The National Forum funded a number of focused research projects which informed the Teaching for Transitions Enhancement Theme 2013-15. Project teams were selected from higher education institutions across the sector following a competitive process facilitated by an international panel. Successful proposals were then developed further and scoped in partnership with the National Forum. The following are the seven focused research projects funded under the Teaching for Transitions Enhancement Theme:
National Forum Commissioned Research Projects
Teaching for Transitions: A Review of Teaching for Transitions Related Teaching and Learning Activity and Research
Why Students Leave: Findings from Qualitative Research into Student Non-Completion in Higher Education in Ireland
Mapping Existing Research Output focused on Higher Education Teaching and Learning in Ireland 1990-2015
National Forum Partnered Research Projects
The National Forum carried out research projects in partnership with representatives of bodies from across the sector, building upon the findings of Forum-Commissioned research projects:
National Forum Postgraduate Scholarships for Teaching and Learning
The National Forum partnered with the Irish Research Council to award a number of postgraduate scholarships in 2014 and 2015. The National Forum scholars were selected through the Irish Research Council process for the award of postgraduate scholarships.
National Forum Led Research Projects
The National Forum team conduct research as the need arises. These projects often serve to inform Forum enhancement themes or arise from priorities set out by the sector. Completed and upcoming research projects are listed below:
Ireland’s National Professional Development Framework Summary Findings of the Initial Implementation
Understanding and Supporting the Role of Learning Technologists in Irish Higher Education
Mapping Professional Development Pathways for Those Who Teach in Irish Higher Education: Where are we now and where do we want to go?
National Survey on the Use of Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 2014
Principles and First Insights from the Sectoral Consultation on Building Digital Capacity in Irish Higher Education
Upcoming Projects:
Survey of Student Digital Experiences
As part of the National Forum strategic priority Teaching and Learning in a Digital World, the National Forum will co-ordinate a national survey of the digital engagement, experiences and expectations of students in Irish higher education in autumn 2019.
Investigating the Teaching Practices of Impactful Teachers
This project aims to explore how award-winning teachers approach their teaching practice and to understand how they explain their practice and in particular the impact of their teaching. Participants were chosen from among recipients of the National Forum Teaching Hero Awards. The report from this research is due to be published in spring 2020.
