Education Commons^™

Phenomenological Study Of Postgraduate Researchers' Experiences Of Nanoscience And Nanotechnology Research, Deepa Chari, Paul Irving, Robert Howard, Brian Bowe

Articles

Over the past few decades, scientific disciplines have changed significantly with the introduction of new and complex aspects of interdisciplinary research, particularly in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N). The current attempts to develop science education programmes in N&N area to adopt these complex changes however are mainly focussed towards the core scientific knowledge, and, not much attention has been paid to identify the attributes knowledge, skills and competences necessary to successfully undertake N&N research. Identification of these attributes is important so that the core scientific knowledge can be embedded in the curricula more effectively. Also, to work successfully …

How Do Apprentice Painters And Decorators On The Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship Experience Their Learning?, Eric Bates

Theses

This thesis research set out to examine the learning experience of apprentice painters and decorators on the Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship. It focussed on three painting and decorating apprentices from the Technological University Dublin who were coming towards the end of their four year apprenticeship. As such the participants had experienced the full range of possible learning on the programme. The main aim of the study was to explore the learning experiences of apprentices on the standards based apprenticeship in their own words. This would provide for unique insights into that learning experience.

The research design was interprtivism informed by …

Key Factors That Inhibit And Facilitate The Integration Of Transferable Skills Into Higher Education, James Mc Cauley

Conference papers

The scope of this paper is to review some of the literature which addresses the distinct concept of ‘Transferable skills’ (TS) and specifically their ‘integration’ into Degree programmes in Higher Education (HE). The review will address the three influences on such an integration approach namely: influence at an institutional level, the influence of academics and finally the student influences. In addressing these three factors, each one will be approached from a dyadic perspective dealing principally with how they can inhibit or facilitate integration. The practical perspective of how this occurs in an Irish Higher Education Institution (HEI) will also …

Encouraging Attendence In Tutorials For Quantity Surveying Studies Through Assessment, Dermot Kehily

Conference papers

Construction Economics and Management in Technological University of Dublin (DIT) educates and prepares students to become Quantity Surveyors (Construction Economists) in the Construction Industry. Arguably the most important subject on the course and the cornerstone of the profession is the ability of the students and graduates to carry out a technical function called ‘measurement’ or ‘take off’ from construction plans and drawings. Graduates of Construction Economics and Management may spend up to two years carrying out measurement for their employers before they progress to the more professional practices of Quantity Surveying. The importance of measurement and take off inthe profession …

An Investigation Of The Perception Of Gains From Undergraduate International Exchange Programs: The Tale Of Atlantis, Donal Mchale, Gul Okudan Kremer, Michael Dyrenfurth, Brian Bowe

Conference Papers

In this paper, we provide the quantitative results collected through a two-column survey instrument with which students recorded their perceptions of their educational experiences, and then summarize the qualitative study findings to outline the benefits of being immersed in different educational settings through study abroad experiences. Given the current resource constraint environment in higher education settings, we hope to help our community in making better decisions relevant to developing and sustaining study abroad programs

Aligning Learning Outcomes With Professional Competencies In Geomatics Education, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern

Conference Papers

The Geomatics industry is a highly specialised field incorporating advanced technical instrumentation and complex measurement systems which form part of local, national and international Spatial Information Systems. As spatial information forms the basis for many aspects of construction, architecture, planning and development, the knowledge and skills required by the qualified Geomatics professional are varied. The professional surveyor must attain the required academic standard and satisfy professional criteria.

The BSc in Geomatics in the Technological University Dublin (DIT)is the only programme inIrelandproducing Geomatics professionals. It is accredited by a number of professional bodies including the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) and …

Can Utilising Social Networking Deter The Learner's Engagement?, Eric Bates

Conference papers

The Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship Programme involves a ten week block release course into a Higher Education Institute. Lecturing on such a course provides challenges for both lecturer and student. Working within a very restrictive time period meant looking for innovative ways to facilitate student revision. Online quizzes were decided upon as a means to interest the students in the revision process in their own time. Google Docs was utilized to produce online module quizzes. The production of the quizzes in this format was user friendly and almost intuitive. A platform was needed to host the quiz. Being cognizant of …

Engaging In An Action Research Cycle On The Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship To Provide Time For Learners’ Engagement., Eric Bates

Conference papers

Lecturing on the Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship Programme which is a prescribed vocational course with a set time limit brought various concerns regarding the course. These concerns included the restrictive time limit, the delivery modes and the level of student learning. Having to present course theory notes in a very limited time period left little exam preparation time with the possibility of the students engaging in a surface approach to learning. Being cognizant of these issues an action research cycle was commenced in an effort to improve the situation and provide time for the learners’ engagement with the material. This …

Peer Assisted Learning Project, Maria-Jose Gonzalez, Odette Gabaudan

Teaching Fellowships

This report provides a comprehensive outline of the context for the Peer Assisted Learning Project and the process of implementation in the BA (hons) International Business and Languages in the academic year 2009-2010. It also includes a set of recommendations arising from the project and it concludes with an outline for future work in the area.

Personalised Role Playing Simulations, Eileen O'Donnell, Mary Sharpe

Other resources

This research explores the use of personalised role playing simulations to encourage active student engagement in the learning process. Personalised role playing simulations could provide educators with an alternative teaching methodology, and students with course content tailored to their needs. The personalisation of student learning resources could be based on: level of achievement; prior experience; learning preferences; relevance of learning resources to individual students’ requirements; and lecturers or students choice of direction through the units of learning provided. Some of the advantages of using personalised role playing simulations include: inexpensive to produce; easy to create; re-usable; not life threatening; engaging; …