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Munster Technological University

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Where’S The E In Oe? A Critical Analysis Of Irish Outdoor Education, John Pierce, Simon Beames Feb 2024

Where’S The E In Oe? A Critical Analysis Of Irish Outdoor Education, John Pierce, Simon Beames

Publications

Very little empirical research has been conducted on Irish outdoor education practice(s). This inquiry aims to critically explore outdoor education practices in public Outdoor Education and Training Centres in the Republic of Ireland. First, an overview of the development of Irish outdoor education from the mid-twentieth century onwards is provided to locate the study within its unique cultural and historical background. Data were generated through document analysis, participant observation, and informal conversation with practitioners and management through multiple field visits. Creative non-fiction was used as a method to organise and present the data in a coherent and anonymised manner. Thematic …


Can School-Based Physical Activity Interventions Be Effective Without A Facilitator? A Step-Back Approach To School-Based Intervention Delivery, Yvonne Larrissa O’Byrne, Joan Dineen, Tara Coppinger Sep 2023

Can School-Based Physical Activity Interventions Be Effective Without A Facilitator? A Step-Back Approach To School-Based Intervention Delivery, Yvonne Larrissa O’Byrne, Joan Dineen, Tara Coppinger

Publications

Irish children’s physical activity (PA) levels are below national guidelines. Schools are an ideal setting to promote PA but it remains challenging. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a step-back approach to Project Spraoi (PS); a facilitator (Energizer) led school-based PA intervention. Each Energizer in year one had 2 contact days per week with all classes (n = 11). A ‘step-back’ progression, with 50% less Energizer contact time, in year two and no Energizer contact in year three, was adopted. Objectively measured PA and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were measured annually with the same children (n = 85). Stakeholders …


A Snapshot Of Postgraduate Research At Mtu 2023, Stephen Cassidy Jan 2023

A Snapshot Of Postgraduate Research At Mtu 2023, Stephen Cassidy

Publications

As our postgraduate research students live and work in an increasingly digital and information-driven age, the ability to write and communicate in a variety of styles appropriate to a range of audiences becomes increasingly important. The Graduate Studies Office working with the MTU Library Service and others, supports research students to develop their writing skills not just for academic publication but also for communicating to the general public. As part of this initiative, we organized the second annual MTU Postgraduate Research Writing Competition. Its aim was to provide postgraduate research students from all disciplines across the University with an opportunity …


Mainstream Or Margins? The Changing Role Of Environmental Education In Irish Primary School Curricula, 1872 To 2021, Sarah O'Malley, John Pierce Dec 2022

Mainstream Or Margins? The Changing Role Of Environmental Education In Irish Primary School Curricula, 1872 To 2021, Sarah O'Malley, John Pierce

Publications

This article investigates the position of environmental education in the primary school curriculum over the past 150 years in the Republic of Ireland. The extent of how wider social, political, and cultural developments influence the way in which teachers and learners experience environmental education can be seen through the curricular changes. To achieve this, the five primary school curricula from 1872 to the present day were reviewed with respect to the amount of environmental education included in them. This review demonstrates a dramatic change in socio-environmental relations in contemporary Irish society during the 19th and 20th centuries, as reflected through …


From Mcdonaldization To Place-Based Experience: Revitalizing Outdoor Education In Ireland, John Pierce, John Telford Oct 2022

From Mcdonaldization To Place-Based Experience: Revitalizing Outdoor Education In Ireland, John Pierce, John Telford

Publications

Outdoor education in Ireland, as in many countries, takes place in a variety of physical locations ranging from urban to wilder, minimally human influenced environments. Irish public outdoor education providers have traditionally placed little emphasis on cultural understandings of the places where learning occurs. Moreover, outdoor education commonly demonstrates characteristics of a McDonaldized experience as opposed to a place-based experience. This paper explores two topics that may help to explain why place is not to the fore in teaching and learning in Irish outdoor education practice: historico-cultural relationships with the land, and the impact of the rationalisation of place on …


Where’S The E In Oe? The Mcdonaldization Of Irish Outdoor Education, John Pierce, Simon Beames Sep 2022

Where’S The E In Oe? The Mcdonaldization Of Irish Outdoor Education, John Pierce, Simon Beames

Publications

This paper presents key findings from a study that aimed to critically examine the practice of outdoor education in the Republic of Ireland. It consisted of 10 months of fieldwork across four public Outdoor Education and Training Centres (OETCs). Data were generated through participant observation, informal conversation, as well as centre websites. Findings from the thematic analysis are presented in the form of a creative non-fiction story—principally to protect the identities and centres involved. The findings were then interpreted through the theoretical lens of McDonaldization. Considering the dearth of outdoor education research in Ireland, McDonaldization provided a lens through which …


Student Understanding Of Kinematics: A Qualitative Assessment, Andrew Cashman, Tom O'Mahony May 2022

Student Understanding Of Kinematics: A Qualitative Assessment, Andrew Cashman, Tom O'Mahony

Publications

In engineering, kinematics is widely regarded as a fundamental topic with the literature agreeing that students possess a wide range in understanding of the topic. This study aims to take a second-order approach by understanding and exploring the qualitatively different ways in which students approach solving kinematics problems. Phenomenography was used to collect data through ten semi-structured interviews with early-stage mechanical engineering students. Following data analysis, four distinct categories of students’ approaches were identified; unstructured, framing the problem, strategic, and conceptual. It was found that these categories could be arranged in a hierarchy and were also supported by secondary epistemic …


A Snapshot Of Postgraduate Research At Mtu 2021, Stephen Cassidy Jan 2021

A Snapshot Of Postgraduate Research At Mtu 2021, Stephen Cassidy

Publications

As our postgraduate research students live and work in an increasingly digital and information-driven age, the ability to write and communicate in a variety of styles appropriate to a range of audiences becomes increasingly important. The Graduate Studies Office working with the MTU Library Service and others, supports research students to develop their writing skills not just for academic publication but also for communicating to the general public. As part of this initiative, we organized the inaugural MTU Postgraduate Research Writing Competition. Its aim was to provide postgraduate research students from all disciplines across the University with an opportunity to …


Accreditation Of Open Research Skills And Training Development, Therese Ahern, Audrey Drohan, Sandra Fisher Jan 2021

Accreditation Of Open Research Skills And Training Development, Therese Ahern, Audrey Drohan, Sandra Fisher

Publications

Policy brief on the accreditation of open research training and skills development in Ireland.


National Open Research Training Programme, Niall Mcsweeney, Therese Ahern, Seán Harnett Jan 2021

National Open Research Training Programme, Niall Mcsweeney, Therese Ahern, Seán Harnett

Publications

Policy brief on a national open research training programme for Ireland.


Delivering Library Services In A Time Of Crisis; Technological Higher Education Association Libraries Responding To Covid 19 From March August 2020., Mary Delaney, Johanna Archbold, Ann Cleary, Lorna Dodd, Patrick Doherty, Terry O'Brien, Jean Ricken, Margaret Waldron Oct 2020

Delivering Library Services In A Time Of Crisis; Technological Higher Education Association Libraries Responding To Covid 19 From March August 2020., Mary Delaney, Johanna Archbold, Ann Cleary, Lorna Dodd, Patrick Doherty, Terry O'Brien, Jean Ricken, Margaret Waldron

Publications

This paper presents the experience of eight Irish academic libraries from the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) from March – August 2020 while delivering library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It presents a snapshot of their experience at this time outlining the challenges faced by libraries in closing their doors and pivoting to delivering library services only. For much of this time library buildings were closed to students thereby making, study desks, group spaces, PCs, access to collections and to library staff at information desks unavailable. Instead library staff worked remotely directing students to the vast array of resources available …


Gaining Insight Into Transition And Progression Of Students On The Autism Spectrum - Discover A Transition Programme With A Difference, Laura Coleman, Annie Cummins, Julie O'Donovan Jun 2020

Gaining Insight Into Transition And Progression Of Students On The Autism Spectrum - Discover A Transition Programme With A Difference, Laura Coleman, Annie Cummins, Julie O'Donovan

Publications

Autism is a neurodevelopment condition that is ‘characterised by qualitative impairments in social communication and social interaction across contexts and a repetitive or restricted pattern of interest, behaviour and activity’ (Lambe, 2019:1531). According to the autistic rights movement, ‘autistic people are not disconnected from the world around them, they are differently connected to it’ (Leveto, 2018 :3). Over the last number of years, there has been a move away from defining autism as a ‘disorder’ and towards redefining it as a ‘difference’ (Ring et al, 2018). In this paper, the terms ‘autism’ or ‘on the spectrum’ …


‘A Healthy Cit’: An Investigation Into Student Health Metrics, Lifestyle Behaviours And The Predictors Of Positive Mental Health In An Irish Higher Education Setting, Andrea Bickerdike, Joan Dineen, Cian O'Neill Nov 2019

‘A Healthy Cit’: An Investigation Into Student Health Metrics, Lifestyle Behaviours And The Predictors Of Positive Mental Health In An Irish Higher Education Setting, Andrea Bickerdike, Joan Dineen, Cian O'Neill

Publications

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are potent health promotion settings, uniquely positioned to aid societal efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). International evidence suggests that health metrics and lifestyle behaviours of higher education students are sub-optimal, yet a dearth of contemporary Irish data exists. This study aimed to examine sex differences in student lifestyle behaviours and identify significant predictors of positive mental health in an Irish HEI setting. An online questionnaire instrument distributed to all registered students (n = 11,261) gathered data regarding a multitude of health and lifestyle domains. Many items were adapted from previous Irish research. Further validated scales …


‘It’S A Challenge’: Post Primary Physical Education Teachers’ Experiences Of And Perspectives On Inclusive Practice With Students With Disabilities, Ona Mcgrath, Susan Crawford, Dan O'Sullivan Mar 2019

‘It’S A Challenge’: Post Primary Physical Education Teachers’ Experiences Of And Perspectives On Inclusive Practice With Students With Disabilities, Ona Mcgrath, Susan Crawford, Dan O'Sullivan

Publications

Internationally, several studies have indicated insufficient emphasis on the theory and practice of inclusion in relation to disability, in both initial teacher education and continuing professional development programmes for Physical Education (PE) teachers. This has resulted in some negative attitudes and perceived lack of competency among teachers in relation to inclusive practices in PE. There is a lack of in-depth studies in this regard from an Irish perspective. This current study sought to explore seven PE teachers’ experiences and perspectives in relation to the inclusion of students with disabilities in four post primary schools using a multiple case study design. …


Results From Ireland North And South's 2016 Report Card On Physical Activity For Children And Youth, Deirdre M. Harrington, Marie Murphy, Angela Carlin, Tara Coppinger, Alan Donnelly, Kieran P. Dowd, Teresa Keating, Niamh Murphy, Elaine Murtagh, Wesley O'Brien, Catherine Woods, Sarahjane Belton Nov 2016

Results From Ireland North And South's 2016 Report Card On Physical Activity For Children And Youth, Deirdre M. Harrington, Marie Murphy, Angela Carlin, Tara Coppinger, Alan Donnelly, Kieran P. Dowd, Teresa Keating, Niamh Murphy, Elaine Murtagh, Wesley O'Brien, Catherine Woods, Sarahjane Belton

Publications

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a key performance indicator for policy documents in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Building on baseline grades set in 2014, Ireland's second Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth allows for continued surveillance of indicators related to PA in children and youth. Methods: Data and information were extracted and collated for 10 indicators and graded using an international standardized grading system. Results: Overall, 7 grades stayed the same, 2 increased, and 1 decreased. Grades were assigned as follows: Overall PA, D (an increase); Sedentary Behavior (TV), C-; Physical Education, D-; …


Project Energize: Intervention Development And 10 Years Of Progress In Preventing Childhood Obesity Public Health, Elaine Rush, Carolyn Cairncross, Margaret Hinepo Williams, Marilyn Tseng, Tara Coppinger, Steph Mclennan, Kasha Latimer Jan 2016

Project Energize: Intervention Development And 10 Years Of Progress In Preventing Childhood Obesity Public Health, Elaine Rush, Carolyn Cairncross, Margaret Hinepo Williams, Marilyn Tseng, Tara Coppinger, Steph Mclennan, Kasha Latimer

Publications

Prevention of childhood obesity is a global priority. The school setting offers access to large numbers of children and the ability to provide supportive environments for quality physical activity and nutrition. This article describes Project Energize, a through-school physical activity and nutrition programme that celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2015 so that it might serve as a model for similar practices, initiatives and policies elsewhere. The programme was envisaged and financed by the Waikato District Health Board of New Zealand in 2004 and delivered by Sport Waikato to 124 primary schools as a randomised controlled trial from 2005 to 2006. …


Results From Ireland's 2014 Report Card On Physical Activity In Children And Youth, Deirdre M. Harrington, Sarahjane Belton, Tara Coppinger, Muireann Cullen, Alan Donnelly, Kieran Dowd, Teresa Keating, Richard Layte, Marie Murphy, Niamh Murphy, Elaine Murtagh, Catherine Woods Jan 2014

Results From Ireland's 2014 Report Card On Physical Activity In Children And Youth, Deirdre M. Harrington, Sarahjane Belton, Tara Coppinger, Muireann Cullen, Alan Donnelly, Kieran Dowd, Teresa Keating, Richard Layte, Marie Murphy, Niamh Murphy, Elaine Murtagh, Catherine Woods

Publications

Background: Physical activity (PA) levels are a key performance indicator for policy documents in Ireland. The first Ireland Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth aims to set a robust baseline for future surveillance of indicators related to PA in children and youth. Methods: Data collected between 2003-2010 on more than 35,000 7- to 18-year-old children and youth were used and graded using a standardized grading system for 10 indicators. Results: Grades assigned for the indicators were as follows: overall physical activity levels, D-; sedentary behavior (TV viewing), C-; organized sport participation, C-: physical education, D-; active play, …