Experiences of Remedial Education in Irish Primary Schools

The primary purpose of the study was to examine the perceptions of children, attending remedial classes, and those of their parents and teachers towards remedial education. The self-esteem and classroom behaviour of children attending remedial classes were also examined. Two Dublin primary schools participated in the study. Four questionnaires examining perceptions towards remedial education were completed by children, parents and teachers; and two standardised instruments to assess children''s self-esteem and behaviour were completed by children and teachers respectively. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with children attending remedial classes and remedial teachers participated in an informal interview. The research found that the majority of children, parents and teachers perceived remedial education as helpful. Teachers reported that children attending remedial classes generally did not exhibit behavioural difficulties. Remedial teachers reported the behaviour of children more favourably than class teachers. The findings on the self-esteem of children attending remedial classes and those not attending were inconclusive.