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Research Themes

Research in the School of Education is organised within two broad themes.

Pedagogy, Learning and Curriculum

Research in this group aims to improve the learning and teaching environment in educational contexts. The research comprises a variety of methodologies, among which are randomized control trials; ethnographic, art-based (including ‘poetic inquiry’), children’s rights-based, multidisciplinary, projective and constructivist methodologies; and large-scale attitudinal surveys.  Innovations in methodology, as well as developing innovative practice, are key drivers of group research activity.

Some research projects centre on ways that perceptions of children and young people in educational settings can be harnessed to improve policy and practice – specifically in relation to the learning and teaching of science and qualifications policy reform. Curriculum research addresses areas of the revised Northern Ireland curriculum, including citizenship and media awareness. Several projects address educational technology and its impact in a variety of contexts. Language learning provides another research area of the group, including work on fluency in spoken discourse and ways of articulating a multidisciplinary approach to multilingualism.

Human Rights, Equality and Social Cohesion in Education

The group brings together high quality and internationally leading research within the School of Education, focusing on the potential role of education in upholding children’s rights, promoting social justice and reducing societal divisions.  Our research is based on interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives, employs innovative methodologies, has an applied and policy-oriented focus and is built on close collaborations with academic partners, policy makers and practitioners.

Current projects relating to equality and social cohesion include research on peace education; the impact of intergroup contact on attitudes and community relations; and the improvement of provision and inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs.  Some research focuses on the ethics and ethical practice of assessment and on understanding differential educational achievement in areas of multiple deprivation.  Human rights issues in education are considered in a number of projects, particularly in relation to their application in educational policies and practices, children’s rights to participation and decision-making within schools and educational research.