Biography

Graduated with a BA in Early Childhhood Studies from UCC. I have also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Currently studying for a PhD in education.
Research interests include discourses relating to play in early years education. Further research interests include the Froebelian approach to education both historic and contemporary;developments in the early years sector in Ireland, (particularly in relation to Síolta, Aistear and the Free Preschool year).  My interest in Aistear has extended to a mentoring role to a preschool in Lesotho. The preschool is using the Aistear curriculum framework to guide their practice.Other research interests include emergent curriculum, STEM in early childhood and educational provision for children with special needs.
I am Co-Researcher with Dr Alison Moore on a Froebel Trust funded project entitled ‘Nurture through nature: fostering early childhood students’ understanding of outdoor learning spaces’.

Research Interests

I joined the School of Education in 2010 from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and continued my doctoral work on the German educator Froebel. In particular, I am interested in how the approach is evident in current early years curricula and practice. This is the focus of my current research.
Within this context, I am interested in developments in the early childhood care and education sector in Ireland, particularly those relating to Síolta; The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear:The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. My interest in Aistear has extended to a mentoring role to a preschool in Lesotho. The preschool is using the Aistear curriculum framework to guide their practice.Other research interests include emergent curriculum, STE(A)M in early childhood and educational provision for children with special needs.
I have actively participated in OMEP Annual Conferences in Cork as well as the OMEP World Conference in 2014. I have several peer-reviewed articles, one as sole author, and I have contributed to Early Years Conferences on the topic of early learning. 

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2023) 'Em beddingAistearintoActionLesotho'sChildren'sP rogram m e,anIrish/BasothoLeeto11:NurturingSustainableP ractice'
Marcella Towler, Jacqui O’Riordan, Eileen Coates, Mats’ireletso Kanetsi, Mmabataung Mokhethi, Moselantja Mafale (2023) 'Em beddingAistearintoActionLesotho'sChildren'sP rogram m e,anIrish/BasothoLeeto11:NurturingSustainableP ractice'. The OMEP Ireland Journal of Early Childhood Studies, 16 (1):139-163 [Details]
(2015) 'The Multiple Intelligences (MI) Footprint in the Aistear Early Years' Curriculum Framework in Ireland'
Towler, M., Ridgway, A., Mc Carthy, M. (2015) 'The Multiple Intelligences (MI) Footprint in the Aistear Early Years' Curriculum Framework in Ireland'. An Leanbh Og, The Omep Journal of Early Childhood Studies, :161-175 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2014) 'Early Childhood Care and Education Policy: Ireland Country Note'
Deirdre Horgan, Shirley Martin, Maura Cunneen and Marcella Towler (2014) 'Early Childhood Care and Education Policy: Ireland Country Note'. New Zealand Research In Early Childhood Education, 17 (Special Issue):21-34 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2009) 'Friedrich Froebel: A Relic from the Past, A Vision for the Future'
Towler, M. (2009) 'Friedrich Froebel: A Relic from the Past, A Vision for the Future'. An Leanbh Óg: Journal of OMEP Ireland, :127-145 [ Publisher's Version] [Details]

Articles

  Year Publication
(2023) A Journey into ...Outdoor Space!.
Cunneen, M. and Towler, M. (2023) A Journey into ...Outdoor Space!. Articles [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2013) Project E.Y.E. and Aistear: Making the Links.
Rosaleen Murphy, Marcella Towler (2013) Project E.Y.E. and Aistear: Making the Links. Cork: Articles [Details]

Newsletter

  Year Publication
(2022) Newletter: ‘Nurture through nature: fostering early childhood students’ understanding of outdoor learning spaces'. Overview of Findings from Phase 1.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) Newletter: ‘Nurture through nature: fostering early childhood students’ understanding of outdoor learning spaces'. Overview of Findings from Phase 1. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship: Newsletter 1.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship: Newsletter 1. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) Plé Autumn School Newsletter:The Fusion of Theory and Practice: The Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement Community of Practice [CoP] Experience: Next Steps.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) Plé Autumn School Newsletter:The Fusion of Theory and Practice: The Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement Community of Practice [CoP] Experience: Next Steps. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship. Newsletter 4.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship. Newsletter 4. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the triquetra relationship. Newsletter 3.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the triquetra relationship. Newsletter 3. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]
(2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship Newsletter 2.
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflections on the Triquetra Relationship Newsletter 2. Newsletter [ Publisher's Version] [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
The EC STE(A)M Network The Early Childhood (EC) STEAM Network will support, connect and inform the early childhood community by building on research and evidence-informed practice and policy, by sharing knowledge, by identifying opportunities and by disseminating learning to an interested and wide-ranging audience. 03-JUN-21 / 30-SEP-23

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2023) EDFEST-EDUCATION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE: Early Years Curricular Ideology and Implementation: Aistear and the Draft Primary School Curriculum Framework,
Cunneen, M. and Towler, M. (2023) The Early Years Journey: To Infinity and Beyond…. [Oral Presentation], EDFEST-EDUCATION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE: Early Years Curricular Ideology and Implementation: Aistear and the Draft Primary School Curriculum Framework, University College Cork . [Details]
(2022) Plé Autumn School,
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) Workshop: The Fusion of Theory and Practice: The Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement Community of Practice [CoP] Experience: Next Steps. [Other], Plé Autumn School, Dublin City University . [Details]
(2023) “Looking Back, Looking Forward Conference: Celebrating 25 Years of Early Years at UCC”,
O' Riordan, J. and Towler, M. (2023) Embedding Aistear into Action Lesotho's children's programme: an Irish/Basotho Leeto​. [Oral Presentation], “Looking Back, Looking Forward Conference: Celebrating 25 Years of Early Years at UCC”, University College Cork . [Details]
(2022) EECERA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: ‘Cultures of play: Actors, Affordances and Arenas’,
Towler,M. and Moore, A. (2022) ‘Nurture through nature: fostering early childhood students’ understanding of outdoor learning spaces’. [Oral Presentation], EECERA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: ‘Cultures of play: Actors, Affordances and Arenas’, University of Strathclyde Glasgow . [Details]
(2022) EECERA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: ‘Cultures of play: Actors, Affordances and Arenas’,
Moore, A. and Towler M (2022) The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflection on the Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement through a Community of Practice [CoP] Experience. [Oral Presentation], EECERA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: ‘Cultures of play: Actors, Affordances and Arenas’, University of Strathclyde Glasgow . [Details]
(2014) OMEP World Conference and Assembly,
Marcella Towler (2014) Reading, writing, counting and sitting still- Influences on early learning, historic and contemporary. [Oral Presentation], OMEP World Conference and Assembly, University College Cork , 02-JUL-14 - 05-JUL-14. [Details]
(2014) OMEP World Conference and Assembly,
Marcella Towler, Anna Ridgway, Marian Mc Carthy (2014) The Multiple Intelligences footprint in the Aistear Early Years' Curriculum Framework in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], OMEP World Conference and Assembly, University College Cork , 02-JUL-14 - 05-JUL-14. [Details]
(2012) International Froebel Society Conference,
Towler, M. (2012) Froebelian Principles and Pedagogy in Early Years Care and Education in Ireland: the Potential of 'Aistear' and 'Siolta'. [Oral Presentation], International Froebel Society Conference, Froebel College of Education, Dublin , 12-APR-12 - 14-APR-12. [Details]
(2011) OMEP Ireland Conference,
Rosaleen Murphy and Marcella Towler (2011) Aistear and Project E.Y.E. [Poster Presentation], OMEP Ireland Conference, Cork , 02-APR-11 - 02-APR-11. [Details]
(2008) OMEP Ireland Conference,
Marcella Towler; (2008) Title: Friedrich Froebel:A Relic form the Past:A Vision for the Future OMEP Ireland Conference. [Oral Presentation], OMEP Ireland Conference, UCC , 18-APR-08 - 19-APR-08. [Details]
(2008) International Froebel Society Conference,
Marcella Towler; (2008) Title: `Finding Froebel:Froebel's Approach to Education in Current Irish Early Years Curricula and Practice. [Oral Presentation], International Froebel Society Conference, Wheelock College Boston , 09-JUL-08 - 11-JUL-08. [Details]

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
CACSSS Library Committee Member 2023 / 2023
School of Education Workload Committee Committee member 2019 / 2019
School of Education Teaching and Learning Committee Committee member 2018 / 2023
EYCS staff student committee Chair 2014 / 2023
OMEP Ireland Committee World Conference Programme Co-ordinator 2014 / 2014
OMEP Ireland Committee Conference organising subcommitee member 2011 / 2014
First Year Experience Working Group Committee member 2013 / 2014
Executive Management Group of Early Years and Childhood Studies 2010 / 2012

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
Cork College of Commerce Tutor /
University College Cork College Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health 16-SEP-07 / 31-AUG-10
University College Cork College Lecturer, Early Years and Childhood Studies,School of Education 01-SEP-10 /

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2010 University College Cork Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Edu Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2004 University College Cork BA - UCC Early Childhood Studies

Outreach Activities

  Description

Early Education Curriculum Mentor for Ha Maqele Preschool in Lesotho

Other Activities

  Description

Virtual Conference Delegate:
Irish Froebel Network Launch and Conference. June 19th 2021. 

School of Education Library Representative
Library Representatives within academic Colleges, Schools and Departments assist the Library in managing book budgets.  

Conference delegate:
June 9th 2012 Edinburgh: Attended the Froebel Network Edinburgh Conference: 'Froebel: Gifts for our Future 4 making Connections Across Time and Place'

Virtual Conference Delegate:
International Froebel Society Conference:
Froebel 2021: Visions of Social Justice, Equity and Integrity in the Year of Childhood. June 1st-4th 2021.

Virtual Conference Delegate:
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Virtual Conference on Outdoor Play: 'Leave No Stone Unskipped'. 26th &27th March 2021.

Virtual Conference Delegate
Edinburgh Froebel Network Conference: Gifts for our Future 12: The Seeds Cast Abroad. June 5th 2021.

Virtual Symposium Attendee:
Early Childhood Ireland Online Research Symposium 2021. 23rd -24th April 2021.

Teaching Interests

I am interested in all aspects of teaching relating to early childhood care and education.
I teach on the following modules on the EYCS degree:
SS1019 (Children's Social and Cultural Worlds),
SS1020 (Social Policy and Society),
ED1016 (Infant, Toddler and Childhood Health, Development and Safety)
ED1015
ED2007 (Physical Activity and Childhood Development)
I am module co-ordinator on modules ED1012 (Early Years and Childhood Studies: Pedagogical Principles and Practices) 
Masters in Education Programme:
I have contributed to Module ED6026 on the Masters in Education Programme.
I have also been module co-ordinator on ED6062 (Play in Learning and Development in Early Childhood) on the Master in Education Programme and I am currently module co-ordinator of ED6069: (Early Childhood Pedagogy: Perspectives and Contemporary Issues) on the Master in Education Programme.

Recent Postgraduates

  Graduation Year Student Name Institution Degree Type Thesis Title
2016 Susan O' Dwyer University College Cork M.Ed. An Exploration of the Role and Potential of ICT in the Infant Education of a Primary School
2021 Cathy Spillane University College Cork M.Ed. “Asking for a favour”: An investigation of teachers’ perceptions and experiences of the inclusion of pupils from the ASD classroom within the mainstream setting
2021 Kate O Sullivan University College Cork M.Ed. Exploring The Opinions and Experiences of Infant Teachers Use of Picture Books as a Key Resource for Teaching Literacy.
2022 Caitriona Stokes University College Cork M.Ed. Outdoors, more than a learning environment: A study of the affordances and constraints of outdoor play in the Irish Early Years context
2022 Kelsey Hurley University College Cork M.Ed. “A critical examination of the role of the teacher within the Aistear framework. A study of infant teachers’ experiences in a primary school setting”
2018 Laura Hyde University College Cork M.Ed. An Exploration into Teacher and Parent perceptions of Aistear: current practice and future potential.
2018 Grace Quinlan University College Cork M.Ed. Child’s play or fire fighting? An exploration of perspectives and practices around play-based approaches in lower primary.
2019 June O Sullivan University College Cork M.Ed. To play or not to play-the role of the teacher in classroom play?
2020 Rory D'Arcy University College Cork M.Ed. Making School Design Child’s Play