Vol. 492 No. 7
66 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the submission made by ASTI which contends that the Irish class size at secondary level, which is amongst the highest in OECD countries, is hampering effective teaching, particularly of practical subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14963/98]
While detailed information in relation to class sizes in individual second level schools is not provided to my Department, the Deputy will be aware that significant improvements have occurred in the pupil teacher ratio in recent years and this has undoubtedly been a factor in diminishing average class sizes. Despite this programme of sustained improvement, I have no doubt that some classes at second level are larger that we would wish. This is one of the issues taken into account by my Department when considering appeals from individual school authorities for increased teacher allocations.
In general terms, practical classes have a lower average class-size and effective teaching can take place through practical work being undertaken individually or in groups under the direction of the teacher. The three senior cycle programmes, the transition year programme, the leaving certificate vocational programme and the leaving certificate applied, are given additional teacher and-or financial resources to enable more effective teaching and the development of self-directed learning to take place.
