Researcher
Here you will find a selection of research exploration documents on various topics of interest.
Junior cert short course
This short course is designed to enhance students creative and imaginative potential in the second year of the Junior Certificate Cycle. Day dreaming is a natural process that can help promote relaxation and creativity. In the Irish school system, it is viewed negatively. In study on the impact of daydreaming published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, researchers found that children daydream about a quarter of the time while in class. This study states, “The more we can learn about mind wandering in the classroom, the better we can design our teaching strategies and educational spaces to optimise learning and engagement,” (Graham, 2022). This study values a healthy amount of daydreaming and is connected to improved critical thinking capabilities, an invaluable characteristic of successful learners.
Creative thinking is a vital tool to succeed both in school and in the future professions of students which is lacking in the Irish Education system. The outliers in any field are those with the best creative imagination and innovation abilities in art, design, business, corporate and science industries.....
Research project
"Exploring the engagement of LCA students with mural art "
Curriculum and policy
Curriculum reform refers to the process of revising and updating context, content and structure of the information given to students, this is to better suit the needs of the both society and the students themselves. “The curriculum reflects what we value as a nation and what we seek for our young people. It is designed to convey knowledge which is considered to be important and to promote the development of values, understanding and capabilities” (Donald, 2006). Running in parallel to this, values also play a huge part in curriculum however, the relationship between the two can be complex. When the curriculum changes, these changes can have a significant impact on the values that are conveyed to students.
Arts in the community
The completion of the murals at Saorise Domestic Violence women’s refuge centre and the mural at Scoil Chronain marks not only a remarkable achievement for the LCA1 and 5th year students involved but also serves as a testament to the impact art can have on the community and education.
The idea was put forward to make the outdoor area more exciting and welcoming for all who use the space in both venues. The students created and designed a fairy forest, populated with mushroom houses, fairy doors, treehouses, ponds and even the odd movie character. All rich with bright and exciting colours that the children can enjoy. This mural gave students the opportunity to showcase all they learnt throughout the year within the art room and bring it out into the public.