From Leaving CertiFiCate to Leaving SChooL a Longitudinal Study ...

CONTENTS
List of Tables and Figures....................................................................... ix
Acknowledgements ................................................................................ xiii
Executive Summary .................................................................................xv
1. Introduction ....................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 1
1.2 Research on Student Experiences in Upper Secondary
Education ..................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 High Stakes Testing............................................................. 5
1.2.2 Decision-making in the Final Year of School ..................... 8
1.2.3 Characteristics of the Case-study Schools........................ 13
1.3 Methodology .............................................................................. 11
1.3.1 A Mixed Methods Approach.............................................. 11
1.3.2 Characteristics of the Case-study Schools........................ 13
1.4 Chapter Outline ......................................................................... 18
2. Curriculum, Teaching and Learning............................................. 20
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 20
2.2 Perceptions of Leaving Certificate Programmes and
Subjects ...................................................................................... 20
2.2.1 Views on the Leaving Certificate Programmes................. 21
2.2.2 Views on Leaving Certificate Subjects.............................. 23
2.3 Take-up of Subject Levels ......................................................... 29
2.3.1 Choice of Subject Level in Maths...................................... 38
2.4 Teaching and Learning............................................................... 42
2.4.1 Teaching Methods ............................................................. 42
2.4.2 Pace of Instruction ............................................................ 45