Education Commons^™

Assessment Strategies To Promote Peer Learning In An Online Course, Pauline Rooney, Caitríona Ní Shé

Conference papers

The value of peer learning in higher education is now well recognised. Just as we continually learn from eachother in our everyday lives, so our students also learn from eachother as part of informal and formal learning experiences. Within educational programmes, peer learning is facilitated through a variety of pedagogical strategies which promote active participation, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. With the increasing ubiquity of social networking and online learning platforms, new opportunities for facilitating peer learning, have emerged. Within online courses – where students often study at geographically disparate locations – peer learning strategies assume arguably …

School Of Culinary Arts & Food Technology - Winter Newsletter 2018, James Peter Murphy

Other resources

The School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, Winter Newsletter captured the many events, research, awards, significant contributions and special civic and community activities which the students and staff members of the school have successfully completed up to the Winter period of 2018. The successful completion of these activities would not be possible without the active and on-going support of the 'INSPIRED' friends of Culinary Arts (school sponsors) and our school's industry association supporters.

Investigating The Enduring Fascination With Dublin's Victorian Pubs, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Victorian pubs of Dublin have played an integral role in the social, cultural and economic history of Ireland’s capital from their early development in the front rooms and parlours of Dublin homes they are one of the most iconic elements of Irish culture. These pubs have always been a strange mixture of tradition and curiosity which forms an integral part of the rich tapestry of Dublin life dating back to their creation nearly 200 years ago. A proud brewing and distilling tradition of these pubs combined with their natural hospitality and sociability, have all contributed to making the pubs of …

Components Of, And Approaches To, Effective Feedback, Sarah Gibbons, Jonathan Mccarthy, Paul Mcevoy, Patricia Mordaunt

Practitioner Research Projects

Feedback is the subject of much research and discussion in Higher Education. Nationally the focus has intensified due to reports of low levels of student satisfaction with the feedback process e.g. the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (ISSE). The focus of this report is an examination of effective feedback in undergraduate education. The importance of effective feedback (particularly for those beginning their third level education) is reflected in a project funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, called the Y1Feedback project. This is aimed at increasing the quality of the third level experience and has …

The Development Of A Psychometric Test Aimed At Aligning Students To A Range Of Professional Roles, Darren Brian Carthy, Brian Bowe, Kevin Gaughan

Conference papers

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), working as part of the PREFER project, a European commission funded project, have developed a psychometric test in order to better align engineering students to three distinct professional roles within industry. This paper reports on the development process of the test, which took place between February and August of 2018.

Achieving Graduate Attributes Through Authentic Learning: The Case Of Student Managed Funds, Robert Dunne, James Fitzgerald, Jennifer Manning, Sean O'Reilly

Practitioner Research Projects

According to the Department of Education and Skills (2011), as cited by Murphy and Whelan (2016), there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of graduate attributes in higher education in Ireland. This not only places emphasis on the application of disciplinary specific knowledge, but also on the ‘soft skills’ highly sought by employers. By providing an authentic learning environment, higher education institutes can facilitate the development of graduate attributes while also ensuring graduates are gaining disciplinary specific knowledge. This project explores how Student Managed Funds (SMFs) represent an authentic learning experience through which students achieve a range of …

Problem-Based Learning As An Authentic Assessment Method, Stuart Henderson, Mary Kinahan, Elaine Rossiter

Practitioner Research Projects

Traditional learning and assessment typically focus on students being told what to do, memorising it, and the teacher assigning a problem on how to use it (Savery, 2006). By contrast, in problem-based learning (PBL) and assessment a problem is assigned to a group or individual, the teacher then facilitates the students’ learning as they identify what they need to know, and the students learn and apply a solution to the problem (Savery, 2006). PBL was developed and pioneered by Barrows and Tamblyn in McMaster University as part of the Medical School programme due to students’ lack of application of their …

A Generic Integrated And Interactive Framework (Giif) For Developing Information Literacy Skills In Higher Education, Aoife Donnelly, Maria Chiara Leva, Ayman Tobail, Nikolaos Valantasis Kanellos

Practitioner Research Projects

Information literacy (IL) is defined as “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning” (ACRL 2015, p.3). The term IL was originally confined to library and IT skills (Behrens, 1994; Johnston & Webber, 2003) but has since received increasing international interest. It is considered as an important 21st century skill in combination with critical thinking (Kong, 2014), and is perceived as basic human right within the digital world (UNESCO, 2008). The importance …

Alternative Methods To Traditional Written Exam-Based Assessment, Shane Dillon, Alan Mcdonnell, Diarmaid Murphy, Lynsey White

Practitioner Research Projects

Donnelly and Fitzmaurice (2005, p.14) suggest that “assessment methods should be in accord with the learning outcomes of the module and should foster a deep approach to learning”. While unseen written exams do develop skills such as “examination techniques, writing under pressure, recall” (Smyth, 2004), there are a number of alternative assessment methods that determine what students actually understand and what they can do, in contrast to what they can recall. As one student noted “I hate to say it, but what you have got to do is to have a list of “facts” …you write down the important points …

Keeping Up With The Joneses: Social Contagion And Knowledge Acquisition In Irish Construction Professional Service Firms, Roisin Murphy, Oluwasegun Seriki

Other Resources

The high knowledge intensity of professional service firms (PSFs) has been extensively researched in industries such as manufacturing; however, lesser attention has been given to construction. As the construction sector in Ireland continues in its path of sustained growth, knowledge acquisition is becoming a central issue for strategy researchers within the sector. While several authors have explored aspects of the strategy in construction PSFs, knowledge acquisition as a tool for driving strategy remains largely unexplored. Previous studies have applied the theoretical underpinnings of social contagion (SC) to sectors such as healthcare, however, research into SC theory is lacking within construction. …

2016-2018 Scaft Awards Ceremonies [Presentations & Booklets], James Murphy

Other resources

These presentations and booklets captured the School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology, TU Dublin Awards Ceremonies 2016-2018 held in Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 2. These awards ceremonies celebrate the magnificent achievements of the students and staff across their professional practice, new publications, research, National and International competitions, seminars, conferences and community engagement. These achievements would not be possible without the active and ongoing support of the school's sponsors (who are highlighted in this presentation). If you interested in supporting the school or undertaking one of it's award winning courses just contact email: scaft@tudublin.ie

Student Wellbeing At Junior-Cycle Level: Teachers’ Perceptions Of Relevant Policies And Curricula, David Byrne, Aiden Carthy, Sinead Mcgilloway

Other resources

Research has demonstrated that initiatives aimed at promoting the development of social and emotional wellbeing in second-level students can help to insulate students against the many factors that may otherwise result in negative affect [1].

In 2017, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) published new wellbeing guidelines which mandate all Irish post-primary schools to allocate 300 hours of junior-cycle instruction to the promotion of students’ social and emotional wellbeing. While much is understood about the potential benefits of such programmes [2], little is known within an Irish context about the attitudes and views of educators in this regard. …

School Of Culinary Arts & Food Technology - Autumn Newsletter 2018, James Peter Murphy

Other resources

The School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, Autumn Newsletter captured the many events, research, awards, significant contributions and special civic and community activities which the students and staff members of the school have successfully completed up to the Autumn period of 2018. The successful completion of these activities would not be possible without the active and on-going support of the 'INSPIRED' friends of Culinary Arts (school sponsors).

Achieving Sdg Targets: The European Approach: Compliance - The Case Of Energy & Irish Universities, Dr. Mary Whitney, Andy Maguire

Conference papers

Ireland, as a nation, has signed up to the SDGs. The main drivers in reaching these targets will be through a set of interventions that are encompassing
- legislation
- compliance to higher regulations
- incentives
- dissemination of effective best practice
When all put together it is a large and complex tapestry of actions.

The presentation takes Energy as an example. It outlines how the targets have been set nationally to achieve Ireland's internationally agreed targets. The resulting approach is highlighted, filtering down to what specific steps are taking place in the public sector. The resulting actions that are …

Play And Learn: Teachers’ Perceptions About Classroom Video Games, Mariana Rocha, Brendan Tangney, Pierpaolo Dondio

Conference papers

The use of video games to support learning in the classroom became popular over the last two decades. Even though games have proved to be successful not only to improve the learning outcomes but also skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, it is still a challenge to adapt them to the classroom routine. Issues such as the lack of video games that cover the school curriculum, limited time to cover curriculum content and lack of technological resources are some of the barriers that influence teachers’ decisions not to adopt video games. In order to look for solutions that …

The Semantic Student: Using Knowledge Modeling Activities To Enhance Enquiry-Based Group Learning In Engineering Education, Paul Stacey

Conference papers

This paper argues that training engineering students in basic knowledge modeling techniques, using linked data principles, and semantic Web tools – within an enquiry-based group learning environment – enables them to enhance their domain knowledge, and their meta-cognitive skills. Knowledge modeling skills are in keeping with the principles of Universal Design for instruction. Learners are empowered with the regulation of cognition as they become more aware of their own development. This semantic student approach was trialed with a group of 3rd year Computer Engineering Students taking a module on computer architecture. An enquiry-based group learning activity was developed to help …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Focused Debate On The Development Of Ethical Reasoning Skills In Pharmacy Technician Students., Seana Hogan, Julie Dunne

Articles

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of debating an ethical dilemma on the development of ethical reasoning skills in pharmacy technician students.

Methods. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. This included analysis of before and after 5-minute papers, a sentiment survey, thematic analysis of student reflective writing and a qualitative questionnaire by an independent observer.

Results. Twenty-five students participated in the study. The 5-minute papers showed improvement in student learning. In the sentiment survey, 83% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they had a better understanding of ethical dilemmas following the debate. The main theme identified from …

An Examination Of Factors Influencing Emotional And Social Wellbeing In Irish Junior-Cycle Students, David Byrne

Other resources

A review of the literature identifies that Irish second-level students are at significant risk of experiencing negative affect in their academic lives. Previous research has demonstrated that initiatives aimed at promoting the development of emotional and social wellbeing in such students can produce positive outcomes such as higher academic achievement, improved self-efficacy and reduced attrition[1][2].

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) have recently published wellbeing guidelines which will mandate all Irish secondary schools to allocate 300 hours of junior-cycle instruction to the promotion of students’ social and emotional wellbeing from September 2018. While much is understood globally about …

Design Of A Professional Development Framework In Teaching And Learning For Engineering Educators, Orla Mcconnell Ms, Cormac H. Macmahon, Jen Harvey Dr

Conference Papers

Ireland’s National Professional Development Framework for Those who Teach in Higher Education, aims to provide guidance and leadership in the planning, developing and engaging in professional development practices. A series of pilot projects have been initiated to help explore the framework’s likely utility and acceptance by educators and their institutions. These projects require engagement with staff in the interpretation and adaption of the framework within their working contexts. The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of one such project with engineering educators at three Institutes of Technology seeking designation as a technological university. The initiative aims to …

Training Of A New Generation Of Talents Capable Of Working Across Borders And Sectors, With An Inclusive Approach Of Food Innovation: The Case Of Fipdes, The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’S Degree In Food Innovation And Product Design., Barbara Rega, Marwen Moussa, Isabelle Laissy, Clemence Mian, Roisin Burke, Anna Cruickshank, Erik Andersson, Daniel Hellstrom, Paola Piombino, Paola Vitaglione

Conference papers

Training of a new generation of talents capable of working across borders and sectors, with an inclusive approach of food innovation: the case of FIPDes, the ERASMUS mundus joint master’s degree in food innovation and product design.

Food innovation applied to sustainable growth is driven by different needs and constraints. Sensory and nutritional aspects of food, as well as convenience are individual needs that cannot ignore the societal needs such as population growth and safety, as well as the urgent demand to ensure the availability of natural resources and reduce the impacts on environment. Innovation of products, processes, marketing strategies …

Development Of Graduate Attributes In Civil Engineering In Dit - Provisional Methodology, Caitriona Quinn

Other resources

1.1 The Questions

Question 1: What is the student experience as they participate in knowledge during the Design Project, particularly in relation to development of Graduate Attributes?

The intent behind this question is to examine the module and its effectiveness from the perspective of those taking the module, the students. It is postulated that the transformative experience will result in development of relevant graduate attributes.

Question 2: To what extent dodelivery and assessment within this module contribute to the development of Graduate Attributes?

The intent behind this again is to more closely examine how the module's current design, content, delivery …

Employment Opportunities And Future Skills Requirements For Surveying Professionals 2018-2021, Roisin Murphy

Reports

This report was commissioned by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) to gain industry insight into current and future employment opportunities and skills requirements for construction, property and land surveying professionals. The report is a follow-up to the 2014 SCSI report “Employment Opportunities and Future Skills Requirements for Construction and Property Surveyors”, in which a significant shortage of qualified surveying professionals was identified. Since the 2014 report, the industry and economic landscape has changed significantly, and while many opportunities exist with FDI, several sectors are still suffering from under-investment during the downturn, particularly evident within the infrastructure …

Doing A Doctorate In Business Administration: The Case For Critical Reflexivity., Catherine Farrell, Sarah Oerton, Eoin Plant

Articles

This paper focuses upon the value of critical reflexivity in illuminating practice-based management inquiry. Drawing upon contributions to debates in the field, the paper demonstrates how critical reflexivity permits interrogation of the dynamic tensions associated with ‘real life’ practice and scholarly research on Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) programmes. It offers clearer understanding of the complex journeys undertaken, greater recognition of the organizational and cultural landscapes inhabited, and broadens concepts of how ‘success’ on DBA programmes may be evaluated. The paper further argues that critical reflexivity plays a key role in highlighting the various processes underlying the design, management and …

School Of Culinary Arts & Food Technology - Summer Newsletter 2018, James Peter Murphy

Other resources

The School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, Summer Newsletter captured the many events, research, awards, significant contributions and special civic and community activities which the students and staff members of the school have successfully completed up to the Summer period of 2018. The successful completion of these activities would not be possible without the active and on-going support of the 'INSPIRED' friends of Culinary Arts (school sponsors).

Creativity As A Graduate Attribute, Caitriona Quinn

Other resources

This position paper examines the value, delivery and assessment of creativity as a graduate attribute in civil engineering. Creativity is an essential skill for modern civil engineering graduates to allow them to respond to the variety of challenges within the industry. In addition, the need for creativity within their work is both directly and indirectly referenced within accreditation requirements from engineering professional bodies. How to deliver on creativity as a learning outcome requires time and space within the timetable, a difficult challenge in the technical content heavy subjects the make up civil engineering programmes. Added to this are the difficulties …

National Professional Development Framework For All Who Teach In Irish Higher Education, How It Nurtures And Supports Reflection For A Teaching Community Of Practice., Roisin Ca Donnelly

Other resources

No abstract provided.

National Digital Badges For Recognizing Professional Development. Nf Insights., Roisin Donnelly, T. Maguire

Articles

No abstract provided.

Graduates’ Expectations And Experience Of Social Care Work: Strengths And Abilities Being Nurtured?, Fiona Mcsweeney

Other Resources

This paper reports on the views of social care graduates with regard to their expectations of the workplace and subsequent experiences as newly qualified practitioners in the workforce.

Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with the same participants. The first was at the end of their final year in college (n=17) and the second nine to twelve months later when they were in employment (n=14). Findings indicate that participants, while apprehensive, felt ready for the workforce. Similarly graduating students held fears about transitioning to the workplace particularly in relation to increased practice accountability but as workers participants reported themselves as coping …

Growing A Research Culture In An Irish Technological University, Amir Tabakovic, Paul Hynds, John Donovan

Other

Research, along with teaching and engagement is one of the three pillars of higher education. However, in the Irish Institutes of Technology (IoT), where, traditionally, the focus has been on vocational education, providing good quality graduates well trained for the workforce. Their research activity has been underdeveloped and teaching has been the primary focus.

Two recent public strategy documents (‘The Hunt Report’ and ‘Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape’) have identified the need for Ireland to develop a ‘Technological University’ sector with an emphasis on research of a more applied nature. Technological University Dublin is on a trajectory …

School Of Culinary Arts & Food Technology - Spring Newsletter 2018, James Peter Murphy

Other resources

The School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, Spring Newsletter captured the many events, research, awards, significant contributions and special civic and community activities which the students and staff members of the schoo have successfully completed up to the Spring period of 2018. The successful completion of these activities would not be possible without the active and on-going support of the 'INSPIRED' friends of Culinary Arts (school sponsors).