National Seminar Series 2014/2015
Title: Teaching for Transition – The Transition from Second to Third level Education
Theme (refer to the themes outlined on the Forum website): Teaching for Transitions
Date: Deferred from original date& took place on 30th April 2015
Host institution(s): Waterford Institute of Technology
Venue: ArcLabs Boardroom Carriganore Campus, Waterford Institute of Technology
Number of participants: 21
Institutions represented: Waterford Institute of Technology
Contact: Roisin Shanahan
Link to recording (if applicable): N/A
Key insights from the day (in bullets):
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During our time together Ruairí supported us to build a sense of community and
shared purpose within the group which was really energising.
The opportunity to explore and articulate the mental models which inform
understanding of the difficulties of transition, how first year students learn and how
best to engage with them.
An understanding of and fostering of empathy with students which can have a very
significant positive effect on engagement of students.
It gave the opportunity to view the difficulties our students actually have in adjusting
to a new way of thinking in the classroom and how we can provide the supports as
mentors in the classroom
Key contributions from the seminar to the broader Forum outlined theme (Max 300 words):
The seminar increased participant’s awareness of the difficulties of being new in an
organisation or institution. Teaching methodologies were examined in an attempt to
identify best practice at third level. In addition, it offered participants a deeper
understanding of the difficulties associated with transitioning from second to third
level education therefore contributing to the overarching theme of Teaching for
Transitions.
What we plan to do in the future building on this event (Max 300 words):
A request for additional funding has been made for the National Seminar Series 2015/16 and if
successful will be offered by the same presenter. Feedback has been received from participants and
discussions have taken place to develop further workshops in the area of teaching for transition. In
addition, there are ongoing in-house workshops happening in the area.