Education Commons^™

The 21st Century Graduate: Delivering A Tailored Approach To Social And Emotional Competency Training For Final Year Students To Enhance Graduate Attributes And Increase Employability, Ailish Jameson, Aiden Carthy, Colm Mcguinness, Fiona Mcsweeney

Conference Papers

The Higher Education Authority recently reported an average drop-out rate of 16% for Irish third level students, which poses significant pedagogical and economic challenges across the educational sector and negatively impacts the Irish economy. With respect to tackling this issue, a considerable body of international research has identified a strong positive correlation between higher levels of emotional intelligence (EI) and increased levels of student engagement and academic attainment. A wealth of previous research has also shown that employers favour graduates who possess higher levels of EI, for example, Job Outlook Survey, 2008, therefore, increasing students’ levels of EI is also …

Tu4dublin Alliance Welcomes Publication Of The Technological Universities Bill, Dublin Institute Of Technology

Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Change On Culture And Identities: Case Study Of A Higher Educational Institution, Ann Conway

Conference papers

The primary aim of the research was to identify drivers of change and mergers in higher education. It was then reflected on how changes and mergers impact on cultures and professional academic identities. The case study is based on review of government policies and institutional strategy documents looking towards the future and determining how they are affecting the current situation in the Institution. This was conducted via analysis of interviews and observations at meetings and classes, and via use of discourse analysis of some policy and strategy documents. The interviewees were asked about their views on which factors bring about …

Cultural Change Through Bim: Driving Lean Transformation In Education, Avril Behan, Malachy Mathews, Kevin Furlong, Ciara Ahern, Una Beagon, Peter Brennan, Colin Conway, Lee Corcoran, Pierce Fahy, Alan Hore, Barry Mcauley, Trevor Woods

Conference papers

This paper presents a case study of how the adoption of BIM-based practices in the AECO industry is being reflected by cultural change in higher education in Ireland. The silo-mentality that has dominated the AECO sector for more than a century has, despite numerous reorganisations, been replicated in the structures of educational institutions, including in Dublin Institute of Technology since the inception of its founding colleges in the late 1800s. Most AECO programmes must include content that is external to the programme’s specific discipline. Through the School structures of the Institute, delivery of such content is known as "service teaching" …

Community Engagement: Unlocking The Potential Of Social Entrepreneurship Using Universal Design And Interdisciplinary Teams, Bernard Timmins, Fiona Timmins, Siobhan Long Ms.

Theme 3: Innovating in Product and Service Design

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Effects Of Enhanced Compiler Error Messages For Computer Programming Novices, Brett A. Becker

Theses

Computer programming is an essential skill that all computing students must master and is increasingly important in many diverse disciplines. It is also difficult to learn. One of the many challenges novice programmers face from the start are notoriously cryptic compiler error messages. These report details on errors made by students and are essential as the primary source of information used to rectify those errors. However these difficult to understand messages are often a barrier to progress and a source of discouragement. A high number of student errors, and in particular a high frequency of repeated errors – when a …

Universal Design For Learning (Udl): Implications For Education, Ann Heelan

Theme 4:University Design and Diversity

No abstract provided.

Universal Design In Student Projects At The Dublin School Of Architecture, Technological University Dublin, Emma Geoghegan

Theme 2:Teaching Methods for Architecture

No abstract provided.

Promoting Universal Design In Architectural Education, Jim Harrison, Kevin Busby, Linda Horgan

Theme 2:Teaching Methods for Architecture

No abstract provided.

Experiences And Lessons Learned From An International Master's Program On Universal Design Of Ict, Weiqin Chen, Siri Kessel, Norun Sanderson, George Giannoumis

Theme 1: Delivering Universal Design in Technical Subjects

No abstract provided.

A Culture Of Universal Empathy In Design At The Institute Of Technology Carlow, Hilary Dempsey, P.J. White

Theme 3: Innovating in Product and Service Design

This paper discusses the development of a culture of ‘Universal Empathy’ within Product Design programmes at the Institute of Technology Carlow. The concept draws from the inclusive, holistic nature of Universal Design and its principles together with a deeply human centric and empathic approach to design learning. Focusing on the undergraduate programmes of Industrial Design and Product Design Innovation, it will offer frameworks, case studies and examples of how this culture and ethos is developing. Universal empathy transcends four years of the undergraduate programmes and it compliments traditional design skills such as sketching, prototyping and technical detailing. It relies on …

Cultural Change Through Bim: Driving Lean Transformation In Education, Avril Behan, Malachy Mathews, Kevin Furlong, Ciara Ahern, Una Beagon, Peter Brennan, Colin Conway, Lee Corcoran, Pierce Fahy, Alan Hore, Barry Mcauley, Trevor Woods

Conference papers

This paper presents a case study of how the adoption of BIM-based practices in the AECO industry is being reflected by cultural change in higher education in Ireland. The silo-mentality that has dominated the AECO sector for more than a century has, despite numerous reorganisations, been replicated in the structures of educational institutions, including in Technological University Dublin since the inception of its founding colleges in the late 1800s. Most AECO programmes must include content that is external to the programme’s specific discipline. Through the School structures of the Institute, delivery of such content is known as "service teaching" and …

Rehabilitation Engineering Universal Design Challenge, Madeleine Lowery

Theme 3: Innovating in Product and Service Design

No abstract provided.

Use Of Interviews For Assessment: A Case Study, David Dorran, Richard Hayes

Conference papers

While delivering a module on digital signal processing a series of one-to-one interviews were used extensively to assess undergraduate students. The interviews were organised so as to encourage students to focus on fundamentals before attempting to deal with more complex concepts. Feedback from the students about the process was extremely positive and the vast majority of survey respondents indicated that they found that the interviews motivated them to engage with course material effectively. This paper describes the module setup; the interview process used and discusses the results of the survey.

Is This "Transfer Shock"? Examining The Perceptions Of Engineering Students Who Articulate Within The Irish Higher Education Context., Susan O'Shaughnessy, Anne Marie Mccarrick, Fionnuala Farrell, Una Beagon, Lance C. Perez

Conference papers

Abstract—“Transfer shock” is a well-known phenomenon during the process of articulation, when students move from short-cycle applied programs to more academic longer-cycle study programs. In the US context this problematic transition has been observed in students transferring from community colleges into the traditional university system. In Ireland’s binary higher education structure, one set of institutions, known as Institutes of Technology (IoTs) allow for this transition to take place entirely within individual institutions. This paper is part of an ongoing investigation into one such IoT, where engineering students who achieve high grades at the end of 3-year (so-called Level 7) “ordinary …

Bim; Postgraduate Multidisciplinary Collaborative Education, Malachy Mathews

Conference papers

BIM Technologies and Process are steadily increasing in the design and construction industry. The amount of undergraduate courses delivering BIM based applied and theory courses is also on the rise. These students will be entering a job market where their skillsets in digital modelling and collaborative practice will be in demand. However, existing AEC (architectural, engineering, construction) professionals are recognising the changes happening in the industry. Each domain is influenced and challenged by BIM. The traditional process and workflows will change as BIM adoption grows. Tobin [1] states the long-term impact of any innovation is often not understood when it …

College Life: Technology Assists All Of The Shiny, 'Apps' People, Mary O'Rawe

Other resources

Education apps are becoming more popular with every academic year. Considering that ever-greater numbers of secondary students are entering the third-level environment having experienced an iPad as their main learning mechanism, it’s clear that students will now expect a similarly ‘smart’ experience. As the number of smartphones among the college population also continues to grow, academia needs to work to connect with students through this medium. This newspaper article explores how to use apps and technology to enrich the student transition to college and build the correct digital skills.

How To Build Good Learning Habits For Your College Studies, Mary O'Rawe

Other resources

Students often struggle with making the transition to a higher education learning environment. This newspaper article offers some guiding principles for students and parents ,and helps them understand the differences and challenges they may experience in their first year of college.

A Profile Of The Spatial Visualisation Abilities Of First Year Engineering And Science Students, Stephanie Farrell, Avril Behan, Gavin Duffy, Rachel Harding, Robert Howard, Aaron Mac Raighne, Edmund Nevin, Brian Bowe

Conference papers

The link between spatial visualisation skills and academic and professional achievement in STEM fields is well established. It is also widely documented that men outperform women on tests of spatial ability. This disparity puts women at a relative disadvantage for academic success in STEM disciplines. Our research explores the influence of secondary academic experience on spatial visualisation ability among first year students entering an engineering or science programme. Spatial ability was measured using two standard psychometric instruments for measurement of spatial visualization. Out of eight secondary courses considered, a single course in design and computer graphics emerged as a predictor …

The Effects Of Spatial Skills And Spatial Skills Training On Academic Performance In Stem Education, Gavin Duffy, Stephanie Farrell, Rachel Harding, Avril Behan, Aaron Mac Raighne, Robert Howard, Edmund Nevin, Brian Bowe

Conference papers

Spatial ability plays an important but often unacknowledged role in achieving success in science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) education. Many entering STEM disciplines have low spatial skills but these can be improved through a short training course. Accompanying improvements in academic grades and retention rates have been observed by others. This presents an opportunity to enhance the first year experience (FYE) for those with poor spatial skills. In this study the spatial skills of students entering several first year programmes in science and engineering were measured. Those identified as weak visualisers were offered a spatial skills course. Spatial skill …

Examining The Relationship Between Physics Students’ Spatial Skills And Conceptual Understanding Of Newtonian Mechanics, Aaron Mac Raighne, Avril Behan, Gavin Duffy, Stephanie Farrell, Rachel Harding, Robert Howard, Edmund Nevin, Brian Bowe

Conference Papers

One of the primary motivating factors of physics educators is to ensure a high level of conceptual understanding is achieved by their students. Furthermore it has been shown that success in physics and engineering courses is strongly related to students' spatial skills. Conceptual and spatial skills tests have been independently developed and reported in the literature as a measure of each of these competencies. In this study we examine correlations between spatial skills and conceptual understanding using two of these tests in order to determine the relationship, if any, between students' conceptual understanding of Newtonian mechanics and their spatial skills. …

Assessing The Validity And Reliability Of Dichotomous Test Results Using Item Response Theory On A Group Of First Year Engineering Students, Edmund Nevin, Avril Behan, Gavin Duffy, Stephanie Farrell, Rachel Harding, Robert Howard, Aaron Mac Raighne, Brian Bowe

Conference papers

Traditional measurement instruments employed to assess the performance of student’s studying on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related programmes typically involve classification based on final scores. The validity and reliability of these instruments and test forms are important considerations when assessing whether a student understands content and if not, where and in what way they are struggling. The aim of this study is to examine, validate and analyse the test results of first-year engineering student’s at an Institute of Higher Learning in Ireland who took the Purdue Spatial Visualisation Test of Rotation (PSVT:R). Results obtained were analysed using the …

Using Theory To Improve Design Instruction In A New Common First-Year Programme For Engineers, Una Beagon, Ted Burke, Shannon Chance, Fionnuala Farrell, John Mcgrory

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Creating Supportive Working Environment For Academics In Higher Education; Country Report Ireland, Marie Clarke, Aidan Kenny

Book/Book Chapter

A major new study involving almost 1,200 academics calls for ‘significantly increased and sustained levels of investment’ and increased staffing levels to meet continued growth in student numbers. Almost three-quarters of respondents feel their working conditions are deteriorating.

The Report ‘Creating a Supportive Working Environment for Academics in Higher Education’ by Marie Clarke, Aidan Kenny and Andrew Loxley, is published Monday, June 22^nd. It was commissioned by the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) and involved consultations throughout Irish third-level institutions.

The Report points out that funding to the third level …

Structured Work Placement Within The School Of Culinary Arts And Food Technology: A Focus On Mobility Matters And Measured Outcomes, Franklyn Jacoby, Frank Cullen, Stephen Shanley

Conference papers

According to a comparative structured work placement (SWP) study conducted in the Dublin Institute of Technology's (DITs) School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology (SCAFT), the international or global SWP experience of third-level learners is primarily and actively supported through a process of interpersonal, social and cultural development (Cullen, 2012).

The adoption or development of applicable work based learning (WBL) models supporting or scaffolding such notions of student/learner development often reflect the educational aims of learner/worker mobility and Life Long Learning strategies in the main. However, and perhaps most importantly, such models need to reflect the value which third-level students' …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Algorithmic Student Modelling In Predicting Students At Risk Of Failing In The Early Stages Of Tertiary Education: Case Study Of Experience Based On First Year Students At An Institute Of Technology In Ireland., Geraldine Gray

Doctoral

The application of data analytics to educational settings is an emerging and growing research area. Much of the published works to-date are based on ever-increasing volumes of log data that are systematically gathered in virtual learning environments as part of module delivery. This thesis took a unique approach to modelling academic performance; it is a first study to model indicators of students at risk of failing in first year of tertiary education, based on data gathered prior to commencement of first year, facilitating early engagement with at-risk students.

The study was conducted over three years, in 2010 through 2012, and …

Pleanail Curaclam Agus Teanga Sa Naionra, Maire Mhic Mhathuna, Jacqui De Siun

Books/Book chapters

Is gá don bhainisteoir cur chuige oiriúnach a aimsiú agus tabhairt faoi go tuisceanach eolasach chun bunaidhmeanna an naíonra, is iad sin forbairt iomlán an linbh agus sealbhú na Gaeilge, a bhaint amach. Is dlúthchuid den chur chuige sin an phleanáil teanga. Éireoidh níos fearr le sealbhú na Gaeilge má bhíonn sé pleanáilte roimh ré, ar bhonn atá céimithe ach atá scaoilte ag an am céanna. Beidh an stiúrthóir in ann an phleanáil a bhunú ar an aithne atá aici ar na páistí agus ar a gcuid spéiseanna, ar a cuid eolas ar na réimsí gníomhaíochtaí atá oiriúnach do pháistí …

Syllable Circles For Pronunciation Learning And Teaching, Charlie Cullen, Keith Gardiner, John B. Whipple

Articles

Syllable Circles is an interactive visualization representing prominence as a feature in short phrases or multi-syllable words. They were designed for Computer Aided Pronunciation Teaching as a part of English Language Teaching. This study explores the question of if and how interactive visualizations can affect English Language Learners’ awareness of prominence, or stress, in English pronunciation. The study followed seven learners and three teachers. Think-aloud protocols, notes from direct observation and interviews of two groups allowed for six streams of data. It was found that interactive visualizations of syllable circles facilitate noticing prominence. Learners and teachers believed interactive visualizations were …

Peer Mentoring And The First Year Experience, Aiden Carthy, Peer Mentoring Resources Limited

Other Resources

The transition from secondary level learning to independent study can be difficult to negotiate and many students also experience emotional pressures as they adjust to a busy social environment at college (McAleavy, Collins and Adamson 2004 ; O’Reilly 2008). Many third level institutions are exploring ways to improve the first year experience and one such approach that has gained increasing interest in recent years is the provision of peer mentoring. This paper outlines and evaluates a pilot peer mentoring programme that was conducted with first year business students (n = 112) from three separate courses at a third level institution …

Work-Related Stress: Survey Of Academic Staff In The Institutes Of Technology Sector, Aidan Kenny

Articles

This article presents findings from a survey of professional workers in the institutes of technology sector in Ireland regarding work-related stress. The research instrument was based on a work-related stress questionnaire developed by the UK Health and Safety Executive, augmented with a specific subset of questions relevant to the Irish higher education sector. The questionnaire format was modified to enable online delivery. It was distributed to a sample population in 2014 with a response rate over 30% (n=1,131). The research provides baseline data on work-related stress levels experienced by workers in this sector. The results associate increased levels of risk …