Extensive DCU IoE research presented at Reimagining Curriculum event

Dr Patrick Burke and Dr Paula Lehane of the DCU Institute of Education presented their findings at an education stakeholder event in Dublin today, 4 October. The event, entitled Reimagining Curriculum, involved key partners involved in the redevelopment of the curriculum at primary level.

As part of this, the NCCA commissioned Dr Burke and Dr Lehane to review literature on the interrelatedness of Integration, Pedagogy and Assessment. The research is published in two reports with the first report conceptualising curriculum integration and the second report weaving the literature on Integration, Pedagogy and Assessment.

These reports will inform the content and structure of the Primary School Curriculum used in schools nationally.  Today’s event will be followed later this month by a further presentation of findings in an online webinar for practitioners. That presentation will take place on Wednesday 25 October at 4pm, and registration is available here.

Welcoming the publication of the reports, Dr Derek Grant, Director of Curriculum and Assessment with NCCA said: 

“The NCCA welcomes these two groundbreaking research reports by Dr Burke and Dr Lehane that delve into the fascinating connections between Integration, Pedagogy and Assessment, all in the name of enhancing the primary curriculum. The reports provide progressive contemporary thinking for curriculum and classrooms. Both reports will have a significant impact not only for the work of NCCA in redeveloping the curriculum, but also on the broader education system, enriching our collective understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by integration, pedagogy and assessment.”

Dr Burke said:

“We reviewed hundreds of studies when putting together these research reports. If it wasn’t clear already, it was obvious from the research afterward that there are lots of different perspectives on how best to configure the curriculum and support children’s learning. 

“We are fortunate to have deeply committed teachers in Ireland. The research makes clear that extensive professional learning, time and resourcing should support them when engaging with a new curriculum. Very careful thought will need to go into curriculum design and piloting.”

The reports focus on the topic of integration, and whether primary school teachers should still organise the school day around subjects. The research suggests that there are benefits to bringing different subjects together to look at a topic, for example looking at climate change through a historical and geographical lens or learning literacy skills in tandem with a scientific investigation. However, the research also finds that based on what we currently know, it would be going too far to suggest that we should move away entirely from subjects at primary level. There is a real need for stronger and more robust research on curriculum integration so we can be sure of when we should and should not use it. 

Dr Lehane said:

“Curriculum integration isn’t a ‘new’ idea to teachers. We’ve had it included in every version of the curriculum since 1971. However, as we go forward now we need to adopt an evidence informed approach to its use to ensure that teachers design learning experiences with maximum benefits to learners.

"The research also demonstrates that we need skilled, knowledgeable teachers more than ever, and that teachers must be able to decide when to use more exploratory approaches such as inquiry and when more explicit and direct teaching is needed. Adequate support and professional learning opportunities are crucial if a newly redeveloped curriculum is to be a success."

The two reports are available to read on the NCCA website by following this link.