Lecturer
Sociology
University College Cork
Ireland

T: +353 21 490 2900
E: bmcaoc@ucc.ie

College Lecturer
(Disability Liaison Officer Sociology)

Profile

Bridget McAdam-O'Connell began her teaching career as a teacher at second level. She was the first female teacher appointed to an all male staff in Presentation College Bray, Co Wicklow where she taught English, Art, Physical Education and Civics. Following a move to Cork she returned to study as a mature student and completed a BA (Honours) in Sociology and Psychology. While reading for this degree and for her MA she worked under the VEC in St. Patrick's Upton (1991-1995) with groups of adults with intellectual disability facilitating a programme designed to increase interaction and integration of these adults with the broader community.

Having gained a scholarship to read for an MA in Sociology in 1993, Bridget worked as a Sociology Tutor and was appointed Senior Tutor while completing her MA thesis. In 1995 she was appointed to the post of Senior Demonstrator with responsibility for tutor training and the coordination of the tutorial programme in the department of Sociology UCC. In 1996 she began lecturing and contributed to teaching in the Sociology department on the BA, BComm, BSocSc, BSW Degree Programmes and the Evening Arts Degree Programme from 1996 to 2005. She also contributed to the teaching of sociology in the Centre for Adult Continuing Education Outreach programme. Since taking up the position of College Lecturer she has been teaching Sociology of Education, Learning and Work and Theory, Method and Argument in Sociology on the BA Degree programme and Sociology of Health and Medicine on the BSc Nursing and Midwifery Degree Programme and BSc in Public Health and Health Promotion Degree Programme.  

Following her appointment in 1994, Bridget proposed a pedagogical / androgogical package of skill based assignments for 1st year sociology students and developed a tutor training and support programme to prepare postgraduate students for their role as sociology tutors. Over the years since she has continued to work to develop and refine these programmes. Her teaching and learning workshops and grading and assessment seminars with postgraduate Sociology students were recognised in the early years as a pioneering programme of best practice for tutor training in UCC and beyond. Over the past 10 years she has been a regular contributor and participant in the Support for Teaching and Learning Seminar series, an interdisciplinary forum for the development of the Scholarship of Teaching and learning in Higher Education.  Bridget participated in the the early years of the pilot programme to develope qualifications for teaching  in higher education and completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGCTLHE) in 2007 and the Post graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGDTLHE) in 2008, being among the second cohort of staff members to gain teaching qualifications in Higher Education in UCC. She continues to be involved in research in this area.

In 2002 and 2003 Bridget ran a series of pilot workshops for mature students for the Arts Faculty and the Centre for Adult Continuing Education on `Understanding Exams' and `Developing study skills' Following excellent feedback on these workshops a decision was made to offer this type of workshop to all students in the Arts Faculty in the run up to the summer exams. She continues to be involved in the provision of a series of skills workshops for students.

From 2000 to 2004 Bridget held the position of Extern Examiner in Sociology in The School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Medical Faculty, Trinity College Dublin. She has also held the position of Department of Sociology Disability Liaison Officer since 1998 and has worked closely with the Disability Support Service in the development of support strategies, which facilitate students with a range of disabilities in the pursuance of their studies.

Bridget is currently working on a number of research projects with a particular interest in active citizenship concerning issues of risk, responsibility and choice. She is engaged in research and has presented and published aspects of her work on the institutionalisation of democratic processes, regulation and governance, societal learning, levels of moral engagement and the illumination of a process of micro, meso and macro transformational learning and societal change. She is currently completing a research project which involved interacting and working with a group of international academics, artists, health professionals and business executives on the transformative capacity of inclusive workplace `quality' initiatives. She has been invited to International conferences to present a number of conference papers and seminar sessions on her research. She was an invited participant interacting with a group of adult learners, reading for a PhD in the Erasmus University Rotterdam from 2004 to 2006.
Her current teaching interests include:
The Sociology of Power and Politics
The Sociology of Education, Learning and Work
The Sociology of Health and Medicine
Theory, Method and Argument in Sociology

Research Interests

Research Interests and Practical Research Experience.
Ø Research Area 1: 'Changing Conversations and the Process of Transformation and Change: A Case Study of the European Quality Movement 1998-2004'. (Current 6-year project, Empirical Data collection completed, in process of analysis).
Ø Research Area 2: 'Risk, Responsibility and Choice': Reflexive Learning, Participative Democratic Engagement and the Process of Societal Transformation.' (PhD research, proposed completion date 2007)
Ø Research area 3: 'Frame Competition: Discourse on the Medicalisation of Childbirth'. (Completed MA Thesis, being prepared for publication)
Ø Proposed Future Research Projects: Bridget is also interested in pursuing research on the following research projects subject to linking with research partners.
1. 'Medicines out of Control: The treatment of childhood obesity and NIDDM'.
2. Teaching and Learning: Micro; Meso and Macro learning and transformation

Book Chapters

YearPublication
(2007)'The Medicalisation of Childbirth: An Historical Approach'
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2007) 'The Medicalisation of Childbirth: An Historical Approach' In: The Sociology of Health and Healthcare: An Introduction. Essex, UK: A Pearson Custom Publication: Pearson Education Limited. [Details]
(2007)'Maternity care and Reproductive Technology: Current Debates'
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2007) 'Maternity care and Reproductive Technology: Current Debates' In: The Sociology of Health and Healthcare: An Introduction. Essex, UK: A Pearson Custom Publication: Pearson Education Limited. [Details]
(2007)'Discourse and Competing Frames on the Medicalisation of Childbirth¿'
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2007) 'Discourse and Competing Frames on the Medicalisation of Childbirth¿' In: The Sociology of Health and Healthcare: An Introduction. Essex. UK: A Pearson Custom Publication: Pearson Education Limited. [Details]

Other Journals

YearPublication
(2008)'Teaching and Learning in Sociology'
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2008) 'Teaching and Learning in Sociology' One Day Seminar: Learning Outcomes and Competencies: Convened by The Dept of Education, UCC for a group of visiting Academics from Universities in Chile, . [Details]
(2007)'An Introduction'
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2007) 'An Introduction' The Sociology of Health and Healthcare, . [Details]
(2006)'Quality in Education: The role of Vision in the social construction of transformation and change'
McAdam O¿Connell, B. and Tammaru, T; (2006) 'Quality in Education: The role of Vision in the social construction of transformation and change' European Organisation for Quality (EOQ), 5 day Summer Camp; Workshops `Connecting Across Generations¿ Kolocep (Island of Knowledge): Croatia, . [Details]
(2004)'`Storytelling, Identity and Culture: Learning through Quality Initiatives, `Changing Conversations and Open Spaces¿'
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) '`Storytelling, Identity and Culture: Learning through Quality Initiatives, `Changing Conversations and Open Spaces¿' A Workshop on Creative Thinking and Conflict Resolution; European Organisation for Quality (EOQ). 4 Day Summer camp; Workshop, `Beyond the Borders¿; Beirut, Lebanon, . [Details]

Conference Publications

YearPublication
(2008)International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. National Academy for Integration of Research &Teaching & Learning (NAIRTL) Conference Proceedings
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2008) Changing Conversations in Teaching and Learning at UCC: Towards a Conceptual Framework of Teaching for Understanding and Innovation . In: Ryan, N eds. International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. National Academy for Integration of Research &Teaching & Learning (NAIRTL) Conference Proceedings [Details]
(2005)49th EOQ Congress; Kremlin Palace Conference Centre: Antalya; Turkey `Quality: The Way to Sustainability
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2005) Changing Conversations and the Process of Transformational Change: A Case Study 1998 ¿2004 49th EOQ Congress; Kremlin Palace Conference Centre: Antalya; Turkey `Quality: The Way to Sustainability [Details]
(2004)American Society for Quality (ASQ) 58th Annual Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre Toronto; Canada
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) Tracing the process of transformation and change in the European Quality Movement: A Case Study 1998 ¿ 2004 American Society for Quality (ASQ) 58th Annual Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre Toronto; Canada ASQ Milwaukee; Wisconsin, [Details]
(1998)Returning Birth to Women: Challenges Policies and Practices
McAdam O¿Connell, B; (1998) Risk, Responsibility and Choice: The Medical Model of Birth and Alternatives . In: Kennedy, O and J. Murphy-Lawless eds. Returning Birth to Women: Challenges Policies and Practices Dublin: Centre for Women¿s Studies, TCD and WERRC, University College Dublin, , pp.21-29 [Details]

Conference Contributions

YearPublication
(2010)Changing Conversations in Teaching and Learning at University College Cork Towards a Conceptual Framework of Teaching for Understanding and Innovation (TfU+I),
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2010) Case Study: SC1010 Teaching for Understanding: A Three Dimensional View. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Changing Conversations in Teaching and Learning at University College Cork Towards a Conceptual Framework of Teaching for Understanding and Innovation (TfU+I), IUQB / NAIRTL and UCC Conference: International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. University College Cork , 01-NOV-10 - 01-NOV-10
(2008)The Institutionalisation of Reflexive Practices in Teaching and Learning in University College Cork,
McAdam-O¿Connell, B. ; (2008) Some reflections and Potential Outcomes . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], The Institutionalisation of Reflexive Practices in Teaching and Learning in University College Cork, Sociological Association of Ireland: 35th Annual Conference: NUI Galway , 01-MAY-08 - 01-JAN-08
(2007)The Cognitive Institutionalisation of Reflexivity¿: A Case for `Reflexive Quality Initiatives¿ in the workplace,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2007) A Case for `Reflexive Quality Initiatives¿ in the workplace. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], The Cognitive Institutionalisation of Reflexivity¿: A Case for `Reflexive Quality Initiatives¿ in the workplace, 34th Annual Sociological Association of Ireland Conference. National University of Ireland (NUI) Limerick , 01-MAY-07 - 01-JAN-07
(2006)Changing Conversations in the Process of Transformational Change: European Quality Movement 1998 ¿ 2004,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2006) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Changing Conversations in the Process of Transformational Change: European Quality Movement 1998 ¿ 2004, 33rd Annual Conference Sociological Association of Ireland: Sligo IT: , 01-MAY-06 - 01-MAY-06
(2005)Colliding Models of Organisational Engagement: Micro, Meso and Macro Learning where History and Biography Intersect,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2005) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Colliding Models of Organisational Engagement: Micro, Meso and Macro Learning where History and Biography Intersect, 32nd Annual SAI Conference, Nenagh, Ireland , 01-APR-05 - 01-APR-05
(2005)Changing Conversations and the Process of Transformational Change: The European Quality Movement 1998-2004,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2005) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Changing Conversations and the Process of Transformational Change: The European Quality Movement 1998-2004, 49th European Organisation for Quality Annual Congress; Antalya, Turkey , 01-APR-05 - 01-APR-05
(2004)Storytelling, Identity and Culture Learning through Quality Initiatives and Changing Conversations A workshop on Creative Thinking in Conflict Resolution,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Storytelling, Identity and Culture Learning through Quality Initiatives and Changing Conversations A workshop on Creative Thinking in Conflict Resolution, European Organisation of Quality Summer Camp, `Beyond the Borders¿; Beirut, Lebanon , 01-SEP-04 - 01-SEP-04
(2004)Tracing the process of transformation and change in the European Quality Movement: A Case Study 1998 ¿ 2004,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Tracing the process of transformation and change in the European Quality Movement: A Case Study 1998 ¿ 2004, American Society for Quality (ASQ) 58th Annual Congress Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre. Canada: , 01-MAY-04 - 01-MAY-04
(2004)The Transformational capacity of the Learning Organisation: Micro, Meso and Macro learning in an inclusive Global Society,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], The Transformational capacity of the Learning Organisation: Micro, Meso and Macro learning in an inclusive Global Society, DCI and UCC Joint Conference on Globalisation and Inclusion Challenges for Professional Education in the third level sector , 01-MAY-04 - 01-MAY-04
(2004)A Theory of Discourse and Frame Competition: Framework for analysis of Micro, Meso and Macro Transformation and Change,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2004) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], A Theory of Discourse and Frame Competition: Framework for analysis of Micro, Meso and Macro Transformation and Change, Erasmus University Rotterdam Theory Seminar; Soeteerbeck Conference Centre. Netherlands , 01-JUL-04 - 01-JUL-04
(2003)Towards a European Vision for Quality: Information Technology as an Enabler in the Process of Transformation and change,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2003) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Towards a European Vision for Quality: Information Technology as an Enabler in the Process of Transformation and change, Tipperary Institute of Technology , 01-NOV-03 - 01-NOV-03
(2003)A Reflexive Practice of Facilitated Learning: A Case Study of Mentoring the Mentors,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2003) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], A Reflexive Practice of Facilitated Learning: A Case Study of Mentoring the Mentors, Conference on The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education; University CollegeCork , 01-MAY-03 - 01-MAY-03
(2003)Information Technology as an enabler in Organisational Excellence,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (2003) Co Convenor and Member of Conference Organising Committee. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Information Technology as an enabler in Organisational Excellence, Tipperary Institute of Technology , 01-NOV-03 - 01-JAN-03
(2002)¿The Transformational Capacity of Learning Organisations¿,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2002) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], ¿The Transformational Capacity of Learning Organisations¿, Sociological Association of Ireland, (SAI) 29th Annual Conference, , 01-APR-02 - 01-APR-02
(2002)From a Philosophy of teaching to the Practice of Facilitating Learning: A Teaching Portfolio on 'Exciting the Sociological Imagination,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2002) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], From a Philosophy of teaching to the Practice of Facilitating Learning: A Teaching Portfolio on 'Exciting the Sociological Imagination, Teaching and Learning Seminar , 01-JAN-02 - 01-JAN-02
(2002)Excellence Ireland Business Executives and Quality Managers Conference 2002,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (2002) Member of the organising committee and presenter of a seminar on Building Community through Interaction: Valuing Diversity in a Learning Organisation. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Excellence Ireland Business Executives and Quality Managers Conference 2002, Hodson Bay Hotel Conference, Athlone , 01-JAN-02 - 01-JAN-02
(2001)¿Quality Management Systems: The spirit of Democracy or Power Instrument Supreme¿,
McAdam O¿Connell, B. ; (2001) . [Peer Reviewed Abstract], ¿Quality Management Systems: The spirit of Democracy or Power Instrument Supreme¿, Sociological Association of Ireland 28th Annual Conference , 01-NOV-01 - 01-NOV-01
(2000)Conflict and the Process of Change: A Cognitive Approach Explained,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (2000) . [Oral Presentation], Conflict and the Process of Change: A Cognitive Approach Explained, Sociological Association of Ireland, (SAI); 27th Annual Conference , 01-APR-00 - 01-APR-00
(1997)Globalisation and Technologised Childbirth Practices: An Assault on Individual Identity and Cultural Difference,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1997) . [Oral Presentation], Globalisation and Technologised Childbirth Practices: An Assault on Individual Identity and Cultural Difference, European Sociological Association , 01-JAN-97 - 01-JAN-97
(1996)Challenging Frames and Paradigm Shift: Women¿s Voices on Birth,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1996) . [Oral Presentation], Challenging Frames and Paradigm Shift: Women¿s Voices on Birth, Sociological Association of Ireland, 23rd Annual Conference, Ireland , 01-JAN-96 - 01-JAN-96
(1996)Risk, Responsibility and Choice: The Medical Model of Birth and Alternatives,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1996) . [Oral Presentation], Risk, Responsibility and Choice: The Medical Model of Birth and Alternatives, Mother and Child 2000 Conference: University College Dublin , 01-OCT-96 - 01-OCT-96
(1996)Mother and Child 2000: Returning Birth to Women,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1996) Convenor and Organiser with Jo Murphy-Lawless, Patricia Kennedy and Marie O'Connor. Was also a speaker. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Mother and Child 2000: Returning Birth to Women, University College Dublin , 01-OCT-96 - 01-OCT-96
(1996)Empowering Women in the 1990's,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1996) Convenor and organiser of a one day Conference and workshop for Antenatal Educators and Mideives. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Empowering Women in the 1990's, Department of Sociology, UCC , 01-SEP-96 - 01-SEP-96
(1995)`Frame Competition: Discourse on the Medicalisation of Childbirth¿,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1995) . [Oral Presentation], `Frame Competition: Discourse on the Medicalisation of Childbirth¿, Sociological Association of Ireland, 22nd Annual Conference, Ireland , 01-JAN-95 - 01-JAN-95
(1987)Cognitive Structures, Individual Identity and Cultural Difference: The Social Construction of Risk, Responsibility and Choice in Childbirth Practices,
Bridget McAdam-O'Connell; (1987) . [Oral Presentation], Cognitive Structures, Individual Identity and Cultural Difference: The Social Construction of Risk, Responsibility and Choice in Childbirth Practices, Sociological Association of Ireland (SAI); 24th Annual Conference , 01-APR-87 - 01-APR-87

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
1994Awarded Scholarship for MA: Research. Department of Sociology: University College Cork
1997Awarded a small Grant Teaching Development Unit, UCC.
1998Grant awarded for further development Arts Faculty Academic Fund, UCC

Associations

 AssocationFunctionFrom / To
School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, Department of Health Sciences, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2 External Examiner in Sociology (4 years)01-JAN-00 / 01-JAN-04
University College Cork Member of Vice Presidents Working Group on the Accreditation of Prior Learning01-JAN-09 / 01-JAN-10

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork Special Demonstrator / Part-time Lecturer01-OCT-94 / 01-SEP-05
Employed by Cork Co. VEC at St. Patrick¿s, Upton, Co. Cork Teacher and Programme Coordinator (Part-Time)01-JAN-91 / 01-OCT-95
Department of Sociology, University College Cork. Sociology Tutor01-SEP-93 / 01-OCT-94
Sociology College Lecturer/

Education

 YearInstituionQualificationSubject
1993University College Cork BA - UCCSociology / Applied Psychology
1996University College Cork MASociology
2007University College Cork postgrad. certificatePost Graduate Certicate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGCTLHE)
2008University College Cork POST GRAD DIPPost Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher |Education (PGDTLHE)

Teaching Interests

Current Teaching 

Ø SC1010 Sociology of Health and Illness: An Introduction
Ø SC4001 Contemporary Debates in Healthcare: Holistic Health Discourse Power and Knowledge in 21st Century.
Ø SC1011 Sociology of Public Health and Health Promotion
SC2002 Theory, Method and Argument / Research Project 1
SC2017 Sociology of Education, Learning and Work
Ø Support Lecturer in Skills Workshops EH1005 'Strategic Study skills : from 2nd level to Third Level learning' and 'Understanding Exams for Peak Performance'.

Previous Postgraduate / Tutor Workshops
'The Tutoring Role: Facilitating Student Learning'
'Understanding Adult Learning Strategies: encouraging self-directed and
problem based learning'.
'Assessing student learning: Pedagogy and Androgogy in Practice'
Ø Tutor support programme: Criteria for assessment and grading of course assignments.

Professional Associations and Working Groups:
Ø Bridget has been a member of the Sociological Association of Ireland, (SAI) since 1994 and a member of the executive committee since 2000. She held the office of Secretary from 2000 to 2004.
Ø Since 2003 she has been a member of the International Sociological Association
Ø Since 2003 Bridget has been a member of the Soeterbeeck Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Research Group: Erasmus University Rotterdam; The Netherlands. She participated and presented papers on her current research at several seminar meetings.
Ø Furthering the interdisciplinary nature of her research and her interest in promoting a sociological perspective beyond academia Bridget has been invited to join several professional groupings with an interest in increasing their knowledge of sociological methodology and theory to illuminate the processes of transformation and change. To this effect she was an Executive Committee member of the National Council of Excellence Ireland, (National Quality Organisation of Ireland) 2001 to 2004.
Ø She is a UCC Representative of Cork Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to present.
Ø She is a member of the European Organisation for Quality (EOQ) Leadership in Healthcare Working group since 2000; this is an international group of health professionals and academics working towards developing new models of healthcare across Europe and beyond.
Ø She is also a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Education Community of Practice Network (ECoP) questioning and evaluating the impact of new models of management in Higher Education