Dr Majella Dempsey
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Biography
Majella is strand leader for Curriculum Studies on the Doctorate of Education with Specialisms programme. She lectures on Curriculum Studies, Research Methods, Teaching, Learning and Assessment at undergraduate and post-graduate level. She is Link Convenor for the curriculum network of the EERA (European Educational Research Association), and a member of the International Network for Curriculum Studies of the University of Stirling, Scotland. She leads the ESAI Curriculum Studies Special Interest Group in Ireland. Majella chairs the NCCA Development Group working on developing the new specification for biology and is the IUA representative on the NCCA Board for Senior Cycle.
Majella is co-pi on an Erasmus plus project looking at teacher education in Ireland and Poland. She was co-PI on an Erasmus+ project Learning to Disagree working on teaching, learning and assessing social and civic competences. She was the country lead for the FP7 EU funded project FaSMEd in Ireland looking at the role of technology in promoting formative assessment practices in science and mathematics. Majella has carried out a number of research projects on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on education in Ireland. At the heart of all her research interests is the role of pedagogy in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum.
Majella hosted the 4th EuroACS conference and EERA/EuroACS Curriculum Summer School in Maynooth University in 2019.
Majella completed her doctoral work in Trinity College Dublin on the role of key skills in senior cycle education. Prior to joining Maynooth University, Majella worked as an Education Officer in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), where her main area of responsibility was working on the senior cycle curriculum developments. She was a member of the Junior Science Support Service (JSSS) working with science teachers on the introduction of the revised curriculum, and, prior to that worked as a science and mathematics teacher.
Research Interests
All of my research activities come under the area of Curriculum Studies
Planning for Learning History that is not yet History
- Working with EuroClio on this project about teaching about the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the 1990s wars in the Balkins.
- Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools research
- Critical Evaluation and Design of Mathematics Tasks with Pre-Service Teachers. (Fellowship funding)
- What is the impact of participation in a module on the competences needed for ‘scientific teaching’ on PSTs attitudes to, and confidence in carrying out experiments at second level?
- Project looking at how we assess knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in civic education with my colleague Dr Anthony Malone. Erasmus+ Project Learning to Disagree
- The role of key skills in promoting and developing innovative and creative teaching and learning environments.
- Research on the role of teaching and assessment methods in addressing low achievement in the field of Mathematics, Science and Technology FaSMEd. (FP7 funded research).
- Building Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT) in initial teacher education. (3U/ NSTEP funded research).
- Researching issues regarding the teaching and learning of science/mathematics across transitions (Senior Primary/Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle/Third-level) in Ireland. (3U funded research)
- Exploring the impact of a key skills approach to teaching and learning in secondary education (Doctoral research)
Research Projects
Book
Year | Publication | |
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2022 | Burke, J., and Dempsey, M. (2022) Undertaking Capstone and Final Year Projects in Psychology Practical Guide for Students. UK: Routledge. [Link] | |
2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) Undertaking Capstone Projects in Education: A Practical Guide for Students. London: Routledge. |
Book Chapter
Year | Publication | |
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2023 | Majella Dempsey (2023) 'Curriculum and teacher education: the pre-service teacher as curriculum maker' In: International Encylopedia of Education 4th Edition. UK : Elsevier. [Link] https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818630-5.03025-6 | |
2023 | Majella Dempsey (2023) 'Curriculum' In: [Link] [DOI] | |
2023 | Jeffers, G., Lillis, C., & Dempsey, M. (2023) 'Deputy Principals – A Hidden Asset in Schools?' In: Ireland's Education Yearbook. Ireland : Education Matters. [Link] | |
2022 | Jolanta Burke; Majella Dempsey (2022) 'The Impact of COVID-19 on Educational Leader Wellbeing' In: [Link] [DOI] | |
2022 | Dempsey, M., & Burke, J. (2022) 'Pedagogy for wellbeing: A new model for organic development of wellbeing in schools' In: Applied Positive School Psychology. UK : Routledge. [Link] | |
2021 | Dempsey, M.; Doyle, A.; Looney, A. (2021) 'The Craft of Curriculum Making in Lower Secondary Education in Ireland' In: Curriculum Making in Europe: Policy and Practice within and across Diverse Contexts. [Link] [DOI] | |
2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) 'The Impact of COVID-19 on Educational Leader Wellbeing' In: Handbook of Research on Cyberchondria, Health Literacy, and the Role of Media in Society’s Perception of Medical Information. UK : IGI. [Link] [DOI] | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) 'Curriculum as an Encounter The evolving role of curriculum specifications in Ireland' In: Education Matters - Ireland's Education Yearbook 2021. Dublin : Education Matters. [Link] | |
2021 | Dempsey, M., Doyle, A., & Looney, A. (2021) 'Chapter 8. The Craft of Curriculum Making in Lower Secondary Education in Ireland' In: Curriculum Making in Europe: Policy and Practice Within and Across Diverse Contexts. West Yorkshire : Emerald Publishing Limited. [Link] | |
2021 | Dempsey, M., & Tierney, H. (2021) 'Ethical Challenges in Educational Research during the Pandemic Implications for interviewing in the online environment' In: Education Matters - Ireland's Education Yearbook 2020. Dublin : Education Matters. [Link] | |
2016 | Dempsey, M. (2016) 'Gearing up for skills development – a challenge of Junior Cycle Reform' In: Education Matters. Dublin : Education Matters. | |
2012 | Dempsey M (2012) 'Developing a Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge using sensor technology with BSc Science Education students' In: Teaching and Learning Fellowships project report 2012: NUIM. Maynooth : NUIM. | |
2010 | Looney, A., Dempsey, M. and O’Shea, M. (2010) 'School-based curriculum development: The Irish context' In: Edmond Law and Nienke Nieveen(Eds.). Schools as Curriculum Agencies: Asian and European Perspectives. | |
2008 | Dempsey, M. and O’Shea, M. (2008) 'Key Skills in Senior Cycle: An approach to embedding key skills in the curriculum at upper secondary in Ireland' In: CIDREE yearbook 2008 – A toolkit for the European citizen. |
Peer Reviewed Journal
Year | Publication | |
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2021 | Dempsey, M., & Burke, J. (2021) 'Flourishing during COVID-19: Exploration of the factors that impacted the wellbeing of school leaders during the pandemic in Ireland'. Journal of Happiness and Health, 1 (1):28-39. [Link] [Full-Text] | |
2020 | Garry, A., Reilly, A., Dempsey, M., & O'Shea, A. (2020) 'Auditing summative assessments: the need to increase creative reasoning in mathematics and science at lower secondary in Ireland'. The School Science Review, 102 (379):47-54. [Link] [Full-Text] | |
2019 | Dempsey M.; O’Shea A. (2019) 'The role of task classification and design in curriculum making for preservice teachers of mathematics'. Curriculum Journal, 31 (3):436-453. [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text] | |
2019 | Burke O'Connell, N; Dempsey, M; O'Shea, A (2019) 'An Investigation of Students' Attitudes to Science, Mathematics and the Use of Technology in Lower Secondary Education'. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology (IJEMST), 7 :319-334. [Full-Text] |
Other Journal
Conference Publication
Year | Publication | |
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2019 | Dempsey M., O'Shea, A. (2019) Proceedings of the Seventh Conference on Research in Mathematics Education in Ireland . In: Harbison, l., & Twohill, A eds. BEING ABLE TO DO MATHS BUT YET FEELING KIND OF FREE: USING THE FLAGWAY GAME TO LEARN MATHEMATICS [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text] | |
2017 | Dempsey, M; O' Shea, A (2017) PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENTH CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (CERME10) Critical evaluation and design of mathematics tasks: Pre-service teachers | |
2016 | Dempsey, M., O'Shea, A, & Burke, N. (2016) Science and Mathematics Education Conference (SMEC) Role of technology in promoting formative assessment practices in science and mathematics classes [Link] [Full-Text] | |
2014 | Nolan, B., Dempsey, M.,Lovatt, J., & O’Shea, A. (2014) British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT) for pre-service teachers: a study of students’ developing thinking in relation to the teaching of mathematics [Link] [Full-Text] |
Published Report
Year | Publication | |
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2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) One month before Covid-19 and one year after: An assessment of wellbeing of post-primary school leaders in Ireland. Maynooth, . [Link] | |
2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) Wellbeing in Post-Covid Schools: Primary School Leaders’ Reimagining of the Future. Maynooth, . [Link] | |
2021 | Dempsey, M. & Burke, J. (2021) Lessons Learned: The experiences of teachers in Ireland during the 2020 pandemic. Maynooth University, . [Link] | |
2020 | Burke, J & Dempsey, M (2020) Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools in Ireland. Maynooth University, . | |
2020 | Dempsey, M., Malone, A. (2020) Learning to Disagree: Assessing Social and Civic Competences. Euroclio, . | |
2020 | Dempsey, M., and Burke, J. (2020) Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools in Ireland Report: A Two-month Follow-up. MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library, . [Link] http://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/13001/ | |
2017 | Dempsey, M & and O'Shea, A. (2017) Evaluation Report on the Algebra Project in Ireland. Maynooth University, . [Link] | |
2015 | Dempsey, M., Lovatt, J., Nolan., B., O'Shea, A., (2015) Building Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT) for Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers in 3U NSTEP National Initiative in STEM Education and Practice Strand 1 Project Reports. 3U Partnership, . [Link] | |
2014 | Byrne, D., Burke, N.,Dempsey, M., O'Shea, A., & Rickard, A. (2014) FaSMEd Position Paper Low-Attaining Learners in Science and Mathematics. FaSMEd, . [Link] |
Conference Contribution
Year | Publication | |
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2024 | Dempsey, M., Doyle, A., Gleeson, J., & Pike S. (2024) ESAI Annual Conference 2024 Curriculum Reform in Ireland ESAI Symposium Maynooth University, . | |
2024 | Dempsey, M., Jeffers, G., & Lillis, C. (2024) ESAI Annual Conference 2024 Deputy Principals, a hidden asset in schools? Maynooth University, . | |
2023 | Dempsey, M., & Mac an Bhaird, C. (2023) ESAI Annual Conference 2023 Time to think and problem solve: Tutoring in a Maths Support Centre Stranmillis University, Belfast, . | |
2023 | Dempsey, M., & Byrne, D. (2023) ECER annual conference 2023 Student Agency: the Impact of distance education on learning at third level during COVID-19 Pandemic Glasgow, Scotland ECER 2023, . | |
2023 | Doganca Kucuk, Z.; Young, K.; Dempsey, M.; Delahunty, T. (2023) ECER 2023- Conference by European Educational Research Association The Impact of a Digital-Literacy Based Placement Programme on Student Teachers’ Teaching Experience and Practices Glasgow, UK, 22/08/2023-25/08/2023. | |
2023 | Young, K.; Doganca Kucuk, Z.; Dempsey, M.; Delahunty, T. (2023) Educational Studies Association in Ireland (ESAI) Conference 2023 Exploring the Impact of the Digital Leaders' Placement Programme on Pre-service Teachers' Practice and Identity Belfast, North Ireland, . | |
2021 | Dempsey, M. (2021) MathsFest 2021 - Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association Wellbeing in the Mathematics Classroom On-line, 20/11/2021-. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) Doing the cryptic crossword without clues: Ireland’s largest educational experiment in history Pandemic Imaginaries: Making Sense of COVID-19 On-line, 21/10/2021-. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) Country Workshop - Directorate for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission Impact of COVID-19 on key competence development – positive and negative On-line, 06/10/2021-. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) JCT Team Conference Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Post-Covid Schools On-line, 24/05/2021-. | |
2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) Wellbeing in Post-Covid Schools: Primary School Leaders’ Reimagining of the Future IPPN Anual Conference On-line, 07/05/2021-. | |
2021 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2021) Annual IPPN Conference Wellbeing in post-Covid schools Dublin (Online), . | |
2021 | Dempsey, M., & Tierney, H. (2021) Ethical Challenges in Educational Research during the Pandemic Implications for interviewing in the online environment Education Matters Virtual Summit 2021 On-line, 06/05/2021-. | |
2021 | Dempsey, M., & Burke, J. (2021) Long term Implications of COVID-19 for the Teaching Profession TUI Education Sub-Committee On-line, 23/04/2021-. | |
2021 | Dempsey, M and Malone, A. (2021) Social and Civic Competences: Learning to Disagree Five Nations Conference 'Active Citizenship for a hopeful future' On-line, 27/02/2021-28/02/2021. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) Panel Discussion on Curriculum Design in the Senior Cycle Sciences Irish Science Teachers' Association: The Big Ideas in Science and Hope for the Future On-line, 27/03/2021-. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey (2021) The big ideas in science education Irish Science Teachers' Association: The Big Ideas in Science and Hope for the Future On-line, 27/03/2021-. | |
2021 | Majella Dempsey and Jolanta Burke (2021) The shifting sands: Teaching during and after COVID19 pandemic school closure ESAI Conference On-line, 25/03/2021-26/03/2021. | |
2020 | Malone, A. and Dempsey, M. (2020) Euroclio International Conference Assessing Key Competences in Learning to Disagree Belgrade, Serbia (Online), 21/11/2020-. | |
2020 | Dempsey, M., and Burke, J. (2020) Rapid response to Covid-19-related school closures: Diverging from traditional teaching & learning approaches Kaleidoscope 2020 Inclusive Ways of Knowing: Diverging from Tradition University of Cambridge, 28/05/2020-29/05/2020. | |
2019 | Dempsey, M. & Malone, A. (2019) Assessing Competences for Democratic Culture: Opportunities and Challenges EuroACS International Conference Maynooth University, . | |
2019 | Majella Dempsey (2019) Learning to Disagree: Addressing Sensitive and Controversial Issues in the Classroom National Forum Seminar: Religions and Beliefs in Changing Times (RBCT): Responses to Religious Belief Diversity in Educational Settings in the Republic of Ireland Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, . | |
2019 | Dempsey, M (2019) Educational Studies Association of Ireland ESAI Straddling the divide between transmission and constructivist beliefs: Changing pedagogical practices in upper secondary education in Ireland Ireland, . | |
2019 | Malone, A. & Dempsey, M. (2019) Using (Critical) Discourse Analysis to Research Curriculum and Policy EERA International Doctoral Summer School Maynooth University, . | |
2019 | Dempsey, M. & O'Neill, N. (2019) Hands-On, Minds-On: The Role of Factual and Procedural Knowledge in Teaching Practical Work in Upper Secondary Education in Ireland European Educational Research Conference ECER Germany, 03/09/2019-07/09/2019. | |
2019 | Majella Dempsey (2019) 4th European Conference on Curriculum Studies EuroACS Conference chair and host Maynooth University, 07/06/2019-08/06/2019. | |
2018 | Dempsey, M. (2018) Design Based Research in STEM Education Invited lecture and discussion with researchers in education at Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic BRNO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, . | |
2018 | Dempsey, M. (2018) Theoretical Frameworks - A discussion Invited seminar and discussion with faculty at Charles University Charles University, Prague, . | |
2018 | Majella Dempsey (2018) MORSE - Methods of Research in Science Education Invited speaker: Design Based Research Methods in Science Education TU Dublin, 02/11/2018-02/11/2018. | |
2018 | Dempsey, M & and O'Shea, A. (2018) The Evaluation and Design of Tasks by Science and Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers SMEC 2018 Science and Mathematics Education DCU, . | |
2018 | M. Dempsey and A. Malone (2018) Assessing Competences for Democratic Culture Learning to Disagree Scientific meeting Maynooth University, 17/01/2019-20/01/2019. | |
2018 | M. Dempsey (2018) Curriculum development in Ireland Presentation to Curriculum Council in Prague Charles University, Prague, 15/10/2018-19/10/2018. | |
2018 | Dempsey, M., and Doyle, A. (2018) The Liminal State: Curriculum Reform in Lower Secondary Education in Ireland European Conference Educational Research Bolzano, Italy, . | |
2017 | Dempsey, M., and Murray, B. (2017) Developing collaborative learning and teaching skills 3rd EuroACS curriculum conference in Stirling University, Scotland Stirling University, Scotland, . | |
2017 | Dempsey, M & O'Shea, A. (2017) Critical Evaluation and Design of Mathematics Tasks: Pre-Service Teachers CERME10 Dublin, 01/02/2017-05/02/2017. [Full-Text] | |
2017 | Dempsey, M (2017) Pedagogy and learning: The co-construction of the culture for learning by students and teachers EUROPEAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION Copenhagen, . | |
2017 | Majella Dempsey (2017) FaSMEd - Country report Teaching and Teacher Education in STEM Education Seminar EPI-STEM, the National Centre for STEM Education Research, 26/05/2017-26/05/2017. | |
2016 | Majella Dempsey (2016) Sustainable Networks for Inclusive Education Invited participant to conference of EU policy networks Brussels, 11/04/2016-13/04/2016. | |
2014 | Dempsey, M (2014) Key competency development through transition pedagogy RCSI Bridging the Gap: Researching and Enacting Transition Pedagogy for STEM and Medical students ECSI, . | |
2014 | Dempsey, M (2014) Developing Key Skills in Science Teaching and Learning PDST/ AMGEN Teaching Science through Inquiry Maynooth University, . | |
2014 | Majella Dempsey (2014) Improving the Integration of key Competences in School Education KeyCoNet Final Conference European Schoolnet: Brussels, . | |
2014 | Dempsey, M., Burke, N., & O'Shea, A. (2014) ESRI Educational Research and Practice in Time of Transition: Looking to the Future Improving Progress through Formative Assessment in Science and Mathematics Education Ireland, 09/04/2015-11/04/2015. | |
2013 | Dempsey, M. (2013) Initial Teacher Education in Maynooth University - EMINENT -Experts Meeting in Education Networking 2013 Roundtable on initial teacher training: Challenges and best practices Helsinki, Finland, . | |
2012 | Dempsey M (2012) Keynote address: Post Primary School Curriculum; Teaching and Learning Methods of the Future RIAI/DES COLLOQUIUM ON POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS DESIGN MAKES A DIFFERENCE -Long Term Value in the Design Dublin, . | |
2012 | Dempsey, M., and Rickard, A. (2012) Workshop – Critical reflection in science teaching and learning: a creative approach to the introduc SCoTENS the Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South: Tenth Annual Conference Cavan, . | |
2008 | (2008) Key Skills and their relevance in sustainable development education UBUNTU Network . | |
2008 | (2008) Key Skills ASTI Education Conference . | |
2008 | Dempsey M (2008) Making their voices heard: students perception of senior cycle teaching and learning Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference Ireland, . | |
2008 | (2008) Flexible Learning Profiles IVEA Conference . | |
2008 | Dempsey M (2008) Unlocking learning through key skills Quest 2008 – Focused Leadership that Deepens Learning Canada, . | |
2007 | Dempsey M (2007) To embed or bury-the challenge of making an impact on teaching and learning through key skills European Educational Research Association (EERA) Conference ECER, . | |
2007 | (2007) The Senior Cycle Developments IVEA Conference . | |
2002 | Dempsey M (2002) The Student Voice in Transition Year European Educational Research Association (EERA) Conference Ireland, . |
Key Note Address
Year | Publication | |
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2023 | M Dempsey (2023) International Conference Curriculum 2023 Kurikulum 2023 - Pupil Choice in the Flexible and Differentiated Curriculum: The Irish Experience. [Key Note Address] [Link] | |
2023 | M Dempsey (2023) Curriculum change and the teaching profession Keynote address at the ASTI Education Conference 2023. [Key Note Address] |
Educational Article
Year | Publication | |
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2020 | Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2020) COVID-19 Practice in Primary Schools. Cork: [Educational Article] | |
2020 | Burke, J & Dempsey, M (2020) Wellbeing and Leadership. Cork: [Educational Article] [Link] |
Magazine Article
Newspaper Articles
Year | Publication | |
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2017 | Dempsey, M and Mediaplanet (2017) We need to talk about women in STEM. [Newspaper Articles] [Link] | |
2015 | Dempsey, M., & Jeffers, J. (2015) 'Teachers against learning' sounds very like a new form of professional self-harm. [Newspaper Articles] [Link] | |
2014 | Dempsey, M. (2014) Students need to know physics and chemistry are important. [Newspaper Articles] [Link] | |
2014 | Dempsey, M., & Jeffers, J. (2014) Teachers should grasp this unique opportunity to engage with young learners. [Newspaper Articles] [Link] |
Thesis
Year | Publication | |
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2016 | Dempsey, M. (2016) Exploring the impact of a key skills approach to teaching and learning in secondary education. Dublin: [Thesis] [Link] |
Webinar
Year | Publication | |
---|---|---|
2021 | Dempsey, M., Malone, A., & Nolan, D. (2021) Use of Rubrics and Features of Quality in Assessment. Netherlands: [Webinar] | |
2020 | Dempsey, M. & Malone, A. (2020) Assessment in the on-line environment- An international perspective. [Webinar] [Link] | |
2020 | Varga, J., Vodli, Z., Dempsey, M. (2020) Heros and Villains - Learning to Disagree. Netherlands: [Webinar] [Link] | |
2020 | Dempsey, M., Malone, A. (2020) Assessing Key Competences in Learning to Disagree. Netherlands: [Webinar] [Link] |
Professional Associations
Honors and Awards
Employment
Other Activities
Consultancy
Outreach Activities
Organisation | Type | Description | |
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National Council for Curriculum & Assessment - Chair of Biology SDG | Civic Society | Chair of the Biology Development Group working with a team to develop STEM education in Ireland. [Link] | |
Irish Science Teachers Association | Civic Society | ||
Kildare Education Centre | Civic Society |