The student-turned-teacher embracing a metacognitive approach that is having a huge impact at her old school
Ciara Mulholland once roamed the halls of Saint Patrick’s College, Maghera as a pupil and camogie team captain. Today she is a much admired science teacher. Using a metacognitive approach, she not only promotes a love of science among her students but also dedicates her time to supporting their extracurricular interests.
When Ciara returned to Saint Patrick’s College after achieving a BEd in Maths and Science she was already a recognised member of the community. What stood out about this young teacher, now described as a ‘gift to the college’, was her unique ability to promote effective learning strategies and a love of science, while fostering strong relationships with students that have them ‘skipping’ to her classroom.
A metacognitive approach
Ciara’s approach is founded on her interest in metacognition and promoting independence for students. She uses a mix of knowledge organisers, thinking frames and quizzing to support her pupils’ learning and help them succeed to the best of their abilities.
The children in her classroom enjoy her varied learning techniques, including buzzer games and quizzes which act as formative assessment activities. These have a huge impact on pupils, successfully creating a climate of high expectations and fun. Children achieve educational targets but also learn to care for and support each other with an approach that ensures equitable learning opportunities for all.
A colleague shared: “Ciara finds ways to make lessons interactive and bring them to life in a way that helps students, especially those less able, relate to a topic. She is eager to learn at every opportunity and is always looking for better and more effective ways of doing things.”
Beyond the classroom
With her mother also a teacher, Ciara understands that teaching is about much more than the classroom. She plays an active role in the broader school community, including running a science club in her own time to promote a love of STEM amongst students. She also recognises the impact of sport on her school community and has taken on a coaching role with the school camogie team, with the team reaching the All-Ireland final under her support and guidance.
Embracing the mantra ‘teachers are on a lifelong learning journey’, Ciara constantly hones her skills, attending webinars and training courses. She plays a pivotal role in the Early Career Teach team at Saint Patrick’s College, set up to support other young teachers, and acts as the Lead teacher within the Teaching and Learning team, sharing her knowledge and best practice examples to promote improved learning across the curriculum.
