The purpose of the study was to generate internationally comparable indicators on the attitudes to teaching and learning of teachers in the Junior Cycle of secondary schools, their teaching practices and their involvement in professional development. TALIS also looked at the leadership role and responsibilities of principals. The survey offered an opportunity for teachers and school principals to provide input into educational analysis and policy development on key contemporary issues.
The survey focused on the following policy themes:
- The professional development of teachers, including frequency of and access to development activities.
- The association between forms of teacher appraisal and teaching practices and beliefs.
- The association between school-level policies and practices, including school leadership, and the learning environment in schools.
- The development and support of effective school leadership.
- Recent trends in school leadership and management.
- The profiles of countries with regard to teaching practices, activities, beliefs and attitudes, and how these vary according to teacher background characteristics.
Results of TALIS 2008 from an Irish perspective are outlined in two reports.
- The summary report was released to coincide with the launch of the international report in June 2009.
- The in-depth national report contains detailed analyses of the Irish data. It was released in December 2009.
International reporting on TALIS 2008 consisted of:
- The main international report describing the findings of TALIS across all participating countries.
- The TALIS 2008 Technical Report
- A thematic report on teachers’ professional development (European Commission)
The TALIS database is available for use by researchers.
