COUNTY GALWAY VEC MEDIA CENTRE QUALITY IN EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA CENTRE OUTLINE OF COURSES DELIVERED CENTRE ETHOS STUDENT PROFILE CASE STUDIES CONCLUSIONS QUALITY IN EDUCATION

MEDIA CENTRE Radio studio Established in 2009 Partnership with FAS Training Services West Small teaching team Substantial teaching and industry experience

TV & VIDEO PRODUCTION COURSES LEVEL 3 UPWARDS RADIO PRODUCTION COURSES - CITY & GUILDS DIPLOMA COURSES

TV & VIDEO Courses delivered from level 3 upwards Partnership course with Fás - level 4 Students learn skills necessary to prepare portfolio for entry to higher education Skills for industry at entry level Self employment – video production Short Courses

TV & VIDEO Practical Courses – hands on using industry standard equipment Technical Ability – operating cameras, sound, lighting equipment Computer Literacy – editing using Macs Limited emphasis on written/academic work

TV & VIDEO Students are taught how to research, plan, produce, shoot, light and edit: Interviews Studio Programmes Documentaries Short Films

RADIO City & Guilds Diploma in Radio studio production (level 5 equivalent) Learn & develop skills necessary to work in broad range of jobs within radio industry Opportunities for further education Ability to work as independent producer

RADIO Practical Courses Academic Element (40%) Technical Ability Good Computer Literacy Interest in News/Current Affairs Music Live Online Broadcasting from Media Centre Work Placements in Radio Stations

CENTRE ETHOS All students treated equally All students treated with respect (co- workers) Recognition for previous achievements – academic and non-academic Consideration for personal circumstances – childcare; medical; learning Encouragement & support Establishment of individual learning and achievement goals

CENTRE APPROACH Induction and meeting with Co-ordinator - Previous educational achievements/experiences - Employment history - Goals and expectations of learner - Goals and expectations of Media Centre Regular feedback sessions with co-ordinator and/or tutors Regular review of learner goals/achievements Learner supports – Literacy/counselling services; tutorial sessions Teaching plans tailored to meet student needs

METHODOLOGIES Standard directed learning methodologies: - ‘lecture’ - Discussion - Demonstration Exposure to real life experiences - Links with industry - Work simulation: student radio; student productions Student contributions - Accounting background; legal; medical; trades Showcase – Eye Cinema

STUDENT PROFILE Live Register Diversity - Age - Backgrounds -Educational Attainment

STUDENT PROFILE Motivation? - Genuine interest in media - Genuine interest in pursuing further education - Need to retrain or up-skill - Recommendation by a counsellor - Pressure from Social Welfare

STUDENT ISSUES OLDER STUDENT: Time since last in education Previous classroom experience Confidence/self esteem

STUDENT ISSUES LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED: Self esteem Motivation Depression Limited educational attainment (early school leaver)

TACKLING THE CHALLANGES TEACHING METHODOLOGIES INDUSTRY LINKS DELIVERING QUALITY

INDUSTRY LINKS Industry links vital to build student confidence Outside recognition of talents/achievements Confidence to approach industry for work on completion of course Students actively encouraged to invite local businesses/sporting organisations/musicians into centre for live broadcasts Group actively working on Community Radio for Tuam Claremorris Community Radio commissioning students to make documentaries and ads

CONCLUSIONS One approach for all does not work Flexibility in teaching methodologies Flexibility in teacher expectations Understanding of student issues/backgrounds Confidence building a priority by - Tailoring of initial tasks for each student - Emphasising strengths and limiting focus on weaknesses in early stages of learning Facilitating students to overcome certain barriers to learning: Childcare, costs, illness All teachers