A comparison of the teaching experiences of school teachers in Ireland and the United States
Authors
Walsh, Jane
Issue Date
2011
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This comparative study examines the working experiences of primary or elementary school teachers in Ireland and the United States. In comparing the two, the researcher aims not only to increase the field of research – for such a comparison has never been reported – but also to make certain suggestions for improvement to the Irish experience. Six teachers were interviewed, 3 in Ireland and 3 in the US, using open-ended questions in a semi structured interview. Resulting data was later analyzed and discussed. The main differences in experience were found to be between socioeconomic groupings, rather than based on a geographic divide. Suggestions were made which could increase parental involvement in student education and reduce instructional downtime given over to discipline. Author keywords: Teachers, teaching, experiences, comparison, primary school, elementary school, Ireland, United States of America