says, motivation or actual commitment to learning Irish is less positive. The ITE, established in 1972 as a centre for the study of State language policy, provides research and consultancy services on language issues.