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It is well documented that the integration of inquiry-based learning (IBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) methodologies in initial teacher education (ITE) provides opportunities to enhance pre-service teachers' research skills. However, few studies articulate the processes by which teacher educators implement and sustain these approaches in cross-institutional collaboration. This paper explores the journey of two teacher educators and their pre-service teachers, within a cross-institutional study on curriculum and assessment, problematising aspects of the longitudinal application of IBL and PBL methodologies. Dialogical reflections by the teacher educators and a critical friend, along with student questionnaires, were analysed in this three-year action research study. Findings demonstrate an increase in pre-service teachers' research skills but limited transferability of learning to teaching. The papers' central contribution proposes that as ITE reconfiguration evolves programmes can capitalise upon cross-institutional professional collaborations between teacher educators. Collaborative IBL and PBL learning spaces can be creatively explored to enhance transferability, developing pre-service teachers as researchers, a core element of initial teacher education programme accreditation.

The purpose of this study was to review academic papers on the experiences of binary and non-binary trans people in physical education (PE), published between January 2000 and August 2022. The selection process yielded 16 articles from Brazil, the UK, Spain, Canada, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, and the USA. The discussion focuses on five themes for analysis: (a) school policies and control, (b) curriculum activities, (c) social environment, (d) transgendering while surviving, and (e) trans-positive experiences. The systematic review highlights the fact that heteronormativity is still present in schools and PE spaces, positioning, categorizing, and policing dissenting bodies and gender identities, which means that many trans students did not have good memories of PE classes. Many similar situations were faced by both binary and non-binary trans students, although with some notable differences. It is thus necessary to deconstruct the prevailing cis-heteronormativity during PE lessons to eradicate the discrimination that (re)produces a hostile environment for these students.

Set against a context where care for the person, others, and the world in which we live receives increasing attention in the policy and practice nexus, this paper sets out to explore how "care" is understood and reflected in Irish educational legislation, policies, circulars and curricula. The importance of focusing on care has been further accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each source was searched systematically and following application of inclusion criteria, 616 documents were included in the sample, legislation (n = 39), policies (n = 49), active circulars (n = 179), archived circulars (n = 249) and curriculum specifications (n = 100). Thirteen per cent of the documents included in the review reflected some discussion of care. Thematic analysis of these documents identified that "care" tended to be understood and reflected in five main interrelated ways: (1) care for the individual child and the related duty of care schools/teachers have for children; (2) supporting students to care for themselves and for others; (3) care presented in terms of 'pastoral care' or intertwined with "well-being"; (4) care presented from the perspective of care for the environment and finally; and (5) care presented from a structural perspective regarding care supports within the school. Some considerations and challenges are presented in terms of supporting schools to navigate these different and at times diverging policy, legislative and curriculum contexts with regards conditions for implementation of care in education.

This paper reports on the second stage of an international study exploring the future of secondary school music education. Within a discursive context that tends to regard music education as failing to meet the needs of many students, we instigated a three-step Delphi study to capture views from educators across the English-speaking world. Interviews with leading music education researchers reported on in our first paper [McPhail, G., and J. McNeill. 2019. "One Direction: A Future for Secondary School Music Education?" "Music Education Research," 21 (4): 359-370.] identified a disconnect between how music education is currently realised in secondary school and how these researchers thought it should be taught. The findings from this expert panel were used to seed a two-round Delphi study where a wider international panel explored strategic issues facing the sector. In this paper, we report on the data generated from the first of these two wider Delphi rounds. Four areas were identified where gaps exist between actual and desirable classroom music teaching: the core purpose of music education, curricula content, curricular delivery, and context. Although panellists reached consensus on many issues, they held markedly different positions on others. These findings provide an agenda for exploration and reflection by researchers and practitioners, and raise the question -- is there a single desirable direction for twenty-first century secondary school music education?

Design activities form an extensive part of design and technology education with a link being posited within the pertinent literature between the cognitive activity of learning and the cognitive activity of design. It is therefore critical that design educators' understand the effects that design constraints can have on the learning process. This paper aims to examine the potential to affect student responses and associated learning from design tasks based on the manipulation of task variables. A study was designed to examine the effects of two modelling systems--one parametric and one non-parametric--on the thought processes and design journeys of the students. The findings suggest that the use of parametric modelling can emphasis student thinking on technical considerations while the use of a freeform moulding CAD system affords a more creative orientation. Qualitative findings demonstrate the capacity of students to select appropriate strategies to complete the design task, further indicating that relaxing design constraints can support student learning in design activities. Considering curricular intentions to develop both technical and creative competencies, this study presents empirical findings illustrating how teachers can strategically design tasks which balance expected student responses with intended learning outcomes.

Owing to a variety of complex historical and socio-cultural factors, the Irish education system remains heavily influenced by denominational mores and values [Ferriter, D. 2012. "Occasions of Sin: Sex & Society in Modern Ireland." London: Profile Books], particularly those of the Roman Catholic Church [O'Toole, B. 2015. "1831-2014: An Opportunity to Get it Right This Time? Some Thoughts on the Current Debate on Patronage and Religious Education in Irish Primary in Primary Schools: Reflections from the Republic of Ireland." "Irish Educational Studies" 34 (1): 89-102. doi:10.1080/03323315.2015.1010704; Faas, D., M. Darmody, and B. Sokolowska. 2016. "Religious Diversity in Primary Schools: Reflections from the Republic of Ireland." "British Journal of Religious Education" 38 (1): 83-98]. Unsurprisingly, with the declaration by the Church that homosexuality was "intrinsically disordered" [Libreria Edittrice Vaticana. 2003. "Roman Catholic Catechism." Accessed January 18 2013. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm], the professional identity and practice of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teachers working in denominational schools is often (in)formed by fear, as well as perceived, or actual, harassment and discrimination [Gowran, S. 2004. "The Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Teachers in Irish Schools." In "Primary Voices", edited by J. Deegan, D. Devine, and A. Lodge, 37-56. Dublin: IPA; Fahie, D. 2016. "Spectacularly Exposed and Vulnerable--How Irish Equality Legislation Subverted the Personal and Professional Security of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Teachers." "Sexualities"]. This paper examines the lived-experience of 23 self-identified LGB teachers who work(ed) in Irish Roman Catholic primary schools. Their unique experiences and perspectives of faith-based schooling are examined against a backdrop of the complex processes of rationalisation and reflexivity these teachers undertake as they endeavour to reconcile their sense of personal integrity--as members of the LGB community--with their professional responsibilities. The study draws particular attention to those LGB teachers who hold deeply felt, and sincere, beliefs in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church but who, nonetheless, express a level of discomfort at the language and tone of church dogma in respect of minority sexualities.

This paper examines the relative importance of upper secondary subject choice and attainment in explaining social inequalities in access to higher education (HE) in Scotland and Ireland. These two countries differ in the extent of curriculum differentiation, in the degree of standardisation in school examination and in HE entry criteria. In particular, in Scotland subject choice in upper secondary education is more differentiated (both in terms of number and type of subjects taken) and allocation of places in HE is less standardised and more dependent upon the subjects studied at school than in Ireland. Given these institutional differences, we expected subject choices to be more important for explaining social origin differences in HE entry and access to prestigious institutions in Scotland than in Ireland. Because of increasing student competition for HE places, we further hypothesised the growing importance of school subjects over time in mediating social inequalities in HE entry in both countries, more so in Scotland than in Ireland. Our results confirm that subject choice is a stronger mediator of social inequalities in HE entry and access to prestigious universities in Scotland while attainment is more important in Ireland. Contrary to our expectations, the role of subject choice in HE entry has not become more important over time. However, in Scotland subject choice continues to be a strong mediator for social inequalities in HE entry.

This paper unites the history of Computer Science (CS) Education in Ireland by plotting Ireland's roadmap leading to the implementation of formal Computer Science Education in schools. It first outlines the educational system in Ireland. The history roadmap starts in the 1970s with the first notions of introducing computing in post-primary school, and then continues up to the roll-out the CS curriculum in Ireland at the Senior Cycle level in 2018. The story is chiefly available in disparate publications and reports, so piecing together the entire story is often difficult. This paper collates the available literature, together with the authors' local knowledge of the process, into one paper that may be of interest locally and of value to other jurisdictions beginning their planning of national curricula. The paper describes the development and the current situation of the formal curricula in CS at second level. The current landscape of Computing Education at primary level, which at the time of writing is in the planning stages in Ireland, is described. Additionally, an investigation into the introduction of Computing Education in schools in the international jurisdictions that directly influenced the Irish rollout takes place, to summarize any lessons learned that might provide insights for Ireland going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the publication of school league tables is prohibited by law in Ireland, the publication of data categorising university placements achieved per school has become common practice. A central argument advanced in this endeavour includes the provision of information for parents. The views of parents on this issue have, until now, not been explored in Ireland. The current paper outlines the findings of a national survey of 1915 parents on the publication of school league tables. The findings of this research highlight a widespread rejection of the practice. Concerns surrounding the narrowing of educational experience, the intensification of performance pressures and the rise of elitism in schools were noted. Calls for greater teacher accountability were also noted and deemed to transcend the publication of school league tables.

Using the pedagogic lens this article presents theoretical exposition of feminist egalitarian discourse for social work education. The Masters in Social Work is a professional qualification, which has as its primary goal the promotion of human rights and social justice. In theory, feminist egalitarian discourse aligns succinctly with this overall goal. However, in reality feminist egalitarian discourse is often overlooked and is rarely considered mainstream in many social work programmes. The paper is divided into three sections (1) An Irish context, which provides a brief overview of social work in Ireland, while linking it to the way social work programmes have developed within such a context; (2) The status of feminist egalitarian discourse in social work education, whereby critical theorisation in this paper interrogates the literature on feminist egalitarian discourse in social work education (particularly Masters in Social Work curricula), and in doing so, and; (3) Embraces feminist egalitarian discourse in social work education, which highlights the significance of critical perspectives in contemporary social work education and practice. Theorisation through uptake of feminist egalitarian discourse argues that through such discourse in social work masters programmes, coherence with universal humanistic ideology is heightened, challenging both neoliberal ideologies and statutory led practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of the term well-being as conceptualised by parents, grandparents, principals and teachers in the Irish primary education system. Design/methodology/approach: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted to understand the nature and meaning of the phenomenon of well-being. Interviews were carried out with 54 principals, teachers, parents and grandparents from a representative sample of primary schools in Ireland. Each participant was asked the same, open, question: "What does well-being mean to you?" Responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a combination of the principles of the hermeneutic circle and Braun and Clarke's framework for thematic analysis. Findings: Three conceptualisations of well-being were identified (1) well-being is about being happy, (2) well-being is about being healthy and safe and (3) well-being is something you "do". Originality/value: To the best of our knowledge this paper is the first of its kind to describe how well-being is conceptualised by adults in Irish primary school contexts. In particular it highlights how neoliberal conceptualisations of well-being as a "thing", a commodity exchanged on assumptions of individualism, moralism and bio-economism, have crept into the education of our youngest citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the rationales underpinning the introduction of Computer Science (CS) into school curricula and examines the ways in which educational systems have responded to these growing calls. In outlining the possible ways that educational systems can respond to this demand, the paper makes use of a conceptual framework through which the various possibilities for the provision of CS in school curricula can be categorised. The paper analyses and discusses possible modes of provision identifying the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches. Through this development, the paper aims to raise wider questions about the long‐term positioning of CS within the curriculum and draws particular attention to the need for greater consideration of provision at lower secondary level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Physical Education Development Group (PEDG) was responsible for constructing a new school subject curriculum, Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE), in Ireland. This paper provides an insight into this development group and explores the process of curriculum development, and the influence of roles and power-ratios within the group, in the construction of the LCPE curriculum. Figurational sociology concepts (Elias, 1978) were drawn on to make sense of the curriculum makers' experiences. Interviews were conducted with 10 PEDG members. The findings suggest that the members' roles had very little, if any, influence on the curriculum development process. Findings also revolved around the unbalanced power-ratios which existed in the PEDG and highlighted the socially powerful position of 'strong, well-established' (in the academic field of curriculum development – participant's words) members and the other members (predominantly representing practicing teachers). We express concern for the role of teachers in the curriculum process and argue that they play a crucial and significant role in the school subject curriculum development process. This paper supports Goodson's (1983) and Penney's (2006) conceptualisation of the contested and socially constructed nature of the curriculum development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Framework for Junior Cycle (DES. 2012. A Framework for Junior Cycle. Dublin: Stationery Office) in Ireland aimed to introduce short courses and develop key skills but the proposed phasing out of the Junior Certificate examinations resulted in widespread controversy. Drawing on policy documents and related research, this paper takes a critical realist approach, using Robertson and Dale's (2015. "Towards a 'Critical Cultural Political Economy' Account of the Globalising of Education." Globalisation, Societies and Education 13 (1): 149–170) Critical Cultural Political Economy of Education theoretical framework, to critically analyse the three stated rationales underpinning the reform: research, consultations and Ireland's PISA scores. A further fourth rationale is then put forward: Ireland's financial collapse in 2008 and the resulting concentration on a neo-liberal discourse of 'efficiency' and 'competitiveness' stemming from wider global education policy. The paper poses the critical question: was improving students' learning experience the real driver behind the reform or was the removal of the state exams more about reducing costs than augmenting learning outcomes? The paper concludes that education policy cannot be separated from other public policy as both have become increasingly entwined with overarching neo-liberal objectives. It argues the 'not-so-stated' rationale of the financial collapse played an important role in the formulation of the Junior Cycle reforms and will continue to impact educational policy in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellbeing is central to the new Junior Cycle (lower secondary education) in Ireland as a principle and curricular area. This paper argues that while it should never be the case that the rights of parents or their children regarding Religious Education are compromised, Religious Education can make a real and positive contribution to wellbeing in the Junior Cycle. The paper begins by reviewing two recent international longitudinal studies to demonstrate the strong positive correlation between religion and wellbeing. It goes on to highlight the potential of Religious Education in helping schools to fulfil the Junior Cycle wellbeing requirements. It concludes that as a legitimate source of wellbeing, Religious Education with sound content and pedagogy, well taught by qualified and supported teachers, can be an integral part of a Junior Cycle programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Computer Science (CS) subject is currently being rolled out nationally into upper second level education in Ireland since September 2018 on a phased basis. The first cohort of students from phase 1 of the subjects' national rollout completed the first ever Computer Science Leaving Certificate examination in June 2020. This addition to computer science education (CSE) in Ireland now offers students an opportunity to attain a formal qualification in CS prior to entering tertiary education. Irish higher education (HE) institutions will now begin to see a change in student intake on their undergraduate CS programmes, where 'LCCS students' might enrol in first year alongside students who do not have the same level of prior knowledge in the discipline. This qualitative study explores CS lecturers' perceptions of the Leaving Certificate Computer Science (LCCS) curriculum and its influence on teaching in HE through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts identified five key themes. The paper draws attention to aspects which may provide HE policy makers, heads of computer science departments and lecturers with greater insight into the realities of this addition of CS to the Leaving Certificate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2023, the Department of Education published the 'Primary Curriculum Framework' for primary and special schools in Ireland. Reflecting trends in international curriculum reform centred on the needs and priorities of twenty-first century learning and life, the Framework proposes a set of seven key competencies which are presented to underpin children's learning and development during their time in primary school. In this paper, we focus on one such key competency, 'being an active learner.' We aspire to theoretically conceptualise this key competency in relation to the psychological constructs of 'learner identity' and 'learning to learn.' We argue that such a conceptualisation must not only reflect the cognitive and metacognitive 'how' of learning, but also the affective 'who' of the learner. Arising from this, we explore Irish primary school children's perceptions of themselves as learners, drawing on 188 children's open-ended descriptions of themselves as learners and 136 online survey responses to the 'Myself-As-Learner Scale' (MALS). Despite a majority of children describing themselves as learners in positive terms, findings indicate that Irish primary school children report lower mean MALS scores than standardisation data for the scale, with statistically significant differences revealed between genders and class levels. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, as well as opportunities associated with the key competency if meaningfully realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Set against a context where care for the person, others, and the world in which we live receives increasing attention in the policy and practice nexus, this paper sets out to explore how 'care' is understood and reflected in Irish educational legislation, policies, circulars and curricula. The importance of focusing on care has been further accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each source was searched systematically and following application of inclusion criteria, 616 documents were included in the sample, legislation (n = 39), policies (n = 49), active circulars (n = 179), archived circulars (n = 249) and curriculum specifications (n = 100). Thirteen per cent of the documents included in the review reflected some discussion of care. Thematic analysis of these documents identified that 'care' tended to be understood and reflected in five main interrelated ways: (1) care for the individual child and the related duty of care schools/teachers have for children; (2) supporting students to care for themselves and for others; (3) care presented in terms of 'pastoral care' or intertwined with 'well-being'; (4) care presented from the perspective of care for the environment and finally; and (5) care presented from a structural perspective regarding care supports within the school. Some considerations and challenges are presented in terms of supporting schools to navigate these different and at times diverging policy, legislative and curriculum contexts with regards conditions for implementation of care in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses some of the theoretical and practical implications of the Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Competency (CEFR-VC), developed through the European Network for Visual Literacy (Envil), in the context of international trends in curriculum design. Empirical application of the Framework is examined through the specific experience of designing a national programme for art in Ireland, for a high stakes public examination. The paper reflects on the issues that the Framework raised in that context. The paper suggests that a useful lens through which to view the framework might be that of activity theory and proposes that the framework itself might best be understood as a 'boundary-object' that can help inform the complex negotiations between art education and schooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the development of a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) postgraduate education programme that has enabled the delivery of over 90 quality improvement projects led by its graduates across 50 healthcare organizations in Ireland. A key success factor in embedding and sustaining LSS in these organizations was the accreditation by a major, national, research-intensive university of the LSS education programme from which the students graduated. To ensure the programme's approval by the university it was necessary to contextualize LSS within established conceptual frameworks. This helped counter misconceptions that what was proposed was technical training in tools and techniques to provide quick fixes for routine healthcare process issues. Two related conceptual frameworks were selected to frame the curriculum: Senge's Fifth Discipline and Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. This paper focuses on how a central element of both frameworks, systems thinking or appreciation for a system, was enacted in the curriculum using Oshry's work on system blindness. Showing how systems thinking was conceptualized in the curriculum established the legitimacy and credibility of the programme within academia. This led to the approval of the first university-accredited graduate programme in LSS for healthcare in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary level mathematics education in Ireland has recently experienced a period of significant change with the introduction of new curricula and the addition of an incentive to study upper secondary mathematics at the most advanced level (Higher Level). This incentive, typically referred to as ‘bonus points’, appears to have aided a significant increase in the number of students studying upper secondary mathematics at Higher Level. However, thematic analysis of interviews with experienced upper secondary mathematics examiners and exploration of mathematics diagnostic test data outlined in this paper suggest that the difficulty of the Higher Level upper secondary mathematics final examination in Ireland has reduced since the introduction of the bonus points initiative. The sharp increase in students attempting this examination coupled with a policy of maintaining a consistent proportion of students achieving passing grades was identified as a key reason for this possible reduction in standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents data that consider ways in which young people experience the curriculum through the lens of subject examination syllabuses (for GCSEs), their associated assessment techniques and structures, and educational policies at national and school level concerning subject choice. Drawing upon an original qualitative dataset from a mixed-methods study of students’ views and experiences of GCSE from Northern Ireland (NI) and Wales, the paper explores students’ perceptions of choice and fairness in relation to studying various subjects at GCSE. Factors of importance are the subjects available to them through subject option selections at the school level and the ways in which GCSE courses are then administered. In relation to notions of choice and fairness, the paper considers how students see access to the curriculum moderated by national- and school-level decisions regarding the assessment of GCSEs; the extent to which assessment techniques such as tiering, controlled assessment, and modularity, as well as school-level policy decisions about timing of entry to GCSEs (known as early entry) all combine to restrict students’ access to the full range of subjects and influence the ways in which they experience these subjects as curricula within their particular school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this paper is to ascertain the main subject qualities in Junior Cycle (JC) Visual Art (VA) in The Republic of Ireland, and whether these qualities are unique to the subject. The context of JC VA education is outlined through the exploration of its values, aims and objectives as well as investigating the subject's unique qualities. A mixed methods research approach was used to analyse three years of Department of Education Subject Inspection Reports for VA to explore the qualities of VA education. Seven published JC Subject specifications, including the VA specification were analysed using word frequency measurements with the aim of exploring the qualities of JC VA and whether these qualities are unique to the subject. Semi‐structured interviews were also held to explore the issues arising and aim to capture some of the thoughts of VA curriculum experts, school leaders and VA teachers. Through the analysis of word frequencies, it can be concluded that the VA specification highlights creativity, problem‐solving, collaboration and reflecting as dominant qualities in VA education and similarly, the Inspection Reports present the same findings. However, it is important to note that these qualities are also found in other subject areas though not as strongly or frequently. The interview process highlighted similar findings concluding that VA education "lends itself" to the above qualities however the subject cannot claim them as solely unique to the VA classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education represents a key intervention point in encouraging the emergence of a professional engineering ethos informed by a sustainability ethic. In terms of establishing an appropriate relationship between sustainability and education, many would contend that incorporating sustainability as merely add-on material to already overcrowded curricula is insufficient. Instead sustainability should actually be a leading principle for curricula. Traditional reductionist models of engineering education seek to extinguish context and uncertainty and reduce complexity across socio-economic and ecological domains. They therefore constitute a wholly inadequate response to the need for fit-for-purpose, twenty-first century graduates required to address broader sustainability issues. This paper presents research from an undergraduate module at University College Cork, Ireland. The module is aimed at developing students' conceptions of complexity, uncertainty, risk, context and ethics as foundational bases for productively engaging with sustainability. The paper also highlights some problematic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To design, implement, and assess a study abroad course in Ireland for pre-professional and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students. Methods. An elective study abroad course was created for pre-professional and PharmD students at North Dakota State University. The course included comparison of the US and Ireland's health care delivery systems and participation in history and cultural experiences in Ireland. Prior to the trip, students and preceptors attended seminars related to the culture of Ireland. The three-week trip to Ireland took place between the spring and summer semesters in 2016. Student assignments while abroad included completion of a self-reflection journal with daily entries describing what the student learned and how the experience impacted them, and completion and presentation of a term paper comparing Ireland's pharmacy system with that in the United States. Pre- and post-travel surveys were conducted to assess students' perceptions of and learning from the experience, and to identify areas for course improvement. Results. Students' evaluations of the course and travel experiences were positive. However, students' perceptions of their cultural awareness were largely unchanged. Conclusion. The course was well received by students. Other PharmD programs may benefit from implementing similar study abroad experiences., (© 2019 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.)

In 2012 mathematics was assigned a special status within the Irish post-primary school curriculum with the introduction of a bonus points initiative (BPI). Students are now awarded additional credit in their upper post-primary school state examination results if they achieve a passing grade in mathematics at higher level. This extra credit will increase the likelihood of these students securing a place on the third-level course of their choice. This incentive was introduced to encourage students to study mathematics at higher level. Anecdotally there have been mixed reviews about the success of the BPI. While the numbers taking higher level mathematics have increased steadily, there have been concerns that many students who are not capable of performing up to the standard required are now opting for the higher level paper and the difficulty of this examination and the marking schemes have been adjusted accordingly. This paper reports on a national study, the first of its kind, that was conducted to investigate teachers' perspectives (N = 266) on the BPI. The authors investigate if the increase in the number of students studying higher level mathematics in Ireland has occurred in tandem with an increase in the mathematical proficiency of students and they ascertain the impact of the BPI on the profile of higher level mathematics classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a national survey that examined the extent of implementation of Health Promoting Schools (HPS) in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was adopted. A questionnaire was administered to all post-primary schools in the country (n=704). Data were analysed with the support of the software packages, SPSS and MaxQDA. Findings – A response rate of 56 per cent (n=394) was achieved. Over half of these schools (56 per cent) self-identified as health promoting. Schools reported success in the areas of environment and curriculum and learning, however, partnerships and policy and planning required more attention. Some models of good practice emerged from the data but these were in the minority. Many schools, when asked to describe health promotion in their school, placed emphasis on physical health (diet and exercise) and curriculum predominately rather than the broader whole school conceptualisation. Only 35 per cent of HPS schools had a team supporting HPS developments. Only 36 per cent identified the existence of a school policy to support HPS. This suggests that further coherence for sustained and comprehensive implementation of HPS is necessary. Research limitations/implications – The research was conducted with school staff, in the first instance who self-reported their school’s level of HPS engagement. Originality/value – This paper offers the first national baseline data available in relation to engagement in HPS in Ireland. It provides a valuable starting point from which further research with schools in this field can be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the acknowledged importance of professional ethics, technical students often show little enthusiasm for studying the subject. This paper considers how such engagement might be improved. Four guiding principles for promoting engagement are identified: (1) aligning teaching content with student interests; (2) taking a pragmatic rather than a philosophical approach to issue resolution; (3) addressing the full complexity of real-world case studies; and (4) covering content in a way that students find entertaining. The use of these principles is then discussed with respect to the specific experience of developing and presenting a master's module in Ethical and Legal Issues in Cyber Security at Queens University Belfast. One significant aspect of the resulting design is that it encourages students to see ethical issues in systemic terms rather than from an individual perspective, with issues emerging from a conflict between different groups with different vested interests. Case studies are used to examine how personal and business priorities create conflicts that can lead to negative press, fines and punitive legal action. The module explores the reasons why organisations may be unaware of the risks associated with their actions and how an inappropriate response to an ethical issue can significantly aggravate a situation. The module has been delivered in three successive years since 2014 and been well received on each occasion. The paper describes the design of the module and the experience of delivering it, concluding with a discussion of the effectiveness of the approach.

The Irish national discourse on curriculum and assessment reform at the Junior Cycle level has been fraught with controversy in the past two years. The introduction of the new curriculum and assessment framework in 2012 by the then Minister of Education, Ruairi Quinn has led to significant media coverage and teacher union response. In this paper, we argue that in the midst of the reaction toward the particular assessment elements of the framework, the focus has been lost on key revisions made in the draft science curriculum and assessment specification released in September 2014. A central aspect of the draft document released for consultation includes the introduction of a ‘Nature of Science’ (NOS) theme intended to be an overarching feature of all science teaching and learning. We examine the coverage of NOS in the draft document and analyze it relative to a model of NOS developed in our recent book. Our analysis illustrates that the draft science curriculum and assessment specification for Junior Cycle incorporates contemporary research and aligns the Irish curriculum with most features of NOS, although some aspects need further development including the articulation of a nuanced model of NOS. We highlight some future directions for curriculum and assessment development for a comprehensive, coherent and holistic coverage of NOS in Junior Cycle Science in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines the relative importance of upper secondary subject choice and attainment in explaining social inequalities in access to higher education ( HE) in Scotland and Ireland. These two countries differ in the extent of curriculum differentiation, in the degree of standardisation in school examination and in HE entry criteria. In particular, in Scotland subject choice in upper secondary education is more differentiated (both in terms of number and type of subjects taken) and allocation of places in HE is less standardised and more dependent upon the subjects studied at school than in Ireland. Given these institutional differences, we expected subject choices to be more important for explaining social origin differences in HE entry and access to prestigious institutions in Scotland than in Ireland. Because of increasing student competition for HE places, we further hypothesised the growing importance of school subjects over time in mediating social inequalities in HE entry in both countries, more so in Scotland than in Ireland. Our results confirm that subject choice is a stronger mediator of social inequalities in HE entry and access to prestigious universities in Scotland while attainment is more important in Ireland. Contrary to our expectations, the role of subject choice in HE entry has not become more important over time. However, in Scotland subject choice continues to be a strong mediator for social inequalities in HE entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim The successful development and maintenance of professional identity is associated with professional development and retention in the health workforce. This paper explores students' perspectives on the ways pre-entry experiences and curricula content shape professional identity. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was sent to students enrolled in the final year of entry-level programmes in five countries. Descriptive statistical analyses of data were completed. Results The results reflect the perceptions of 319 respondents from five countries. Respondents identified professional education (98%) and professional socialisation during placement (92%) as curricula components with the greatest influence on professional identity formation. Discipline-specific knowledge such as, occupation-focussed models and occupational science were ranked lower than these aspects of practice. The students' length of programme and level of entry-level programme did not impact on these results. Conclusion When designing curricula educators need to be mindful that students perceive practice education and professional socialisation have the greatest affect on professional identity formation. The findings reinforce the need for curricula to provide students with a range of practice experiences, which allow the observation and application of occupation-based practices. It highlights a need for educators to provide university-based curricula activities, which better prepare students for a potential dissonance between explicit occupation-based curricula and observed practice education experiences. The study indicates the need for further research into the role curricula content, and in particular practice education, plays in the multidimensional formation of professional development within entry-level programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Republic of Ireland the vast majority of primary schools are owned and run by the Catholic and Protestant Churches. There is no parallel state system of education. Religious education in schools is doctrinal in nature and is permitted to permeate throughout the school curriculum. In addition, legislative provisions permit schools to discriminate in favour of co-religionists in admissions and employment policies. In the absence of the provision of non-religious schools, such a system of education violates the international right to freedom of religion or belief of minority-belief and non-belief pupils, parents and teachers. The aim of the paper is to examine the effectiveness of using international human rights law in working to bring about change in the place of religion in Irish schools. It traces attempts to bring the situation in Ireland to the attention of international human rights supervisory bodies and evaluates subsequent measures taken by the Irish authorities in response to international criticisms. It situates this analysis within a broader theoretical debate around the relationship between law and social change, and the way law may work to produce change and the factors that may limit that change. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new school subject, Leaving Certificate Computer Science, was introduced in September 2018 into Irish schools in a period of curriculum reform and change. Drawing on concepts of teacher agency and learner agency, and viewed through a figurational sociology lens, this paper explored the realities of teaching LCCS and the role teacher agency and learner agency played in such enactment. Through a case study design, four teachers were interviewed in a focus group semi-structured manner. To delve deeper into the pedagogical approaches used in LCCS, a further one teacher and their nine students were interviewed. The findings highlight an influential relationship (positive and negative, encouraging and discouraging) between teachers' agentic decisions in their process of achieving teacher agency and the students process of achieving learner agency. The paper offers a figurational viewpoint of the relationship between teacher agency and learner agency through a constructed Figure. We explicitly argue that the responsibility should not be placed on the teacher and student in achieving agency (as a product) but it is a combination of the teacher and the students and the other interdependent relationships within their figurations, alongside contextual factors, and educational social processes, which determine the fluctuation of the process of achieving teacher and learner agency. The paper provides considerations for computer science teacher education. • Explores the relationship between teacher agency and learner agency in Computer Science subject. • Uses figurational sociology to further understand the process of achieving agency. • Qualitative research study. • Considerations provided for Computer Science teacher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates teachers' and principals' experiences of implementing a pilot of an ethical education (EE) curriculum to a senior cycle programme in Educate Together secondary schools in Ireland. The development of this curriculum was informed by the Integrative Ethical Education Model (Lapsley and Narvaez, 2004). Thirteen teachers and two school principals were interviewed about their experiences of this curriculum and its impact on school culture and organisation. An implementation science approach informed a thematic analysis of transcripts that interrogated the perspectives of participants, and revealed the systemic factors that included barriers to, and facilitators of, EE curriculum implementation. Interviews were analysed inductively, by exploring participants' experiences, and deductively, using Narvaez's framework of ethical skills. Results were presented within the domains of school setting, wider school setting, curriculum characteristics and teacher characteristics, reflecting an implementation science approach. Findings suggest that this curriculum nurtured a positive school climate where students identified as having a greater sense of school belonging as a result of access to this curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, was launched in Ireland in 2009. The framework is applicable in all settings where children in the 0-6-year range are present; this includes all early years settings and the first two years of primary schools, referred to as "infant classes" in the Irish context. This article shares the findings of a local research project which sought to explore the implementation of "Aistear", by Early Years Educators (EYEs) and Primary School Teachers (PSTs) in pre-schools and infant classes. This research, based on a qualitative case-study design, was primarily focused on those educators working with children who are between three and six years of age and was based in the North East region of Ireland. The study examined the implementation of Aistear and how educators adapted their existing curriculum and daily routine. Thirteen educators participated, including six EYEs and seven PSTs. The collected data was thematically analysed with the emerging story captured through five key themes: Emergent Curriculum, Social Development, Communication, Holistic Development, and Implementation of Aistear. Overall, the benefits for children's social interactions, language development and cognitive development through play in a child-led environment were discussed by participants. However, training, ratios and resources were a concern and a requirement for EYEs and PSTs. The recommendations from this study indicates that further research into the implementation of Aistear on a national scale would offer greater insight into the adaptation of the curriculum framework within pre-schools and infant classes in primary schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Launched in 2009, the Aistear early years curriculum framework sought to complement and extend the primary school curriculum (PSC) at infant class level in the Republic of Ireland. While Aistear focuses on the development of attitudes, values and learning dispositions and is neither statutory nor inspected, the PSC centres on the acquisition of subject-based knowledge and the development of age-appropriate skills, and is subject to external inspection. To explore teachers’ experiences regarding the status of Aistear vis-à-vis the Curriculum, this study adopted a multi-method approach involving questionnaire surveys (n = 104), one-to-one interviews (n = 6) and classroom observations (n = 6) to identify everyday practices in the classroom. Acknowledging the importance of play, there was little evidence that Aistear has transformed classroom teaching. Didactic teaching approaches remain dominant, with play afforded peripheral status. The study provides an original insight into the challenges teachers experience in meeting competing curricular demands. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phonetic transcription is an essential skill for a practising speech and language therapist (SLT) required during the assessment, diagnosis and management of clients with speech difficulties. It is vital that appropriate training is received by student SLTs to ensure that they carry out phonetic transcription accurately and reliably once out in the workplace. This study investigates the views and experiences of final year SLT students regarding the training in phonetic transcription they received in university, with the aim to identify what poses difficulties for them and what could be done to enhance their learning. Responses from 40 participants representing one cohort of SLT students, graduates of a particular year, were collected using an online questionnaire. The majority of the respondents consider phonetic transcription an important professional skill and plan on maintaining it after graduating. Learning phonetic transcription was easy/quite easy for 57% of the respondents; however, the confidence in transcription skills was rather low: 70% of them reported not being confident and fully equipped to enter the workforce with their transcription skills. The main difficulties were associated with narrow (impressionistic) transcription and transcription of disordered speech. 58% of the respondents found the teaching environment suitable; however, a recurring theme is the need for small-group tutorials during which the lecturers could provide feedback to individual students more efficiently. Participants' responses suggest that more clinically relevant transcription practice of disordered speech, the opportunity to refresh and apply phonetic transcription skills throughout the four-year curriculum and smaller group teaching would benefit their learning and enhance their confidence using transcription on placements and in the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students' perception of neuroanatomy as a challenging topic has implications for referrals and interaction with specialists in the clinical neurosciences. Given plans to introduce a standardised Medical Licensing Assessment by 2023, it is important to understand the current framework of neuroanatomy education. This study aims to describe how neuroanatomy is taught and assessed in the UK and Ireland. A structured questionnaire capturing data about the timing, methods, materials, assessment and content of the 2019/2020 neuroanatomy curriculum in the UK and Ireland medical schools. We received 24/34 responses. Lectures (96%) were the most widely used teaching method, followed by prosection (80%), e-learning (75%), tutorials/seminars (67%), problem-based learning (50%), case-based learning (38%), and dissection (30%). The mean amount of core neuroanatomy teaching was 29.3 hours. The most common formats of assessing neuroanatomical knowledge were multiple-choice exams, spot tests, and objective structured clinical exams. Only 37.5% schools required demonstration of core clinical competency relating to neuroanatomy. Our survey demonstrates variability in how undergraduate neuroanatomy is taught and assessed across the UK and Ireland. There is a role for development and standardisation of national undergraduate neuroanatomy curricula in order to improve confidence and attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a worldwide problem, and have become a major health concern in Ireland particularly. We aimed to determine the extent to which addiction medicine is embedded in the undergraduate medical curriculum in Ireland.Methods: To further investigate the degree to which drug addiction is taught in the Irish medical curriculum an online literature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed (from 2009 to present), EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Medline using the keywords “substance-related disorders,” “undergraduate,” “curriculum” and “Ireland.” Additionally, all Irish medical school websites were examined (n = 6), and a Google search and manual searches of conference programs were performed. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to systematically review and discuss findings.Results: A total of zero published studies met the criteria for inclusion in an updated systematic literature search of addiction medicine education in the undergraduate medical curriculum in Ireland.Conclusion: There is currently no documentation of drug addiction teaching sessions in Irish medical schools. Investigations that offer direct contact with medical schools, such as a telephone survey, may provide a more accurate representation of how addiction medicine education is incorporated into the medical school curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Respiratory physiotherapy is a core area of practice, but little is known about pre-qualification physiotherapy curricula across institutions. The purpose of this study was to identify and categorise the pre-qualification content of respiratory physiotherapy curricula across the island of Ireland. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted remotely and eight respiratory module coordinators/teaching leads participated. Respiratory physiotherapy curricular topics and assessment details from each participating institution were documented. Curricular topics were then grouped and categorised into discrete broader curricular topic areas by agreement. A representative from each higher education institution rated the curricular topic from their programme as 'foundation', 'core', 'not essential but desirable' or 'broadly relevant'. Assessment strategies for each programme were documented. RESULTS: From 246 individual topics, seven broad category areas were generated which were operationally defined and divided into 41 content topics. Of the content topics 18 out of 41 (44%) topics were unanimously rated as core to the respiratory module by each participating programme. A diverse range of assessment strategies were employed across programmes with all including written and practical components. CONCLUSION: Between programmes and institutions, there was a reasonably high degree of overlap of the respiratory physiotherapy topic areas which are delivered within or outside of core respiratory modules. Content appears to be broadly standardised and appears to support the preparedness of graduates for practice in this area. The identification of 'core' respiratory topics in this study may be useful for the design of new respiratory physiotherapy modules or ongoing curricular review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The success of measures aimed at promoting student health and wellbeing is greatly informed by the attitudes and perceptions of the educators assigned to implement these measures. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of post-primary educators in Ireland regarding the promotion of student wellbeing. Method: Semi-structured interviews (n = 11) were conducted with post-primary educators located across the Republic of Ireland. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Analysis resulted in the interpretation of five themes related to best practice, the value of wellbeing promotion, work-related time constraints, an atheoretical approach to wellbeing promotion and educators' accounts of their own wellbeing. Participants shared numerous concerns regarding their ability to attend to student wellbeing, principal among which were a lack of appropriate training, work-related time constraints and a potential systematic de-valuing of the wellbeing curriculum relative to the core curriculum. Conclusion: It is recommended that appropriate accreditation be necessary in order to register to teach any aspect of the wellbeing curriculum, and that a requisite wellbeing-orientated knowledge and skillset be mandatory for all educators in order to register as a post-primary teacher with the teaching council in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To have population-level impact, physical activity (PA) interventions must be effectively implemented and sustained under real-world conditions. Adequate Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) is integral to children being able to actively participate in play, games, and sports. Yet, few FMS interventions have been implemented at scale, nor sustained in routine practice, and thus it is important to understand the influences on sustained implementation. The study's aim was to use Collective Intelligence (CI)—an applied systems science approach—with stakeholder groups to understand barriers to the implementation of FMS interventions, interdependencies between these barriers, and options to overcome the system of barriers identified. Methods: Three CI sessions were conducted with three separate groups of experienced FMS intervention researchers/practitioners (N = 22) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Participants generated and ranked barriers they perceive most critical in implementing FMS interventions. Each group developed a structural model describing how highly ranked barriers are interrelated in a system. Participants then conducted action mapping to solve the problem based on the logical relations between barriers reflected in the model. Results: The top ranked barriers (of 76) are those related to policy, physical education curriculum, and stakeholders' knowledge and appreciation. As reflected in the structural model, these barriers have influences over stakeholders' efficacy in delivering and evaluating interventions. According to this logical structure, 38 solutions were created as a roadmap to inform policy, practice, and research. Collectively, solutions suggest that efforts in implementation and sustainability need to be coordinated (i.e., building interrelationship with multiple stakeholders), and a policy or local infrastructure that supports these efforts is needed. Conclusions: The current study is the first to describe the complexity of barriers to implementing and sustaining FMS interventions and provide a roadmap of actions that help navigate through the complexity. By directing attention to the ecological context of FMS intervention research and participation, the study provides researchers, policy makers, and practitioners with a framework of critical components and players that need to be considered when designing and operationalising future projects in more systemic and relational terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contribution: This research study deploys three serious games with various topics in an entry-level C Programming module and investigates students’ learning outcomes. The study also explores whether learners belonging to different subgroups benefit more from the use of serious games than their peers. The subgroups are formed based on learner demographics that capture learners’ attitude toward school or STEM subjects, their previous educational performance and gender. Background: Despite the latest rapid economy growth in the ICT sector, many European countries are facing the challenge of retaining students in STEM-related subjects, which could lead to unfilled vacancies in the ICT job markets in the near future. Serious games have been utilized in the classrooms of many STEM subjects to improve students’ learning experience and learning outcomes, and potentially encourage their engagement with STEM-related industries. While some prior works had assessed the effectiveness of serious games in improving students’ learning outcomes, little research has been done to investigate the impacts among students with different previous educational background and performance, attitude, and gender. Research Questions: 1) Do the proposed serious games improve students’ learning outcomes? and 2) Do students with certain previous educational performance, learning attitude, and/or gender benefit more than others from the use of serious games? Methodology: To thoroughly study students’ learning outcome, a large-scale pilot was deployed as part of the first-year undergraduate C Programming module at Dublin City University, Ireland. A multidimensional pedagogical assessment toolkit was utilized. In particular, a demographic questionnaire was carried out before the pilot began, based on which students were divided into different subgroups in terms of educational ability, initial attitude to school, attitude toward learning STEM subjects, and gender. Pre- and post-tests were conducted right before and after playing each game. For students belonging to each subgroup and for all students, the average pre- and post-test marks related to each game were compared, while paired-sample $t$ -tests were also conducted to assess the statistical significance of knowledge gain. Findings: Statistically significant knowledge gains were observed in all three games for all students. The students with good previous educational performance or strong attitude toward attending school and learning STEM subjects, tend to gain more by using serious games, as they obtained statistically significant improved learning outcomes in all three games. The students with average starting points, although performed better in the post-test than in the pretest in all games, they achieved statistically significant improvements in some cases only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementing task specific training is a commonly reported challenge for less experienced therapists. A potential method to improve the ability of recent graduate and student therapists is to upskill regarding task specific training via an online education resource. Purpose: To evaluate the use and acceptability of the TRAIN program as an online learning resource for physiotherapists. Methods: Data from Google Analytics was sourced to determine use of the program and details about the users. Users of the TRAIN program were also invited to complete two surveys; prior to beginning and upon completion of the program. The surveys collected information about the demographics of the users, perceptions of usefulness of the online resource and overall sentiment. Results: Almost 6000 new users interacted with the TRAIN modules during the 15‐months study period. The surveys indicated a high level of usability (mean score 9/10, SD 1.5) and clinical utility (mean score 8.8/10, SD 1.6) of the TRAIN program. Perceived knowledge and user confidence in implementing task‐specific training was higher for those users completing the post compared to those completing the pre‐module survey (knowledge 1.9 and confidence 1.7 out of 10 points higher). Recurring comments in the open‐ended feedback pertained to the usefulness, clarity, and ease of use of the TRAIN program. Discussion and Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use and acceptability of the TRAIN program as an online learning resource for physiotherapists. This further contributes to the growing body of literature indicating online learning is generally a well‐received teaching tool for physiotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ireland primary RE is a fractured, contested, complex and changing territory devoid of a common language and characterised by a proliferation of syllabi and curricula generated for increasingly diverse school types. For centuries the dynamic decolonising process has led to a questioning of former orthodoxies and an attempted de-linking of the place and potency of the RE curriculum as well as a fundamental change in perception of the nature, identity and purpose of RE. Placing particular emphasis on the work of a variety of decolonial and postcolonial critical theorists, the authors engage in a theoretical interpretation of 5 keys waves of curricular decolonisation in Ireland. from the 16th to 21st centuries and argue that a historical contextualisation is vital in attempting to understand its nature. Currently RE's perceived hegemonic status is challenged and its very existence within the curriculum is in jeopardy, as it faces a form of 'cultural oblivion'. The repackaging of religion under the more acceptable form of human rights and world religions with a confusion and conflation of values, ethics and RE and a hybridity of curricular styles and content is symptomatic of the latest wave of this decolonising process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on an innovation and development of a guided reflective approach currently offered at a university in Ireland. Significant collaborative structures and processes were created and implemented in providing guided protected reflective time for fourth year pre-registration BSc Nursing and Midwifery students. This initiative is explored within a case study approach. Undergraduate preregistration programmes aim to develop practitioners towards becoming fit for purpose, compassionate and competent in meeting global health care needs. In the current educational literature, there is much about reflection from a theoretical learning stance. Minimum attention has been given to the practicalities surrounding the structures and processes providing learning spaces where reflection can flourish. Reflective practice offers learning opportunities to guide the development of self and practice critical for future learning. Guided reflection is described as an appropriate learning strategy influential in sense making for practice for final year pre-registration BSc undergraduate students. • Structures and processes for guided group reflective practice are shared. • Offers insights into the health service stakeholders collaborations. • Globally reflection is promoted in preregistration curricula. • Benefits and challenges are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse the value of computerised 'word cloud' (WC) generated from spontaneously articulated 'single word summarisation' (SWS) by medical students to assist their learning during the neonatal intensive care unit placement. To highlight WC as a potential new tool in paediatric teaching, improving student engagement and reflective feedback.Methods: An observational study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Ireland for 5 years (October 2012 to September 2017). One faculty member prospectively recorded SWS in neonatology by graduate entry medical students. An online 'WC generator' under an open-source licence was used to compute the WC. Hospital audit committee approved the study.Results: A total of 268 SWS were recorded consecutively from 268 medical students towards the WC generation. Structured multi-response student feedback showed SWS and WC as stimulating, unique and creative. Powerpoint presentation of the computed WC prompted students to reflect on their chosen words and that of peers.Conclusions: Visualisation of medical student-generated SWS as a WC could stimulate interaction, reflection and clinical discussion, thus assisting teachers to foster better student engagement. This innovative educational tool equips students to 'convey more with fewer words' and has the potential transferability to other clinical disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies highlight a lack of awareness of aphasia among the general public. To date, no research has investigated awareness of aphasia among those working in the hospitality service industry. A lack of awareness of aphasia can exacerbate reduced participation in society for people with aphasia (PWA); as lack of awareness has been identified as a core barrier to participation by PWA themselves. Reduced social participation is a central theme which impacts on negative quality of life for PWA. Education on the nature and impact of aphasia has been identified as a precursor to facilitating participation for PWA. However, before education of aphasia can be provided, we must first ascertain the current level of awareness and knowledge of aphasia among this population working in the hospitality service industry. Aims: To investigate the awareness and level of knowledge of aphasia among hospitality industry students in Ireland and identify strategies to improve awareness. Methods & Procedures: The participants, recruited from four third-level institutions in Ireland, completed a validated survey which was adapted for use with the target population. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse responses. Open-ended questions were first analysed using content analysis, followed by descriptive statistical analysis. Outcomes & Results: One hundred and fifty-five hospitality industry students participated in this study. 9.68% of participants were aware of aphasia, whereas 3.23% of participants were found to have adequate knowledge of aphasia. Suggested strategies to improve awareness of aphasia were campaigning, education in college and advertising using print, broadcast, and social media. Conclusions: This study highlights a distinct lack of awareness and knowledge of aphasia among hospitality students. This can have a negative impact on PWA who have reported this as a barrier to their social participation. By raising awareness of aphasia among hospitality students, they will be better equipped to facilitate communication with PWA. This would break down the existing barrier to participation for PWA. All methods identified by participants can be used to raise awareness and, in particular, it is recommended that undergraduate education of aphasia be incorporated into the college curriculum at a policy level. As this is the first study of its kind on this population, further research in this area is warranted, particularly in the area of how best to raise awareness and knowledge of aphasia among this specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Historical research contributes to the critical perspectives called for in occupational therapy. Despite this, research on the history of occupational therapy education is limited. The only occupational therapy programme in the Republic of Ireland from 1963 to 1986 was the diploma at St Joseph's College of Occupational Therapy, Dublin, which followed the curriculum first of the Association of Occupational Therapists and from 1974 the British Association of Occupational Therapists. This study explores oral histories of pioneering students from that programme. Method Oral history interviews were conducted with 19 former students of the programme who studied between 1963 and 1970. Interviews were thematically analysed. Findings Participants described a curriculum with two subject foci: academic and activity-based subjects. Despite a focus on activity-based subjects in the curriculum, participants were ambivalent about their use in practice. They described a need to manage tensions arising from working alongside craft workers designated as occupational therapists. Throughout the interviews, claims for the professional status of occupational therapy were identified. Conclusion The oral histories reveal a multitude of professionalisation strategies used to establish the profession in 1960s and 1970s Ireland. These findings have relevance for present day debates about professionalisation, occupation-focused curricula and interprofessional practice and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]