Research profile
Niamh Allen
PME in Primary Education
Niamh Allen spent two years in France studying English Literature at the University of Brittany and, following this, she worked as an EFL teacher in Paris. Niamh is an avid reader and has a keen interest in literacy.
Research Paper Title
Oral Language Development: Teachers’ Perspectives on Oral Language Development in Junior Infants to Second Class
Abstract
Oral language is our principal means of communication; our ability to speak and listen. This study aimed to research oral language development in Junior Infants to Second Class. A mixed-method approach was used to investigate 22 teachers’ perspectives on oral language development; the importance of oral language, challenges with teaching it and confidence in assessing oral language. The findings of the study concluded that, although teachers acknowledge its importance, the difficulties alluded to within the study impact teachers’ competence in teaching and assessing oral language. Irish primary teachers need improvements to be made to support oral language development in Junior Infants to Second Class.
Biography
Niamh Allen completed her Professional Master of Education (PME) in Primary Education with Hibernia College in 2020. Prior to this, she graduated with an International Arts degree from Maynooth University, majoring in English Literature and French Studies. She spent two years in France studying English Literature at the University of Brittany and, following this, she worked as an EFL teacher in Paris. Niamh is an avid reader and has a keen interest in literacy. She is currently working as a special education teacher in a rural school and has always thoroughly enjoyed teaching literacy — in particular, discrete oral language lessons. This interest influenced the research topic, which focuses on Oral Language Development: Teachers’ Perspectives on Oral Language Development in Junior Infants to Second Class.
