Drama Professional Development Research Project

On the 11th of June the Drama staff at St Patrick's College, in collaboration with their co-researchers from three local primary schools, marked the completion of the first phase of their action research project which focuses on professional development in the area of Drama-in-Education.  The project seeks particularly to explore the capacity and effect of school-based teaching and learning collaborations between college staff and teachers, and how they might impact upon and be supported by college based activity.

The central activity of the first phase of the project involved an eight week school based action research project, within which each member of the college drama staff worked intensively with a classroom teacher to develop and improve his/her skills and understanding of the subject.  It also included two focus group sessions which involved all six members of the project in planning, reflection and collaboration.  It is expected that such focused practice and reflection will encourage a deeper understanding of the particular learning process involved in learning to teach drama, and will impact on course design and methodology at undergraduate, post graduate and masters levels.

The participants were: Louise Ganly (St. Joseph’s Girls National School, Finglas), Colm Hefferon (St.Patrick’s College), Helen McCabe (St. Patrick’s Boys National School, Drumcondra), Sinead McCawley (St. Vincent’s Boys National School, Dublin1), Una McCabe (St. Patrick’s College), Paula Murphy (St. Patrick’s College).

The celebration was also attended by Regina Murphy, the director of In-Service Education, who acknowledged the commitment of the participating teachers by awarding them with a certificate of participation.

 

Last Updated: Tuesday June 16 2009