Teachers Struggle with Authenticating Students’ Work
Most second-level teachers are facing challenges in authenticating students’ Leaving Cert projects, according to a recent survey conducted by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI). The survey, which polled over 2,700 ASTI members, revealed that 88% of teachers believe that the new Leaving Cert assessments will create difficulties in verifying students’ work.
Under the reforms set to be implemented from September onwards, a variety of Leaving Cert subjects will introduce additional assessments like research projects, accounting for a minimum of 40% of the overall grade. These projects will be completed during the fifth and sixth years of schooling.
Criticism from Teachers’ Unions
The changes to the Leaving Cert system have sparked criticism among teachers’ unions, who argue that these reforms could jeopardize education standards, fairness, and quality. ASTI president Donal Cremin emphasized the importance of ensuring that any changes made to the Leaving Cert are suitable for the students, as they only have one opportunity to undertake these exams.
Concerns Over Increased Workload and Stress
In addition to authentication challenges, the survey also revealed that 82% of teachers believe that the new assessments will lead to an increase in students’ workload. Furthermore, 70% of ASTI members expressed concerns that these changes will escalate stress levels among Leaving Cert students.
Guidance on AI Tools and Authentication
While Leaving Cert students will be allowed to use AI tools for their research projects, they will be required to acknowledge their usage to avoid losing marks. Guidance on how to complete these projects has been developed by subject development groups at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), comprising practicing teachers.
The introduction of these reforms has highlighted the need for additional resources and support for teachers and schools to navigate the upcoming changes effectively. As the education landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and address the challenges posed by the new Leaving Cert assessments.
