Teaching Methods
At Our Lady’s School we believe that each child is unique and that learning is motivated by interest. Stimulation is given by a variety of learning situations to effectively promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life. Pupils are grouped in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes ranging from assemblies for the whole school, to activities involving an individual pupil.
A whole class may be a suitable unit for receiving information that is relevant to all pupils, e.g. an introductory talk to a project, in topic work and listening to stories and poems. On the other hand, problem solving is better catered for in small groups where there is more opportunity for interaction.
Working in small groups can help pupils learn how to co-operate, how to respect the views of others, how to question and challenge, and how to listen. In this way pupils learn from other pupils as well as from teachers. Working in groups helps to develop social skills, mutual support and leadership skills. Working in a group for very young children may be a new experience and one, which may take time to get used to.
At all times, the needs of the individual pupil are given the highest priority. All pupils at all times are encouraged to progress at their optimum pace. Careful records are kept to monitor pupil progress. Individual children work with their teachers to set personal targets and to record achievements.
