Anne Thirkell (PhD student)

Thesis title: A Study of the Pedagogical Approaches used by Gaelic Medium Primary Teachers to Integrate Language and Content Learning

Background

I live in Aberdeenshire and have worked within Gaelic medium education for more than 20 years, starting off as a Gaelic medium primary school teacher in Aberdeen.  After that, I moved into teacher education at the School of Education, University of Aberdeen, and was an Education Support Officer for Aberdeen City Council.  I am now a lecturer in Gaelic teacher education at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the University of the Highlands and Islands. 

I enjoy walking and running in the hills, and trying to grow fruit and veg in my polytunnel and garden. 

Qualifications

University of Aberdeen: BSc (Hons) Anatomy (1995)

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig: HNC Gaelic Communications (1996)

Northern College of Education: PGDE (Primary) (1997)

University of Aberdeen: Master of Research (2014)

Responsibilities & affiliations

I am a part-time PhD student and have the following role within education:

Programme Leader MEd in Gaelic Education: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (0.8FTE)

Research summary

I am interested in Gaelic medium education and immersion education.  My PhD is focused on the pedagogical approaches used by Gaelic medium primary teachers to integrate language and content learning.