Two North Cork post-primary school teachers – Rosaline Keane Kelly, a science and maths teacher from Mallow, and Grace O’Donnell, a business, economics and technology teacher from Charleville – have had their dissertations recognised amongst a collection of research papers on education chosen for publication by Hibernia College.
As part of an ongoing programme highlighting key research works undertaken by graduates from its Post-Primary and Primary Education programmes, Rosaline’s research examined ‘how the introduction of remote learning has affected student numeracy in the classroom’. The study observed that while remote learning had some impact on student numeracy, it was only one factor during the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequently, there is a need for schools to assess student numeracy to determine the extent of any learning loss and to implement strategies to remedy them.
Grace’s research examined ‘active teaching methodologies (ATM) employed by teachers to support academic motivation and engagement’. The study found that whilst ATM increased student motivation and engagement, there is a need for adequate training and continuing professional development (CPD) to effectively implement it.
Undertaken during their master’s degrees in post-primary teaching, Rosaline and Grace’s full studies are available in print and can be read online through the Hibernia College website.
Describing their research as ‘testaments to dedication and hard work, and an important contribution to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in Irish schools’, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said: “Rosaline and Grace’s work forms part of a wider collection of key research issues that permeate Irish education today, and which we are proud to showcase for the future benefit of teachers and students interested in that field.”