As part of an international collaborative design-based research initiative, this study examines the applications and perceptions of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) among pre-service primary teachers within an Irish educational program. It focuses on how personal and academic uses of Gen AI influence their perceptions of using Gen AI…

Enquiry-based learning (EBL) in primary schools is a constructivist approach which has a strong focus on children asking questions, working together, selecting and interpreting sources, on collecting information, and on interpreting and analysing what is found. This paper reports the results of questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews…

In order to teach a language effectively, teachers need to be both proficient users of the target language, and have an explicit understanding of its linguistic structures. This study reports on the linguistic knowledge of Irish of a group of student primary teachers (SPTs) (N = 75) preparing to teach in primary schools in the Republic of Ireland.…

Movement integration (MI) has recently been highlighted as a means to contribute to children's physical activity (PA) and academic development. This study evaluates teacher and student perceptions of participating in the Moving to Learn Ireland MI programme and reports associated student PA levels. Three classroom teachers in one multi-grade…

In many countries, statistics has become a core constituent of the primary mathematics curriculum. Consequently, statistics education has become a larger component of mathematics education programmes in Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Due to the established links between teacher attitudes and ensuing classroom practices, it is important to gain…

"Musical Futures" is an approach to music education grounded in the principles of informal learning. Research has shown that "Musical Futures" has profoundly impacted teaching and learning in music, pupil engagement and educational strategies for music (Green, Lucy. 2002. "How Popular Musicians Learn: A Way Ahead for Music…

The focus of this study is to investigate if a physical activity initiaitive (The Daily Mile) centred on running could be adapted to enhance primary school children's enjoyment of and engagement with physical activity. An intervention took place over a 4-week period consisting of two components: The Daily Mile and an adapted component, The Extra…

This article overviews the contemporary context for teaching Religious Education (RE) in Ireland and profiles changing religious demographics in an increasingly secular context. It presents the findings of a two-year mixed-methods study undertaken in two third-level Catholic colleges in Ireland, investigating four hundred third-level Initial…

Supporting pre-service primary teachers to develop the required specialist knowledge for teaching mathematics is a complex task. The knowledge required for mathematics teaching at primary level is multi-faceted and the efficacy of mathematics teaching is inextricably intertwined with a teacher's own beliefs and attitudes about mathematics and…

A significant increase in the paraprofessional workforce has occurred internationally, aimed at facilitating inclusive education. Within Ireland, this is evidenced in the SNA scheme for pupils with significant care needs. This paper focuses on the constructs of SNA support and pupil independence, as based on large-scale research across 20 Irish…

Fostering inclusion of students with Special Education Needs (SEN) within mainstream classroom supports positive education outcomes for all. Teachers' attitudes towards inclusion can also impact; those teachers who perceive themselves as well-trained are more likely to hold positive attitudes towards inclusion. Classroom practices which focus on…

While there is abundant research reporting the impact of Lesson Study as a professional development framework for qualified teachers, its potential within initial teacher education remains relatively unexplored. We present a particular model of formal Lesson Study which has been experienced annually for a decade by Irish pre-service primary…

Writing is a complex and effortful activity and recent surveys indicate that fewer children are enjoying writing or engaging in writing outside of school. Yet compositional writing is a part of the primary curriculum and is an essential part of education. This small-scale international study aimed to garner the views of primary school teachers and…

Mathematics education research has given increasing attention to the role of affective factors in the learning process. While 'affect' is used to refer to a variety of aspects including feelings, emotions, beliefs, attitudes and conceptions, this paper focuses on 'beliefs' of elementary pre-service teachers. In particular, the study evaluates the…

In Ireland there is progressive legislation on children's participation in the education system. The Education Act 1998 advocates that school boards should involve students in the school and establish student councils in second-level schools. Since the publication of this legislation progress on realising students' participation in schools has…