An Coiste Feabhais Acadúil
The Committee on Academic Quality Improvement
The Academic Quality Assurance Programme 2004-2005
Report to Údarás na hOllscoile
Review of
Scoil na Gaeilge
(School of Irish)
Self-Assessment
Review Group Visit
Follow Up Meeting
December 2004 to February 2005
9th – 11th March, 2005
12th July 2005
This Report was compiled for members of Údarás na hOllscoile, NUI Galway and its
committees as a readily accessible but comprehensive source of information on the above
review, its context and its outcomes.
Quality Office, June 2007
Note: The English version of the Report to Údarás on the following pages is for information purposes only. The
Irish version remains the official document.
Report to Údarás – Review of Department of Scoil na Gaeilge 2004–2005
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1. Overview of Department
1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Department
Aims
Scoil na Gaeilge is dedicated to its students and is focused on intensive research. Staff of the
School have attained national and international status for their academic works and provide
leadership in the fields of Irish Studies and the Celtic Languages on a national and regional
level, and in particular to the Irish language and the Gaeltacht communities.
Objectives
• To educate students to a high standard in both spoken and written Irish, cultural studies and
traditions of Irish, including studies in the Celtic Languages, based on the courses that they
will choose.
• To take an active part in research projects in conjunction with the Centre for Irish Studies, the
Centre for the Study of Human Settlement and Historical Change and Acadamh na
hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge and in other research projects that progress in the Faculty of Arts and
the Faculty of Celtic Studies.
• To serve the Irish language community and the Gaeltacht community in innovative and
practical ways to support, in the best way possible, the National University of Ireland,
Galway’s special role in relation to the Irish language in studies through the medium of Irish,
the education sector in its entirety, and as a living language of communication. Accordingly,
Scoil na Gaeilge will pay particular heed to these aims in relation to planning courses and
academic programmes.
• To implement a strategic plan for the years 2005-2010.
1.2 Progress Since Last Review
• Scoil na Gaeilge and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge:
o Discussions are taking place with the various authorities to discuss and clarify all questions
• Student Outlook towards Courses:
o Standard course evaluation sheets are now in use for every course.
o A comprehensive survey has been completed on the opinions of the Scoil na Gaeilge
students and professional analysis of the results of this survey is taking place at the
moment.
o Some members of staff of Scoil na Gaeilge have taken part in the assessment on group
teaching.
o One member of staff has completed a training course in teaching and it is School policy
that every new member of staff completes this course henceforth.
• Scoil na Gaeilge Meetings:
o Formal minutes are kept for every Scoil na Gaeilge meeting.
o The agenda for every meeting is distributed in advance.
• Scoil na Gaeilge Statute:
o The School has made a decision to conduct an immediate review of the school statute(refer
to Strategic Plan 7.2.).
• Website:
o Scoil na Gaeilge has a live website since 2003 which has undergone much improvement
since its launch.
o The website address is as follows: http://www.nuigalway.ie/faculties_departments/gaeilge/
o This website will be upgraded to ensure better usage in relation to teaching and marketing.
(See Strategic Plan 3.3; 3.4.1; 3.6.5.)
• Teaching :
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o At present the Dúshraith (1BA), Forás (2BA), and Céim ar Chéim (3BA) courses are
being taught.
o Formal grammar classes are held weekly in small groups.
o Extra grammar classes are held for those students who have difficulties with the language.
o Extra voluntary grammar classes are available.
o Members of staff are always happy to organise extra grammar tuition for students who
request such.
o There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of students attending the Gaeltacht
courses in An Cheathrú Rua (45 in 2002; 168 in 2005).
o An extra tutorial class has been held for the past two years to discuss lecture material. This
aids the improvement of the student’s language, presentation and communication skills.
• Celtic Studies:
o A B.A. course in Celtic Civilisation commenced in the academic year 2004/5. This course
is being offered through Irish and English.
o A lecturer in Welsh, above the bar, was appointed in 2004/5.
• Doctorate Students:
o 10 Ph.D.’s have been awarded since the last review
o 3 Ph.D.’s are being examined at the moment
o 5 Ph.D.’s are currently being worked on
o 2 Ph.D.’s have not been completed within the specified timeframe
1.3 Student Numbers
The total number of fulltime equivalent (FTE) students in Scoil na Gaeilge was 105 in the year
2003/2004, representing a decrease of 77% in the five years since 1998-1999.
1.4 Staff to Student ratio
In 2003-2004, the number of fulltime equivalent (FTE) academic staff in the Scoil na Gaeilge
was 12.3, giving a student:staff ratio of 9 in year ending 2004 (this ratio was 16 in 1998-99).
For the same (2003-2004) academic year, across the Faculty of Arts, the average student:staff
ratio was 22.
1.5 Accommodation and Facilities
The core facilities of Scoil na Gaeilge are located in Áras na Gaeilge.
2. Review Group Visit and Report
Present: Ms. Anna Ní Ghallachair, The Language Centre, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (Chair);
Dr. Pádraig Ó Siadhail, D’Arcy McGee Chair of Irish Studies, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Canada; Professor Máire Herbert, Department of Old & Middle Irish, University College Cork; Mr. Fionnbarra Ó
Muirí, Training & Education Manager, Údarás na Gaeltachta; Dr. Louis de Paor, Director, Centre for Irish Studies,
the National University of Ireland, Galway; and Dr. Piaras Ó hEachteirn from an CFA (Rapporteur)
2.1 Summary, and Main Recommendations from Report
a) We suggest that Scoil na Gaeilge urgently compile an action plan. Arising from the
educational aims and objectives in the Scoil na Gaeilge Strategic Plan, precise targets as
well as a definite timetable for tackling the immense challenges that Scoil na Gaeilge face
should be included in the plan.
b) A precise management and administration structure for Scoil na Gaeilge must be
implemented to ensure that Scoil na Gaeilge is managed and administered effectively. We
suggest that the Head of the School have a central role in the discussion and in every
decision that relates to academic delivery.
c) We recommend that Scoil na Gaeilge launch a publicity and marketing campaign to attract
more students at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
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d) We suggest that every member of staff of Scoil na Gaeilge does his/her share, i.e. teaching,
research, supervision and administration.
e) We suggest that Scoil na Gaeilge continue co-operating with the various other units in the
University, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge for example.
f) We are very much in favour of supporting the proposal in the Self-Assessment Report, i.e.
that students must spend a compulsory period in the Gaeltacht every year.
g) We suggest that postgraduate students who are engaged in teaching Irish, be trained in
modern teaching methods and that similar training courses be offered to members of staff on
a regular basis.
h) We are very much of the opinion that academic staff should have expert knowledge in the
area of functional linguistics.
i) We support the proposal made in the Strategic Plan that an annual publication will result
from the proceedings of the Scoil na Gaeilge conference on Irish Literature and Culture.
j) In regard to best practice in the supervision and direction of research, we suggest that the
IUQB Guidelines and Procedures be implemented immediately.
k) We recommend that specialisation in the field of sociolinguistics and language planning be
amongst the areas of staff expertise..
l) As changes occur in the staff make-up of Scoil na Gaeilge in the years to come, it is a matter
of necessity that Scoil na Gaeilge can satisfy its academic mission as well as develop it. We
also suggest because teaching and research through the medium of Irish is an essential part
of the tradition and unique ethos of Scoil na Gaeilge, that every effort possible is made to
ensure that this aspect is neither decreased nor relaxed.
m) We suggest that every effort possible is made to avoid the inhibition of the planned strategic
development by the School’s current statute.
3. Action Plans
Follow Up Meeting 2.30pm, Tuesday 12th July 2005
Room 211, Áras na Gaeilge
Present: The Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Nicholas Canny, Professor Jim Gosling, Dr Nollaig Ó
Muraíle, Dr Gearóid Denvir, Professor Mícheál Mac Craith, Dr Donncha Ó hAodha, Professor Máirín Ní
Dhonnchadha, Dr Pádraig Ó Héalaí, Professor John Waddell, Declan Ashe, Fiona de Paor, Fionnbarra Ó Muirí, Dr
Louis de Paor In attendance: Eoin Ó Droighneáin.
3.1 Action Plan for the Department:
1.
Arising from the educational aims and objectives that are in Scoil na Gaeilge’s Strategic
Plan, it is currently preparing an Action Plan, which will be ready before February of
2006. This plan will contain precise targets as well as a definite timetable for tackling
the great challenges that await the School.
a. The above Action Plan will include the following developments in the School’s
teaching programme:
b. The amended BA course in Irish will begin in 2006. The planning for that will take
place during the period from now until the end of January 2005.
c. The 2BA course in Celtic Civilisation will be available in 2005-06 and the 3BA
course will be available in 2006-07.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
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d. The School will examine the possibilities regarding students spending a compulsory
period in the Gaeltacht in 2005-06 and in subsequent years.
e. An attempt will be made to recognise, develop and implement the necessary methods
so that the School will have an integrated approach for the teaching of Irish, both
spoken and written, for the beginning of the academic year 2006-07. This planning
will take place in collaboration with other internal sections of NUI Galway
(Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the teachers on the MA i Modheolaíochtaí do
Theagasc Teangacha (MA in Language Teaching Methodologies), and CELT), and
with other educational institutions.
f. Postgraduate students who are engaged in teaching Irish will be trained in modern
teaching methods, and members of staff will be offered similar training on a regular
basis.
g. Steps will be taken to divide the workload of the staff, including teaching, research,
supervision, marketing and administration, in a more equal manner in the academic
year 2005-06 and from then on. To this end, members of staff will have to be
flexible and take on duties in new areas.
Among the other developments that will be examined in the Action Plan are the
following:
a. To offer the MA sa Nua-Ghaeilge (MA in Modern Irish) and the MA sa tSeanGhaeilge (MA in Old Irish) on a part-time basis.
b. The School will look at the possibilities related to offering the Teastas i mBéaloideas
na hÉireann (Certificate in Irish Folklore) at Diploma level, and offering a Diploma /
Certificate in Celtic Studies to the public.
c. The School will examine the possibilities related to providing a course in Irish ab
initio for students who have no Irish (like the courses in Italian etc. in the
University).
d. The School will investigate the possibilities related to providing an ‘Erasmus’ year
in the Gaeltacht as part of the degree.
e. How to add to the expert knowledge available to the School in the area of Applied
Linguistics.
Although the School’s Statute as it is at present does not inhibit the strategic
development that is planned, the School will look at its Statute next Autumn:
a. To ensure that it is fully in line with the School’s mission and with the University’s
Strategic Plan;
b. To more clearly define the management and administrative structure of the School,
so that the School will have authoritative leadership and effective direction and that
the Head of the School will have a central role in discussions and decision-making
related to academic delivery.
c. So that the School will have a clear form of management and administration that
everyone can understand.
The School’s publicity and marketing campaign will continue. Among the steps that
will be taken / that are being taken are: the preparation of brochures to be ready before
January 2006; the appointment of a person to be responsible for promoting contact with
the schools; a special open day; and a special effort to attract 1BA students to take Irish
as a subject.
An annual publication will result from Scoil na Gaeilge’s conference on Irish literature
and culture. To begin with, a Féilscríbhinn will be published in memory of Dr Máirtín
Ó Briain, based on the proceedings of the 2005 conference.
Scoil na Gaeilge recognises that it is important to preserve and strengthen the traditional
ethos of delivering courses and publishing research through Irish.
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3.2 Action Plan for University Management:
1.
The Registrar reminded those present that it is the role of the Head of the School to look
after the management of the School and to use resources to implement the academic
direction of the School; and that it is the role of the Subject Professor to provide
academic leadership in that subject.
2.
In regard to best practice in the supervision and direction of research, the University
Management will provide guidelines.
3.
The Registrar and the Director of Quality now agree with the opinion of the Review
Group, ‘that the review process should not include passing judgement on internal
conflicts’, in this case allegations by postgraduate students. They agree that ‘this greatly
disturbed the Group and staff of the School’, and that it took away from the focus of the
Review.
Approved: Head of Department, An Dr. Gearóid Denvir, 5th July 2006
Approved: The Registrar, Professor Jim Browne, 4th May 2007
Approved: Director of CELT, Dr. Iain Mac Labhrainn, 11th May 2007
Approved: Vice-President for Research, Professor Nicholas Canny, 15th May 2007
Approved: Dean of the Arts Faculty, Professor Kevin Barry, 11th May 2007
Completed on 15th May 2007, Professor Jim Gosling, Director of Quality
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