2017 Volume 68 Issue 6 Pages 285-296
This study is based on a survey of Irish Home Economics teachers, and an examination of Irish Home Economics textbooks and curriculum resources provided by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
The questionnaire was conducted in order to look into Home Economics teachers' class practice. The participants were 38 teachers who attended the annual meeting of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics in Ireland on the 15th of October, 2016.
The results were as follows:
1. More than 80％ of Irish Home Economics teachers in this survey were using Home Econimcs textbooks and the majority of them were using PDST lesson materials.
2. More than 60％ of Irish Home Economics teachers in this survey responded that they are good at teaching having sufficient knowledge in every field.
3. About 10 to 50％ of Irish Home Economics teachers in this survey answered, “It is difficult to teach with confidence,” or “I don't teach this,” in relation to the fields of 'Living environment design and management' and 'Textile, fashion and design.'
4. The secondary school home economics textbooks used in Ireland are more detailed than those used in Japan. In addition, the PDST lesson materials are organized by school levels and lesson fields so that it is easier for teachers to select materials according to the contents of Home Economics lessons. Home Economics teachers frequently used Home Economics textbooks and the curriculum resources of the PDST.
