Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

World-Class Universities Or World Class Systems?: Rankings And Higher Education Policy Choices, Ellen Hazelkorn

Books/Book chapters

No abstract provided.

Increasing The Visibility Of The Quality Of The Ehea: Benchmarking The Total Student Experience, Ellen Hazelkorn

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Challenges Encountered In Creating Personalised Learning Activities To Suit Students Learning Preferences, Eileen O'Donnell, Vincent Wade, Mary Sharp, Liam O'Donnell

Books/Book Chapters

This book chapter reviews some of the challenges encountered by educators in creating personalised e-learning activities to suit students learning preferences. Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) alternatively known as e-learning has not yet reached its full potential in higher education. There are still many potential uses as yet undiscovered and other discovered uses which are not yet realisable by many educators. TEL is still predominantly used for e-dissemination and e-administration. This chapter reviews the potential use of TEL to provide personalised learning activities to suit individual students learning preferences. In particular the challenges encountered by educators when trying to implement personalised learning …

Web-Mediated Education And Training Environments: A Review Of Personalised Interactive Learning., Eileen O'Donnell, Mary Sharp, Catherine Mulwa, Vincent Wade

Books/Book Chapters

This chapter reviews the concept of personalised eLearning resources in relation to integrating interactivity into asynchronous learning. Personalised eLearning resources are learning resources which are selected to suit a specific student or trainee’s individual learning requirements. The affordance of personalised eLearning would provide educators with the opportunity to shift away from eLearning content that is retrieved and move towards the provision of personalised interactive content to provide a form of asynchronous learning to suit students at different degree levels. A basic introduction to the concept of ePedagogy in online learning environments is explored and the impacts these systems have on …

Stakeholder Involvement For Programme Development, Colm O'Kane

Teaching Fellowships

In the current Higher Educational landscape in Ireland, it is crucial for universities and institutes to identify an individual identity or ethos for each of their programmes and to act effectively to both foster this identity in its current students and to promote it to prospective students. Almost every programme in DIT’s College of Engineering and Built Environment (CEBE) is in competition with similar programmes in other institutes or universities and differentiation of DIT’s offering is an important goal. This report describes the development of a framework for the identification of guiding principles for individual undergraduate programmes across the College. …

Composers In The Community, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, Lorraine O'Connell

Teaching Fellowships

Today’s ever-changing contexts of music and music education demand that composers are increasingly required to be an artistic voice for the communities in which they live and work. Yet much teaching of composing in third-level institutions in Ireland, while developing a high level of musical craftsmanship, often fail to promote the vital connection between those skills and the social and civic contexts in which many composers work. The aim of this project was to enhance the learning experience of students in the Conservatory of Music and Drama by giving them the opportunity to apply, adapt, and transfer their musical knowledge …

Engaging Lecturers As Students: Building Sustainable Professional Development, Jen Harvey, Roisin Donnelly, Claire Mcavinia

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Exploring Supports Provided For Student Eportfolio Development In A Professional Development Context, Muireann Okeeffe

Articles

This small scale study aimed to explore and establish if support strategies implemented to enhance student ePortfolios were helpful to students and to identify useful ways of supporting ePortfolio development with future cohorts of students. This action research study was informed through focus group discussion and individual interviews with students.

The importance of reflection for the development professional practice and of creative abilities is discussed. The substantial benefits of creativity within education are investigated and characteristics of creativity that might be developed with students’ ePortfolios are revealed. Specifically this paper seeks to foster Crafts (2011) four characteristics of creativity, pluralities, …

Diagnosing Weakness In Basic Principles Of Electricity In Motor Apprentice Education In Ireland, Peter Kenny

Conference Papers

Many Motor trade apprentice students enter the later years of their studies ill prepared for the level of material encountered. This is due to several factors including the level and knowledge of basic electricity and electrical/electronic principles.

A lot of basic material in these areas has been covered during earlier years of their training but by the time they reach the final year of their apprenticeship (Phase 6) it is not safe to assume that they have a full grasp of the basics required.

We have developed a diagnostic test to measure the level of preparedness of these students. This …

Changing The Assessment To Promote Deeper Learning, Jennifer Byrne

Conference papers

The Technological University Dublin is one of the largest multi-level higher education providers in Ireland. The Institute’s traditional mission has always been focused on teaching and learning in the field of advanced technical vocational education and training (TVET), and one of its agendas is to foster and encourage changes in teaching practice and methodology in order to enhance the student learning experience.

This paper is a result of the ever changing process which shows the evolution of the assessment process to its current format. It was driven by the fact that we as lecturers realised that the assessments promoted surface …

An Investigation Of The Current Course Content On The Ba (Hons.) In Culinary Arts Hot Kitchen Modules In The Dublin Institute Of Technology To Ascertain Whether The Content Is Adequate In Meeting The Needs Of The Stakeholders, Pauline Danaher

Theses, M.Phil

This research focuses on Culinary Arts Education, particularly the adequacy and attitudes of all the stakeholders to the content of the hot kitchen modules on the BA (Hons.) in Culinary Arts in the Dublin Institute of Technology. The lack of research in culinary education has been highlighted by Berta (2005) and Zopiatis (2010).

This thesis has traced the evolution of culinary culture in Europe from Ancient Greece and Rome, up to the present day. Carême (1784 – 1833) and Escoffier (1846 – 1935), the founders of classical French cuisine, codified French cuisine which lead to the need of properly trained …

Higher Education's Future: A New Global Order, Ellen Hazelkorn

Other resources

No abstract provided.

A Journey Through Assessment: From Memory Recollection To Knowledge Demonstration, Jennifer Byrne

Conference papers

The Technological University Dublin is one of the largest multi-level higher education providers in Ireland. The Institute’s traditional mission has always been focused on teaching and learning in the field of advanced technical vocational education and training (TVET), and one of its agendas is to foster and encourage changes in teaching practice and methodology in order to enhance the student learning experience.

This paper is a result of the ever changing process which shows the evolution of the assessment process to its current format. It was driven by the fact that we as lecturers realised that the assessment results did …

Improving Core Mathematical Skills In Motor Apprentice Education In Ireland, Peter Kenny

Conference Papers

In order to enter into an apprenticeship in Ireland a qualification in mathematics is not essential. Throughout their apprenticeship many motor trade apprentices find that many past mathematical weakness resurface. In addition to this the level and standard of mathematics increases as apprentices progress through their training.

A maths diagnostic test has been developed and sat by a selection of Motor Mechanic apprentices attending off the job training at the Technological University Dublin during the 2011 to 2012 academic year.

The results of this test indicate that many students experience difficulty with mathematically related subjects. The test was then repeated …

Getting Your Research Published, From Student To School: Third Annual Graduate Student Conference, 12 June, 2012, Learning, Teaching, Technology Centre, Roisin Donnelly

Graduate Student Conferences

Proceedings and abstracts of the 3rd. annual graduate student conference held in DIT, Aungier Street, 12 June, 2012.

Identifying Knowledge, Skill And Competence For Nanoscience And Nanotechnology Research: A Study Of Postgraduate Researchers’ Experiences, 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 research, particularly in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N). Efforts to develop science education programmes in N&N area to adopt these complex changes are also evident from recent literature and educational reports. However, these attempts are focused towards identification and inclusion of contextual scientific knowledge in the curricula and very little is understood about the attributes knowledge, skill and competence necessary to successfully undertake N&N research. Identification of these attributes is important so that the contextual scientific knowledge can be …

Systematically Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Quality Assurance Programmes In Leading To Improvements In Institutional Performance, Deirdre Lillis

Articles

Higher education institutions worldwide invest significant resources in their quality assurance systems however little empirical research exists which demonstrates their effectiveness (or otherwise). Methodological approaches for determining effectiveness are also underdeveloped. Self study with peer review is a widely used model for ensuring the quality of the core teaching, research and engagement activities of higher education institutions. This paper illustrates how an established social programme evaluation methodology can be used to determine its effectiveness in leading to improvements in institutional performance. The concept of effectiveness and the particular challenges posed by the higher education organisational culture are considered. An example …

The Development And Benefits Of A Work Placement Module In Built Environment Related Degree Programs, Fiacra P. Mcdonnell, Ruairi Hayden

Conference papers

Work Placement learning has become a regular feature on many of the construction related courses being delivered in third level institutions both here in Ireland and throughout the world. This paper examines how a work placement module is delivered to a group of construction students on a construction management undergraduate degree course, and details changes that could be implemented to allow a greater learning experience for the students. On the surface it has been relatively successful but its true pedagogy value has not yet been assessed. This paper will assess the true value of the placement and recommend any changes …

Disciplinary Identity Of Nanoscience And Nanotechnology Research- A Study Of Postgraduate Researchers’ Experiences, Deepa Nathamuni Chari, Robert Howard, Brian Bowe

Articles

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology research although growing at very fast rate, its disciplinary identity remains ‘ill-defined’. It is often viewed as multidisciplinary; and/or interdisciplinary science or even as a unique discipline on its own way. As a consequence, whether this growing research area requires researchers that have studied specialised undergraduate or postgraduate nanoscience and nanotechnology programmes; or traditional science and engineering disciplines is still less understood. The examination of postgraduate researchers’ experiences of nanoscience and nanotechnology research can provide a way of understanding nanoscience and nanotechnology research and the associated forms of disciplinarity, which in turn can address what the type …

Designed To Benefit Whom? An Evaluation Of Irish Early Childhood Education And Care Policy Using Policy Design Theory., Bernie O'Donoghue Hynes

Doctoral

The overarching aim of the research was to evaluate whether the mechanisms used by the state to implement policy were designed to effectively realise national early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy objectives and children‟s rights within that context. The theoretical framework selected for the project was policy design theory, a framework that emerged from within the field of implementation study. A focus on the distinct implementation phase within the policy process enabled an evaluation of policy achievements relative to policy intentions articulated in various policy documents. Five separate policy tool design models were selected and applied to data which …

Assessing University-Based Research: Advocating Best Practice, Ellen Hazelkorn

Other resources

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Learning Objectives Of A Construction-Focused Study Abroad Course In Ireland, James Jenkins, Robert Cox, Sonya Meekel, James O'Connor, Jaime Goggins

Conference papers

Recent trends show that the number of U.S. college students participating in study-abroad courses offered by their university is increasing. Apart from the exposure to different cultures, many study-abroad courses do not provide a focused subject area related to a discipline of study chosen by the individual student. This paper describes an overall view of an international construction management study‑abroad course conducted in Ireland by both American and Irish faculty members. Results of student surveys, which were used to assess the course learning objectives and provide suggestions for improvement, are also presented. These suggestions can be used by faculty members …

Scaffolding For Cognitive Overload Using Pre-Lecture E-Resources (Scope) For First Year Chemistry Undergraduates, Claire M. Mcdonnell, Christine O'Connor, Sarah Rawe

Teaching Fellowships

The aims of this project were: to develop additional online pre-lecture resources for first year chemistry undergraduates at level 7 and 8 to complement those prepared in the 2010/2911 academic year for level 8 students by Dr. Michael Seery as part of his teaching fellowship, and to evaluate the effect of implementing the resources with this year by analysing quantitative (test and exam results) and qualitative (pre-and post-implementation surveys and focus group interviews) data. Ten pre-lecture activities on organic chemistry were prepared and used with 87 level 8 students in Semester 2 and ten more on general chemistry topics have …

Dit Teaching Fellowship Reports 2011-2012, Jen Harvey

Teaching Fellowships

No abstract provided.

Research Methodology At Level 8 And 9: A Web-Enabled Approach, Daire Hooper

Teaching Fellowships

This research explored the potential use of webinars as a method of course delivery in the College of Business, Technological University Dublin. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of students to gain insights into their experience with webinars and to delve into how they interacted with the webinar, whether they would prefer this mode of delivery in the future and to assess their overall perceptions of webinars. Findings indicated that students found the webinar to be a novel and innovative way for delivering course content, however, students reported having connectivity issues and at times encountered audio problems. Furthermore, …

Developing A Course In Media Entrepreneurship, Kate Shanahan

Teaching Fellowships

The objective of this teaching fellowship was to develop a module in Digital Media Entrepreneurship for the fourth year BA journalism students in Technological University Dublin (DIT), the pilot to run in the Semester beginning September 2012. Part 1 of this research involved a survey of the students prior to the pilot to ascertain their attitudes to and expectations of a module in media entrepreneurship, as well as their skill sets. Part 2 will take place after the pilot to see whether these expectations have been met and whether the students’ skill sets have improved. Unlike other modules on the …

Engaging With The Community, Ellen Hazelkorn, Elaine Ward

Books/Book chapters

This article focuses on how higher education institutions (HEIs) engage with their external community, contribute to social and economic development, and underpin civil society and democracy. The external community consists of a wide-range of stakeholders from business and industry, the public, private and non-governmental sector, and civil society. While many HEIs have historically had a strong association to their city or nation, today the health of society and the economy is inextricably tied to greater collaboration between “town” and “gown”. The article has five main sections: i) Introduces the social and public responsibility of higher education, ii) Describes the policy …

Rubric For Assessing Epistemological Understanding Of Students Who Are Learning Design., Shannon Chance

Conference papers

There is an extensive base of literature that attempts to describe how college students understand “knowledge” and their role in generating it. Educators draw from this literature to help students develop increasingly sophisticated ways of using knowledge. Although existing research aims for broad generalizability, it is clear that various disciplines have developed their own unique value systems. Scholars of “hard,” physical science are likely to hold very different ideas about the nature of “fact” and “inevitability” than those in the “softer,” social sciences [1]. Various disciplines conceptualize, use, and generate new knowledge in ways that differ dramatically, yet little research …

“Are The Study Habits Of First Year Undergraduate Students Influenced By Where They Live While Attending College?”, Robert Morris

Articles

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Technological University Dublin with the co-operation of four experienced lecturers of engineering and fifty first year undergraduate engineering students.

The main aim of the research was to establish if living away from the family home influences the study habits of first year undergraduate students.

Many causes of attrition in first year are identified in the research. For this research project the four experienced lecturers were interviewed to capture their views and experiences of the study and learning habits of first year students. The data gathered in conjunction with my own personal experiences, …

Irish Education And The Financial Crisis, Deirdre Lillis, John Morgan

Articles

Regardless of economic fortunes, investment in education remains a constant in terms of its perceived value to Ireland and it is seen as critical to the economic recovery of the country. Ireland has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world, is considered to have the ‘most employable’ graduates in Europe and produces more graduates per 1000 inhabitants than any other European country. The degree to which the financial crisis has impacted Irish education is explored here.