Research Profile

Jacinta C McKeon

Biography

After obtaining a degree in languages at University College Dublin  and a Higher Diploma in Education from Trinity College Dublin, Jacinta taught German and English  in secondary schools in Dublin and Carlow for sixteen years.  She has experience teaching in German secondary schools as an exchange teacher and as an English language assistant. She worked as a programme designer and a teacher trainer for the Department of Education and Science in relation to the introduction of the common syllabus for modern languages for senior cycle. She has worked designing language learning materials for Nelson publishers and Authentik, a former campus company of Trinity College Dublin. She has contributed to second language curriculum development as a member of the Senior Cycle German Course committee of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. She completed an M. Phil. in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin, focusing her research on the role of the textbook in foreign language teaching. Prior to her appointment to the Education Department in 2000, she worked for two years as a Project Leader in the Modern Languages Initiative in Primary Schools, providing in-service training to primary and secondary teachers on behalf of the Department of Education and Science. From January to June, 2005, during a period of sabbatical leave she was a visiting scholar at the Modern Language Centre, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Canada.
Her work in the School of Education involves teaching modules on the initial teacher eduction programme and M.Ed programme on second language education, second language teaching and learning, theories of learning and developing reflective practice among student teachers.  She supervises theses on second language teaching and learning at post-primary and primary level including  Irish immersion education and aspects of teaching more generally at post-primary and primary level.  Her own research relates to the teaching of French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish and in particular classroom interaction with a focus on use of the L2 and L1. 
She contributes to the teaching in The Teaching and Learning Centre, University College Cork and in particular on modules for post-graduate students to support them in their teaching within the university. 

Research Interests

My thinking, practices and research into second language learning and teaching have been greatly informed by 16 years experience as a teacher of German at post-primary level, ten years experience developing language learning resources for Nelson publishers and Authentik Language Learning Resources (a former campus company of Trinity College Dublin), 14 years experience providing inservice programmes at a National level to second language teachers at primary, secondary and tertiary level and 14  years experience teaching and researching second language education at University College Cork. My research strategy is closely linked to my teaching and work as a teacher educator in second language education. My understandings of second language acquisition and learning have been informed hugely by an information-processing perspective and in more recent times by a socio-cultural perspective.

The impact of my research and my research-informed teaching: developments to date.
1994-1998

 At a National level designing and providing inservice programmes to second level teachers to support their developing a more communicative pedagogy with the introduction of a new modern language senior cycle syllabus. Through widespread use of three books I wrote for the Irish market to accompany a German second level textbook "Lernpunkt Deutsch", my work has had a considerable impact on the classroom practices of teachers of German. It is one of the most progressive German second level textbooks available and one in which the teaching approach is in keeping with research-informed principles of second language learning.
1998-2000

 Provided inservice at a National level on communicative language teaching to primary and secondary teachers in the context of a new programme of modern language teaching in Irish primary schools. The primary focus was to update teachers´ thinking and consequently their practices in their teaching of a modern language at primary level.
2000 to present

 As co-ordinator of second language education in the School of Edcuation  I have embedded a research-informed approach to foreign/second language teaching in the initial teacher education programme  and at Master´s level. I have introduced new modules on second language learning and teaching to the M.Ed. programme. The focus is on developing the practice of language teaching in Irish schools through a better understandings of current research. A strength of my general approach is the dual emphasis on research and the possible implications for teaching. Approximately 25  M.Ed. students have completed dissertations under my supervision on issues relating to the teaching of French, German, Irish, Spanish and English as a second language in Irish primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The impact of the quality of my research-informed teaching is evident from feedback I have received from principals of second level schools and Department of Education and Science inspectors about the improvement in classroom practice among those who have taken my courses and invitations to contribute (both by the DES and the NCCA)  to the formulation of a National Languages Policy.  A particular strength of this improvement in second language pedagogy lies in the use of the target language as the language of the classroom. Further evidence of the impact of my work relates to invited contributions to the Department of Education and Science work on developing a National Plan for Language Education (2004-2008) and my appointment as external examiner to the Masters in Chartered Teacher programme at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland.

 I have had considerable impact on developing a focus on second language teaching at UCC through organising presentations and workshops (See my list of organised talks). In 2007/08 I presented three sessions on second language teaching at tertiary level to colleagues in U.C.C. This work has been done in conjunction with the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Ionad Baire, U.C.C. The main focus of the work was on a key principle of communicative language teaching, i.e. teaching through the target language and use of the mother tongue. One of the aims of the sessions was to support colleagues in carrying out research into their own teaching of a second language and the teaching of content areas such as Law, intercultural communication, Business German through the target language. This work contributes to a well developed focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning within the institution.

 In 2007/08 I began a PhD study on use of the target language and the mother tongue in foreign/second language teaching in Irish second level schools. This will be the first research study into this aspect of second language pedagogy within the Irish context at this level. In the last few months I have developed a post-graduate course in the teaching of Irish, the design of which has been greatly informed by my deep and extensive understandings of research into second language acquisition. The orientation in my research is very much one of improving the practices of second language teaching and learning within an Irish context.

Top Three Research Outputs

1.Publication of a chapter entitled "The role of reflection in pre-service student teachers´ understanding of communicative language teaching" in A-B Brenner and D. Newby, "Coherence of principles, cohesion of competences :exploring theories and designing materials for teacher education. (2007, Council of Europe).

This chapter related to a study on second language teaching linking theory, practice and reflection. It suggested that opportunities for scaffolded reflection assist student teachers in linking aspects of theory and practice. It contributes to an understanding of how student teachers develop their understandings of communicative language teaching during their initial teacher education programme. The publication will be widely distributed through the European Centre for Modern Languages, Graz, Austria. I was invited to present the findings of this study to a meeting of National representatives in second language teacher education from the member states of the Council of Europe. This was an excellent opportunity to disseminate the findings of the study on a European wide basis.

2. NCCA funded research study "Reporting to Parents in Primary School: Communication, Meaning and Learning. Kathy Hall, Paul, F. Conway, Anne Rath, Rosaleen Murphy, Jacinta McKeon. 2008.
This study on primary school reporting practices explored the views and attitudes of principals, teachers and pupils into the reporting practices in their schools. The insights gained from this research study will help to develop and improve reporting practices to better serve the increasingly diverse, both culturally and linguistically, pupil and parent population. Primary school teachers have been calling for more support in the assessment of teaching and learning and aspects of the study could inform CPD provision in relation to assessment and reporting of assessment. In collaboration with the report team I plan to publish a paper based on the data on the CPD implications for teachers of a multicultural and multilinguistic pupil and parent population.

3. The main focus of my research in the next few years will be my PhD study into the use of the target language and the L1 in foreign/second language teaching in Irish secondary schools. I include my PhD proposal as indicative of the research I will be doing over the next three years. Teaching through the TL is a key principle of second language pedagogy but has not received the attention of researchers that is warranted given its significance in the teaching and learning of a foreign/second language. A report on modern language teaching at second level, Inspection of modern languages: observations and issues points to the need for improvement in the use of the TL as the medium of instruction in Irish second level classrooms. This study will provide empirical evidence to better inform pedagogical guidelines for teachers on the use of the target language and the mother tongue in foreign/second language teaching. In time I would hope this study would impact on the quality of foreign/second language teaching in Irish schools.


Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2010)In At The Deep End: Postgraduate Students' Experiences Of Teaching and Learning At Higher Education.
Cronin, J; Higgs, B; McCarthy, M; McKeon, J; (2010) In At The Deep End: Postgraduate Students' Experiences Of Teaching and Learning At Higher Education. Cork: The National Academy For The Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. [Details]
(1999)Lernpunkt Deutsch 3, Workbook for Ireland.
McKeon, J., Morris, P., and Wesson, A.; (1999) Lernpunkt Deutsch 3, Workbook for Ireland. Ireland: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd. [Details]
(1997)Lernpunkt Deutsch 2, Workbook for Ireland.
McKeon, J., Morris, P. and Wesson, A.; (1997) Lernpunkt Deutsch 2, Workbook for Ireland. : Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd. [Details]
(1996)Lernpunkt Deutsch 1, Workbook for Ireland.
McKeon, J., Morris, P., and Wesson, A. ; (1996) Lernpunkt Deutsch 1, Workbook for Ireland. Ireland: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd. [Details]
(1995)Leaving Certificate German: Guidelines For Teachers.
McKeon, J., Morris, P., and Wesson, A. ; (1995) Leaving Certificate German: Guidelines For Teachers. Ireland: National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department of Education and Science. [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2006)'Coherence of Principles, cohesion of competences: exploring theories and designing materials for teacher education'
J.McKeon; (2006) 'Coherence of Principles, cohesion of competences: exploring theories and designing materials for teacher education' In: Tracking student teachers developing understandings of communicative language teachers over the course of their pre-service training : theory, practice and reflection links. London: Council of Europe. [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2011)In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university
Cronin, James G.R. with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy and Jacinta McKeon (2011) Engaging Minds: Proceedings of the National Academy of the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning's 5th Annual Conference In-at-the-deep-end: graduate teaching assistants as role models in the university [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2010)Reporting To Parents In Primary School: Communication, Meaning and Learning.
Hall, Kathy; Conway, Paul; Rath, Anne; Murphy, Rosaleen; McKeon, Jacinta; (2010) Reporting To Parents In Primary School: Communication, Meaning and Learning. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Dublin.   [Details]
(2010)Learning To Teach Study (LETS): Developing Curricular And Cross-curricular Competences In Becoming A 'Good' Secondary Teacher.
Conway, Paul; Murphy, Rosaleen; Delargy, Michael; Hall, Kathy; Kitching, Karl, Long, Fiachra; McKeon, Jacinta; Murphy, Brian; O'Brien, Stephen; O'Sullivan, Dan; (2010) Learning To Teach Study (LETS): Developing Curricular And Cross-curricular Competences In Becoming A 'Good' Secondary Teacher. Department of Education and Skills, Dublin. [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2007Award for Research on Innovative Forms of Teaching and Learning. Staff Enhancement and Development Committee, UCC

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Member of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment German Senior Cycle Course Committee Representative of the German Teachers' Association01-JAN-92 / 12-DEC-99

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2014)Annual Conference of the Association for Teacher Education in Europe. Teacher Education and Professional Identities,
Jacinta McKeon (2014) Paper Title: Educating second language teachers for the 21st century teaching challenges : identitiy-affirming teaching and learning and use of the L2 and L1. [Oral Presentation], Annual Conference of the Association for Teacher Education in Europe. Teacher Education and Professional Identities, University of Minho, Braga, Portuga , 25-AUG-14 - 27-AUG-14. [Details]
(2014)66th World Assembly and International Conference of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education: Children's Cultural Worlds,
Jacinta McKeon (2014) Paper Title: Use of the L2 and L1 in Irish primary English-medium and Irish-medium schools. [Oral Presentation], 66th World Assembly and International Conference of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education: Children's Cultural Worlds, University College Cork , 02-JUL-14 - 05-JUL-14. [Details]
(2014)International Conference on Performative Teaching and Learning, University College Cork,
Jacinta McKeon (2014) Paper: Performative teaching and learning and second language learning : exploring the interrelationships with a view to developing more powerful practices. [Oral Presentation], International Conference on Performative Teaching and Learning, University College Cork, University College Cork , 29-MAY-14 - 01-JUN-14. [Details]
(2012)Introduction of Chinese Teaching Materials, Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,,
Jacinta McKeon (2012) Member of a visiting group of Irish Educators involved in the teaching of Chinese in Irish primary and post-primary schools to the Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,East Normal University, Shanghai, China. [Visiting Critic], Introduction of Chinese Teaching Materials, Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,, Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,East China Normal UniversiInstitute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,ty, Shanghai, China , 25-NOV-12 - 01-JAN-14. [Details]
(2012)Observation of a second language class in a post-primary school in Shanghai, China,
Jacinta McKeon and members of a visiting group of educators involved in the teaching of Chinese in Irish primary and post-primary schools (2012) Observed a class of English as a second language in a post-primary school in Shanghai, China. [Visiting Critic], Observation of a second language class in a post-primary school in Shanghai, China, Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education,East China Normal University, Shanghai, China , 25-NOV-12 - 01-DEC-12. [Details]
(2012)Conference title: Research on Teaching and Learning: Integratity Practices. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
James Cronin with Jacinta McKeon, Marian McCarthy and Bettie Higgs (2012) Mentoring the ethical steward: How may a SOTL approach help faculty to foster habits of ethical stewardship in the formation of junior members? ISSOTL McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. [Oral Presentation], Conference title: Research on Teaching and Learning: Integratity Practices. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada , 24-OCT-12 - 27-OCT-12. [Details]
(2012)Teaching Disciplinary Content of International Relations through a Second language: English as an L2 within the context of a bi-lingual society of Barcelona, Spain,
Jacinta McKeon (2012) A programme of continuous professional development in the teaching of disciplinary content through an L2. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Teaching Disciplinary Content of International Relations through a Second language: English as an L2 within the context of a bi-lingual society of Barcelona, Spain, Facultat de Communicacio Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llul, Barcelona, Spain , 16-JUL-12 - 17-JUL-12. [Details]
(2012)Threshold Concepts Conference and the 6th NAIRTL Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin,
Jacinta McKeon (2012) Threshold concepts in the Professional Development of Second Language Teaching: Teaching Grammar Communicatively. [Oral Presentation], Threshold Concepts Conference and the 6th NAIRTL Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland , 28-JUN-12 - 29-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012)Education Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference. Educational Research in a Time of Transformation: Insights,Influences and Impacts. University College Cork, Cork,
Jacinta McKeon (2012) A two year Postgraduate Diploma in Education: an Opportunity for Transformational Change or more of the same in Initial Teacher Education. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference. Educational Research in a Time of Transformation: Insights,Influences and Impacts. University College Cork, Cork, University College Cork and River Lee Hotel, Cork, Ireland , 29-MAR-12 - 31-MAR-12. [Details]
(2011)Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA,
Cronin, J. with Jacinta McKeon, Bettie Higgs and Marian McCarthy (2011) In-at-the-deep-end:graduate teaching assistants providing role models for Faculty. [Oral Presentation], Transforming the Academy through the Theory and Practice of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA, Milwaukee, U.S.A , 20-OCT-11 - 22-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)Engaging Minds. Annual Conference of National Academy for the Integration of Reseach and Teaching and Learning. NUI Galway,
Cronin, J with Bettie Higgs, Marian McCarthy, Jacinta McKeon (2011) In-at-the-Deep-End: Postgraduate Students as Role Models in the University. [Oral Presentation], Engaging Minds. Annual Conference of National Academy for the Integration of Reseach and Teaching and Learning. NUI Galway, NUI Galway, Galway , 10-JUN-11 - 10-JUN-11. [Details]
(2011)Reporting to Parents in Primary School: Perspectives of children, parents and Principals,
Jacinta McKeon, Prof. Kathy Hall, Dr. Paul Conway, Dr. Anne Rath and Dr. Rosaleen Murphy.; (2011) Presentation of Research Project to the ISS 21 Children and Youth Cluster, U.C.C. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Reporting to Parents in Primary School: Perspectives of children, parents and Principals, University College Cork , 30-MAR-11 - 30-MAR-11. [Details]
(2011)RE-imagining Initial Teacher Education, St Patrick, College, Dublin,
Jacinta McKeon (2011) Developing Curricular Knowledge in a Second/Foreign Language. [Oral Presentation], RE-imagining Initial Teacher Education, St Patrick, College, Dublin, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin , 30-JUN-11 - 02-JUL-11. [Details]
(2011)Tangent Series: How To Play,
McKeon, J; Pitt, Dr. I.; Nolan, D.; (2011) Three presentations from academics and artists on the role of play in education followed by a panel discussion. Focus of this seminar was linked to an exhibition entitled, School Days; the Look of Learning. [Invited Oral Presentation], Tangent Series: How To Play, Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork , 17-FEB-11 - 17-FEB-11. [Details]
(2011)Creative Educations, University College Cork, Cork,
Jacinta McKeon (2011) Developing Curricular Knowledge in a Second/Foreign Language. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Creative Educations, University College Cork, Cork, University College Cork , 14-SEP-11 - 14-SEP-11. [Details]
(2010)The Irish Reading Association Occasional Lecture. Cork Education Support Centre, Cork,
Jacinta McKeon.; (2010) Insights from Second Language Acquisition Research, Theory and Best Practice: Teaching Pupils with English as a Second Language in Irish Primary and Secondary Schools. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], The Irish Reading Association Occasional Lecture. Cork Education Support Centre, Cork, Cork Education Support Centre, Cork , 29-APR-10 - 29-APR-10. [Details]
(2009)ScoTENS Language Educators Symposium, Queen's University, Belfast,
Jacinta McKeon; (2009) Language Education in the Republic of Ireland: An Integrated View. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ScoTENS Language Educators Symposium, Queen's University, Belfast, Queens' University Belfast, School of Education , 13-NOV-09 - 14-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning Annual Conference. Trinity College Dublin,
Jacinta McKeon, School of Education, U.C.C. and Dr. Benedicte Sage-Fuller, Faculty of Law, U.C.C.; (2009) Teaching French Law Through French: A Critical Element to Students' Experience of University with an Erasmus Year. [Poster Presentation], National Academy for the Integration of Research and Teaching and Learning Annual Conference. Trinity College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin , 11-NOV-09 - 12-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)First and Second Languages; Exploring the Relationship in Pedagogy-related Contexts. University of Oxford,
Jacinta McKeon; (2009) Use of stimulated recall sessions to develop student teachers' awareness and understanding of teaching a second/foreign language through the target language. [Oral Presentation], First and Second Languages; Exploring the Relationship in Pedagogy-related Contexts. University of Oxford, University of Oxford, Department of Education , 27-MAR-09 - 28-MAR-09. [Details]
(2008)American Educational Research Association Annual Conference. New York, USA,
McKeon, J., Conway, P. and Rath, A.; (2008) Knowledge-practice relationship trends and dilemmas in reviews of primary and post-primary initial teacher education. Co-presenter with Dr. Paul Conway and Dr. Anne Rath. [Oral Presentation], American Educational Research Association Annual Conference. New York, USA, New York , USA , 30-MAR-08 - 30-MAR-08. [Details]
(2007)Projects of the European Centre for Modern Language : Department of Education and Science, Dublin,
McKeon, J.; (2007) Meaningful Opportunities for Professional Development and Collaboration. [Oral Presentation], Projects of the European Centre for Modern Language : Department of Education and Science, Dublin, Department of Education and Science, Marlborough St. Dublin , 23-MAR-07 - 23-MAR-07. [Details]
(2006)Second Language Learning in Foreign and Immersion Language Classrooms,
McKeon, J.; (2006) Second Language Learning in Foreign and Immersion Language Classrooms. [Oral Presentation], Second Language Learning in Foreign and Immersion Language Classrooms, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, U.C.C , 08-APR-06 - 08-APR-06. [Details]
(2006)Joint Conference of the Irish and British Assocations of Applied Linguistics. University College Cork, Cork,
McKeon, J.; (2006) Student teachers¿ practices and beliefs in relation to the use of the target language and the L1 when teaching German communicatively. [Oral Presentation], Joint Conference of the Irish and British Assocations of Applied Linguistics. University College Cork, Cork, University College Cork, Cork , 01-SEP-06 - 01-SEP-06. [Details]
(2004)National Conference: Teaching a Second Language: Teaching Through the Target Language,
McKeon, J.; (2004) Learning to Teaching Through the Target Language. [Oral Presentation], National Conference: Teaching a Second Language: Teaching Through the Target Language, University College Cork , 20-MAR-04 - 20-MAR-04. [Details]
(2004)National Conference of French, German, Spanish and Italian Teachers¿ Associations - Teaching a Second Language: Teaching Through the Target Language,
McKeon, J.; (2004) Learning to Teach Through the Target Language. [Oral Presentation], National Conference of French, German, Spanish and Italian Teachers¿ Associations - Teaching a Second Language: Teaching Through the Target Language, St. Patrick¿s College, Drumcondra, Dublin , 04-DEC-04 - 04-DEC-04. [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
School of Education. Post-graduate Diploma in Education Course Committee. member2000 / 2014
School of Education. M. Ed. Course Committee. member2001 /
Board of Applied Linguistics, U.C.C. member2008 /
Support for Teaching and Learning Team Committee, U.C.C. member2010 /

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Education, UCC College Lecturer in Education01-SEP-00 / 31-DEC-10
Seconded to the Department of Education and Science Project Leader for Modern Languages Pilot Project in Primary Schools01-JUN-98 / 01-JUN-00
St. Leo's College Carlow Teacher of German and English01-JUN-90 / 01-JUN-98
Catholic University School, Dublin Teacher of German and English01-JUN-85 / 01-JUN-90

Education

 YearInstituionQualificationSubject
1994Trinity College Dublin M.Phil.Applied Linguistics
1985Trinity College Dublin H.Dip.Ed.''
1984University College Dublin BAGerman and English

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
School of Education, University of Strathclyde, Scotland.
External Examiner for the Masters Programme in Chartered Teacher Studies.

Other Activities

 Description

Visiting Academics

11.1.2008.: Prof. E. Macaro, Educational Studies Department, University of Oxford. Gave a presentation to UCC staff on: Grammar Teaching or Grammar Learning: Is the Focus on Process or on Product.

12.2.2003: Prof. E. Macaro, Educational Studies Department, University of Oxford. Gave a presentation to UCC staff on:  Quality Teacher-Student Interaction in the Second Language Classroom.


Research Talks

2008: Foreign/Second Language Teaching: Quality Interaction in the Foreign/Second Language Classroom, University College Cork, 28.11.2008.

2008: Foreign/Second Language Teaching: Use of the L2 and the L1, University College Cork, 8.10.2008.

2008: Presentation on a research study into reporting to parents in primary schools - co-presented with Prof. K. Hall, Dr. Anne Rath and Dr. Paul Conway. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment's Council Meeting, Killashee House, Naas, Co. Kildare, 13.3.2008.

2008: Research Seminar Presentation: Second Language Teacher and Teacher Educator: Key Research Studies. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland 28.1.2008.

2007: Research Seminar: Academic Writing Conventions, University College Cork, 29.1.2007.

2007: Two presentations given to a newly formed team of Teacher Trainers of the teaching of Irish at second level: "Guiding Principles of Communicative Language Teaching"- key research studies presented and "How we learn a second language: Second language acquisitions studies,  Athlone Education Centre, Co Westmeath. 29.7.2007

2006: Student teachers' beliefs and practices in relation to the target language and the L1,CREOLE Research Group, University of Bristol 17.5.2009

2005: Research Seminar: Second Language Teaching: student teachers' developing practice of the use of the L2. OISE, University of Toronto 27.4.2005

2005: Research Seminar: Academic Writing Conventions, University College Cork 18.11.2005

2004: Irish Representative of a Council of Europe (C0E) Body. Addressed meeting of representatives from all CoE members. Tracking the Developing Understanding of Communicative Language Teaching Among Pre-service Teachers: the emergence of a theory-practice-reflection link. European Centre for Modern Languages, Graz, Austria. 3.11.2004

2004: Planning for the Teaching of German at Primary Level, Goethe Institute, Dublin 18.9.2004

2003: Classroom Assessment Techniques: Uncovering Student Understanding - Reader Response Strategy. University College Cork - part of a series of presentations on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 9.12.2003.

2003: Mentoring: Developing Teachers' Understanding and Practice of Second Language Teaching. Kildare Education Centre, Kildare.14.5.2003

2003: Developing Listening Skills: Current Research Studies. Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Cork. 14.5.2003 


Expert Assignments

2009: External Examiner for the Masters programme of Chartered Teacher Studies, Department of Education, University of Strathclyde, Scotland, 2006 - 2009.

2008: Teaching Council of Ireland External German Assessor.

2005: Invited participant - Council of Europe Language Education Policy Profile - Expert Group Meeting, Department of Education and Science, Dublin.

2004: Invited participant - Council of Europe Language Education Policy Profile - Expert Group Meeting, Department of Education and Science, Dublin.

2004: Invited participant - consultative seminar on Languages in the post-primary curriculum, Aisling Hotel,
Dublin.

2003: Invited participant - consultative seminar on Languages in the post-primary curriculum, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin.



Visits Abroad

2006 Barcelona, Spain: Received a Comenius In-serivce Grant of 1,500 euros to attend a month's course in Spanish to assist me in my work as a teacher educator of teachers of Spanish.

January to June 2005, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, Canada: Visiting Scholar. Enhanced research skills, opportunity to spend six months in a world class research institute in the area of second language education, attended PhD level courses in second language research methodology and made contacts with experts in the area of second language learning and teaching. Invited two of the researchers at OISE to make presentations at a conference I organised in 2006 - See heading Conference Organisation

2003, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany: Preparation visit for a Comenius 2.1 European Project entitled "European Teacher Education for Active Methodologies 2004-2007.

July 29th - August 2nd 2002, Centre for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, University of Minnesota, USA: Focusing on the Learner Language: Basics of Second Language Acquisition for Teachers.

28 July- August 3rd 2001, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Univeristy of Harvard, Boston, USA: To attend the Project Zero Classroom 2001: Views on Understanding.


Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

I teach mainly in the area of second language pedagogy focusing on communicative language teaching, the teaching of French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish, second language acquisition, multilingualism and multiculturalism.   I teach also on developing a reflective practice approach to second level teaching.  My teaching also involves supervising student teachers on teaching practice and supporting this work through a weekly tutorial involves providing feedback on a wide range of issues relating to teaching and learning at secondary level. Microteaching is used within the tutorial setting to scaffold student teachers on developing more innovative forms of pedagogy.   I teach on two modules on teaching at university level for postgraduate students.

I teach on the following modules:

ED 6313 Second Language Education 1 (French, German, Irish and Spanish) PGDE
ED 6314 Second Language Education 2 (French, German, Irish and Spanish) PGDE
ED 6307 Teaching Practice (Supervising student teachers) PDE
ED 6305 Reflective Practice and Professional Practice (lecture on Reflective Practice   and  provide tutorials to support the Teaching Practice element of the PDE) 
ED 6021 Foreign/second language Teaching (M.Ed.)
ED 6020 Second Language Learning (M.Ed.)
ED 6048 Perspectives on Learning, Curriculum and Assessment (M.Ed.)
ED 6035 Minor Dissertation (M.Ed.)
PG6003  Teaching and Learning for Graduate Studies

PG6012 Scholarly Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

I have contributed to the following modules:

M.A. in Applied Linguistics
AL 6012 Applied Aspects of Linguistics

B.A.  (German)
GE 3108 Teaching German as a Foreign Language.

PDEA - Post-graduate Diploma in Educational Administration
ED 6503  Managing Curriculum Change.

B.Ed. in Sports Studies
ED 3314  Methods Practical in Specialist Subject.

Modules Taught

 Term (ID))TitleLinkSubject
2015Conceptual Foundations in School Placement Research Portfolio A ED4103Conceptual Foundations in School Placement Research Portfolio A
2015Second/Foreign Language Teaching: Innovative Practice for the 21st Century ED6021Second/Foreign Language Teaching: Innovative Practice for the 21st Century
2015Scholarly Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education PG6012Scholarly Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2015The Teaching of a Second Language 2 ED6346The Teaching of a Second Language 2
2015School Placement: Research and Professional Experiences Portfolio A ED6331School Placement: Research and Professional Experiences Portfolio A
2015School Placement: Research and Professional Experiences Portfolio B ED6332School Placement: Research and Professional Experiences Portfolio B
2015The Teaching of a Second Language 1B ED6314The Teaching of a Second Language 1B
2015The Teaching of a Second Language 1A ED6313The Teaching of a Second Language 1A
2015Reflective and Professional Practice ED6305Reflective and Professional Practice
2015Conceptual Foundations in School Placement Research Portfolio B ED4108Conceptual Foundations in School Placement Research Portfolio B
2015Second Language Education - French or Irish ED4329Second Language Education - French or Irish

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School of Education

Scoil an Oideachais

Leeholme, O'Donovan's Road, Cork, Ireland

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