Richard Bruton
Question:149 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the possibility of a formal teaching or lecturing training course being established for third level lecturers. [7728/98]
Written Answers. - Staff Development Schemes.
My Department introduced a European Social Fund-aided staff development scheme, known as the training of trainers programme, a number of years ago, whereby funds are made available to provide training courses to enable staff in the third level institutions to update their skills and knowledge and to upgrade their qualifications. As a result of this initiative a range of courses were devised and developed by these institutions and are designed to meet the unique needs of each participating institution and to enable institutions to customise their staff development requirements.
There is a significant emphasis within the programme in the university sector on the development of pedagogical skills training. Furthermore, the Irish Universities' Training Network was set up in 1992 with the aim of encouraging and promoting collaborative development and training initiatives, to complement the initiatives being taken by individual universities. The Higher Education Authority is also considering the introduction of a Graduate Diploma-Masters Degree in Higher Education Studies for both academic and administrative staff, which would be offered by distance education via the HEANET.
In the technological sector, most of the institutes of technology are engaged in self-study evaluations and the putting in place of procedures and mechanisms to improve the quality of educational provision. These arrangements facilitate the continuing development of the teaching and other skills of third level lecturers.