TEACHERS OF PAST REFRESHER COURSES SPEAK
The Refresher Course for Teachers was far beyond a traditional language course. Besides getting a personal approach to enlarging my vocabulary and grammar, I discovered the Irish soul through literature, poetry, history, mythology, music…and this was in combination with perfectly organised excursions to enchanting places and events as well as staying with a most wonderful Host Family. The course offered me a rich variety of language material ready to use in my lessons!
Rosana from Belgium, May 2007
The course was a refreshing mixture of lessons and excursions. The Singing Workshop was directly related to Irish culture. The Speaking and Drama Workshop was very inspiring. Paul showed us a wide variety of games including ones to get back the attention of pupils. I hope to return one day!
Karin form Germany, October 2015
The survey of Irish History was excellent, with materials, songs, texts and poems illustrating the differEnt periods for differnet age groups. We also got up-to-date information regarding the Irish economy, i.e the Celtic Tiger…We were encouraged to be adventurous in our use of the English language and there was always time for laughing!
Sonja from Germany, October 2008
I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the informal friendly style of communication between the students and the teachers. The lessons were both helpful and stimulating. I got a clear idea of how we as teachers can deal with grammar topics with our students. I tried some of your methods on my pupils and they worked brilliantly! The best thing is that now I’ve got a lot of ideas of how to make my lessons more interesting.
The Speaking, Listening & Drama Session with Paul Brennan was fantastic! That was what I was waiting for: a lot of interactive games! I’m sure we should combine movement with words. When our pupils are concentrated on movement or rhythm they learn language on a deeper level; they don’t think about words or grammar they just use them.
Colm MacLochlainn’s method of singing and telling the story of the song and the history of Ireland and its famous people is amazing! I’d like to say that all the social and cultural activities and excursions were preparation to or continuation of our English lessons. That was the best thing!!! I saw the calm beauty of Irish nature and realised why Ireland is called the island of inspiration.
The Set Dancing Session in Killaloe was my favourite activity! When I come to Ireland again, I’ll go dancing every evening!
Raheen Wood is a fairy tale wood for me. I felt that I was inside a film and yet I could smell and touch everything.
The Irish Music Session at Lena’s Pub was fascinating! The most surprising thing was that people came there just to sing and play their instruments without knowing each other. The atmosphere was much better than in a concert.
Maura & Eamonn Nihill were a very hospitable Host Family. They did their best to make us feel at home. We had a great time in their house. Would I recommend this course to other English Teachers? Yes, I would. It’s not only an English course, it’s a school of life.
Natalia from Russia, October 2014