What's the talk of education?
TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY FOR THE SOUTH EAST
Ireland has enough universities for a small country. Upgrading these ITs will only dilute the standard of universities – Aideen Reilly, thejournal.ie
More universities, more choice and therefore less points required to do courses. – Pilib O Muiregan, thejournal.ie
The criteria should be based solely on the capacity of the institution to do what universities do, to a high standard. Questions about the need for a university in a particular region, or the importance of private competition, shouldn't enter into it at all. – Ferdinand von Prondzynski, universitydiary. wordpress.com
PRIMARY AND POST-PRIMARY REFORMS: SUGGESTIONS
Cut all salaries across the board by 10 per cent. Invest savings in actual education, not salaries. Extend school term by 10 per cent. – drummed, politics.ie
Regards salary I don’t think (good) teachers are overpaid so I don’t agree with salary cuts. I’m all for the bad teachers being sacked though.
Like they are doing right now in the UK. - cuiseogach, politics.ie
Teacher training is a big problem that needs to be radically overhauled. Students lack a general hunger for knowledge too. You can scare them into learning if you want the fight but I hate fighting with students. - Texal Tom, politics.ie
Teach each and every child to partake in public life. To think independently. To understand the difference between opinion and self or group interest. To develop real convictions. To stand up and speak. To listen quietly, properly and respectfully. To have a sense of public duty and pride in that. Then, draw our representatives by lot from the entire citizenry. - Speedfreak, politics.ie
CLOSURE OF SMALL RURAL SCHOOLS
I thought it was the smoking ban in pubs that was leading to the death of rural Ireland, or was it the drink-driving laws or perhaps it was driving tests to get a licence. Rural Ireland seems to have as many lives a cat - Peter Carroll, thejournal.ie
I say we get rid of rural Ireland altogether and ban nature and the environment from ever stepping forth on our doorstop again. What this country needs now is more empty, uncompleted housing developments that crush the spirit and beauty of the countryside once and for all. - Cornelius Castoriadis, thejournal.ie
RELIGION IS 4TH MAJOR SUBJECT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
As far as the primary school system is concerned it is equally important for those entering secondary school to be able to reel off answers to philosophical questions such as "where is God?" as to be able to divide 16 by 4 or recognise what a verb is. They don't really need to know that water boils at 100 degrees, sure the kettle takes care of that like. – Bannasidhe, boards.ie
As a teacher working within this system, I find it frustrating beyond belief that, as a matter of rote, I can be asked personal questions about my religious beliefs in an interview situation. – jemur, politics.ie
