Abstract:

This study shows, I believe, an improvement in my teaching of the Junior Certificate Schools Programme (JCSP) students. The philosophy of the JCSP is every student is capable of success. It describes the shift in my thinking and practice from a view of reality as objectified to a view of reality as holistic and integrated. Carr and Kemmis (1986:24) state: A humanistic perspective emphasises that education is a human encounter whose aim is the development of the unique potential of each individual.

I believe my practice demonstrates this quality. The question which, informed my research is: How can I raise the level of self-esteem of second year JCSP students and create a better learning environment? I set out to explore this question in a number of ways: in terms of my own professional development as a reflective practitioner and in terms of the students' development.

In my work with the students I have attempted to develop their respect for one another, to managing behaviour and classroom discipline. I have fostered a climate of mutual respect between the students and myself as year head. The research was in the overall context of classroom management and I followed an action research methodology to locate my research.

A problem which I encountered was that as an authority figure it is easy to maintain the status quo but it is difficult to imagine how things could be different. I have implemented practices, which can be used in order to show a move to a different style of discipline, to teaching and care for the students.

Action research aims to improve our practice and our understanding of that practice. For me, my educational journey has evolved as a result of participation on the MA in Education programme and I am now further towards my goals of being more understanding of the students and their needs and of encouraging students to believe in their own powers of learning.

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