The role of the Irish post-primary school as a place of preparation for employment

Mulcahy, James Bruno

Abstract

This thesis has examined the role of the Irish post-primary school with particular reference to its success, or otherwise, in the preparation of young people for employment. Chapter I provides a brief introduction and outlines the parameters of the work. Chapter II presents a statement of the problem and Chapter III attempts to provide an historical analysis of Irish post-primary education from its inception in 1878 to 1984. While certain issues beyond 1984 have received some treatment, for practical reasons. that date has been chosen as a general closing point. Chapter III comprises a review of the literature which, for the most part, is set in an Irish context.
Empirical aspects of the research begin with Chapter V which is devoted to the design of a questionnaire, a pilot study and the formulation of research questions. Four areas considered of particular relevance to schooling and the preparation of young people for employment were identified. These are:
(i) the role of the guidance counsellor in the preparation of young people for employment;
(ii) the role of the curriculum in the preparation of young people for employment;
(iii) the role of post-primary schooling in general and the preparation of young people for employment, and
(iv) the role of schooling with particular reference to the preparation of young people for adjustment to employment.
Chapter VI - the main study - shows by way of an appropriately designed questionnaire, how each of the four areas was investigated through an examination of the attitudes of 848 young workers towards their experiences of schooling. Results of the investigation are also presented there. The results which are discussed in Chapter VII, show that:
(i) major aspects of the guidance counsellor’s role that were examined, show that serious problems exist, and the degree or quality of help provided for young people could be regarded as quite inadequate;
(ii) in terms of preparing young people for employment, as well as for life in general, there is a need for a reappraisal of the curriculum in all types of Irish post-primary schools;
(iii) there is a greater need for Irish post-primary schooling in general, to prepare young people better in the development of their social and interpersonal skills before they enter the world of work, and
(iv) a very high proportion of subjects expressed high levels of interest and happiness in their present work. These findings were unexpected.
A considerable number of proposals for further research have been suggested in Chapter VII.

Citation

Mulcahy, J. B. (1988). The role of the Irish post-primary school as a place of preparation for employment. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4964650

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Keywords: Education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4964650
• Additional Information: Department of Educational Studies; University of Hull
• Award Date: Mar 1, 1988