Educational Research in a Time of Transformation: Perspectives From Post-Celtic Tiger Ireland

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

It is perhaps something of an understatement to acknowledge that Ireland is currently living through a period of social, economic and political upheaval. Arguably the education sector has faced more challenges than most in recent times. Situated in this changing and challenging context, this symposium offers insights on the current dynamics and dilemmas of educational transformations in Irish education.
External comment has called into question the value of much of what takes place at all levels of our education system, which in turn has seen a range of, at times radical changes
proposed to address perceived as well as actual flaws. In this context educational research would seem to have a key role to play. The entire education sector ¬ and education for the profession ¬ has witnessed a series of developments and proposals for change which have a potentially profound impact on policy and practice, from local to systemic level. These diverse developments offer a range of opportunities and challenges for practitioners, researchers and policy makers. They further highlight the need for a sound evidence based approach to educational change as well as critical enquiry into underpinning philosophy, influences and potential impact, transformative or otherwise. Drawing on a range of studies and perspectives, the three symposium papers address key issues: (i) classed identities and equity (ii) transforming the transition into higher education and (iii) the impact of crisis on the discourse of school reform.

Sub Unit

• Educational Studies Association of Ireland - ESAI

Chair

• Joe O'Hara, Dublin City University

Papers

• Class Clashes: A Critical Ethnography of School Choice, Social Class, and Identity Constructions in an Irish Post-Primary School - Kevin Cahill, University College Cork; Kathy Hall, University College Cork

• Transforming the Transition: Irish Students and the Transition to Higher Education - Delma V. Byrne, National University of Ireland - Maynooth; Rose Malone, National University of Ireland - Maynooth

• The Impact of Crisis on the Discourse of School Reform - Anne Looney, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

Discussant

• Paul F. Conway, University College Cork