This can help to identify ways in
which TY could be usefully
adapted in future, or reaffirm the
ongoing validity of decisions and
traditions previously established.
!
For example, the FLS lasts for
only one semester of one school
year: perhaps devoting a full year
to an initiative of this nature was
seen as too radical a change to
introduce? Or perhaps one
semester was considered to be a
more optimal period of ‘freedom’
for 13-year-old students, whereas
15-year-old students may be
better-equipped to benefit from a
full year? Would a 13-year-old
and a 15-year-old gain the same
level of insight and experience
from work experience
placements? Would there be
value in considering a stronger
emphasis on ‘core’ examination-
focused learning in TY (to which
FLS devotes approximately two-
thirds of available time)? But
then, what about the other
activities of TY, which contribute
to other aspects of personal and
social development? Is one
semester long enough to step
away from examination pressure
to focus effectively on personal
development, or would it not
provide enough distance from
‘conventional’ classes?
!
With the NCCA’s review of senior
cycle education currently in
progress, questions such as these
are worth reflecting on with a
view to providing the strongest
possible educational experience
for students.
References
Egan, O., & O’Reilly, J. (1979). The Transition Year Project. Oideas, 20 (Spring), 49-59.
Jeffers, G. (2007). Attitudes to Transition Year: A report to the Department of Education and Science. NUI
Maynooth.
Korea Bizwire (21 st April 2015). Free-learning Semester Coming to Korean Middle Schools. http://
koreabizwire.com/free-learning-semester-coming-to-korean-middle-schools/33943
Korea Herald (13 th February 2014). Schools take baby steps for no-test semester. http://www.koreaherald.com/
view.php?ud=20140213001103
Korea Times (9 th December 2014). Exam-free semester program gets positive reviews. http://
www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2014/12/116_169600.html
Lee, J. (2013). New Educational Policy of Free Learning Semester: Toward Revitalization for Career
Exploration Oriented Approach. Seoul: KRIVET.
Lewis, M. & McMahon, L. (1996). Evaluation of a training of trainers in-service education model: The
Transition Year in-career development programme. Dublin: Educational Research Centre.
OECD. (2016). Education Policy Outlook: Korea. http://www.oecd.org/education/Education-Policy-Outlook-
Korea.pdf
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