Deirdre O'Neill

Deirdre is a lecturer of professional practice on the Post Masters of Education programme in the School of Education. Herresearch interests focus on transition in teacher education, physics teacher education and education outside the classroom. She was involved in leading the monitoring and evaluation of the EU-funded OTTER project and implementation of the pilot studies in Ireland. She has also facilitated professional learning workshops for Department of Education and Skills, Reginal Education Centers and schools (principals and teachers).

Deirdres research interests currently investigate ways of embedding innovative pedagogical approaches to integrate education for sustainable development. Adopting Education Outside the Classroom practices to learn about the current global issues and engage students (of all ages) to become responsible consumers and citizens is the focus of her research today.Deirdres research is also centered on the teacher voice (pre-service and in-service) and their role in empowering students to be the change agents of today. Her research gives voice to novice and experienced teachers by tailoring supports to their educational needs in the ever-changing landscape of education for sustainable development. Deirdres past involvement in research also considers unconscious bias, gender stereotyping, fostering professional learning communities and research practice partnerships.

Deirdre has a keen interest in observing and gaining a deep understanding the issues of learners (both as a second-level teacher and as a university lecturer).Reflective practice is a key component of Deirdresteaching approach as she draws on several models for reflection to facilitate student growth and self-awareness. Her teaching exhibits a scaffolded approach to reflection that is embedded in every lecture enhancing students descriptive writing skills, critical thinking andfocusing on key learnings to improve their teaching.