A qualitative examination of barriers to disseminating and accessing research in Irish schools

A significant body of basic and applied research has been conducted to inform Irish school processes to foster positive student outcomes. Numerous professional organisations and national initiatives support the implementation and translation of research in schools. Despite these efforts, barriers may exist to disseminating, accessing, and using research evidence. We conducted semi-structured interviews in Autumn 2023 with seven education researchers based in higher education and ten teachers based in both primary and secondary schools. The purpose was to identify the barriers education researchers face when disseminating their research and the barriers teachers face when trying to access and implement research. We employed thematic analysis and found that time, funding, lack of dissemination outlets, and a disconnect between schools and higher education all served as barriers to the dissemination of research. Findings also suggested that time, lack of awareness, school culture, the inaccessibility of research, and the disconnect between schools and higher education were barriers to the access and implementation of research in Irish schools. Implications for research and practice are discussed.