Annual Report 2023 Entire Book - Flipbook - Page 89
The Polish Teachers Professional Network, which was established in August 2022, continued to make its mark,
and strengthen cooperation between teachers of the Polish language in Ireland.
Peer Observation
Peer observations between Polish teachers were conducted during 2023. Teachers were trained in the
procedures and processes involved in participation, with a focus on language used, success criteria, and
observation. Lesson plans were shared in advanced of visits to ensure that lesson content was understood by
those visiting, and debriefing meetings took place. In the post-observation debriefing phase, the teachers
exchanged information and feedback. The observers shared their impressions, highlighted positive aspects of
the classes, and provided suggestions for improvement. The debriefing sessions were conducted in a positive
and supportive tone. Overall, the feedback from teachers was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that this
approach was regarded as one of the most effective strategies for their professional development.
Teachers reported that through observing classes and receiving constructive feedback, they experienced
significant professional growth. They gained insights into diverse teaching methodologies, enhancing their
pedagogical repertoire. Peer observation fostered a culture of collaboration among teachers. It facilitated the
exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices, thereby enriching the teaching community.
Teachers reported improvements in their instructional practices post-observation. They were able to refine
their teaching strategies, address weaknesses, and capitalise on strengths, ultimately enhancing student
learning outcomes.
Quotes from the teachers:
‘I liked to see the use
‘I could see the
of the Padlet for independent
work in pairs/groups. The effects were
immediately visible to the other
students, which motivated them to
difference in the level of the
student’s language ability – comparing
to my 5th year students. This shows
work, and allowed the teacher to
monitor the student’s work on
ongoing basis.’
our lesson plan need to be
tailored to the students’
needs constantly.’
Impact:
•
Attending the classes helps students maintain their heritage language, which has a very positive impact
on their well-being
•
The number of students who sat the Polish Leaving Certificate exam is increasing year-on-year from 818
in 2022 to 956 in 2023 with almost 50% of them receiving a H1 grade
•
The expansion of Polish language classes in schools not only enriches the linguistic diversity of the Irish
education system but also fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride amongst Polish-speaking
students
•
By offering CPD and support to Polish language teachers and facilitating language-specific Communities
of Practice, PPLI ensures the delivery of high-quality language education, which in turn enhances the
overall academic experience and achievement of students
- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2023 -
89
