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Maura Coulter

Dr

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F314
T:Ext. 9283

E:Maura.Coulter@dcu.ie

Associate Dean For Research
T:+353 1 7009283
M:+353 (0) 87 6290632

E:maura.coulter@dcu.ie
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Dr Maura Coulter is the Associate Dean for Research at DCU Institute of Education and Associate Professor in primary physical education in the School of Arts Education and Movement. Dr Coulter is the staff representative on the DCU Executive Committee (2023-2025).

She completed her PhD in physical education professional development at Dublin City University in 2012.  She is a graduate of Ulster University where she completed her undergraduate degree, BA (Hons) Sport and Leisure Studies, and postgraduate degrees, PGCE - Physical Education, and MSc - Sport Science and Health.  Before the formation of the DCU Institute of Education, she was a member of the Education Department at St Patrick’s College (2000-2016).  Prior to relocating to Dublin Maura was a secondary school teacher at St Patrick's Girls Academy, Dungannon where she taught GCSE and A-Level physical education and GCSE religious education for seven years.

Dr Coulter’s teaching interests include primary physical education, physically active play outdoors and outdoor and adventure education. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students in the BEd, PMEP, and MEd programmes. 

Her scholarly interests include teacher professional development, leadership and identity, outdoor play, outdoor education, meaningful physical education (MPE), and social justice pedagogies. She is currently engaged in research projects relating to collaboration in higher education with a particular focus on international communities of practice, leadership and teacher-educator identity, social justice pedagogies, and pedagogies of vulnerability. Dr Coulter is a member of the steering group of the REACH (Research and Engagement Across Community Health) Collaboratory, a joint partnership between the Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Healthcare Organisation for Dublin North City and County (DNCC CHO 9) and Dublin City University (Faculty of Science and Health and the Institute of Education). Established in January 2022, the aim of this unique partnership is to provide research support for the implementation of national policy (Sláintecare) within the CHO DNCC catchment.

She is co-editor of the Irish Education Studies journal (2013-2027) and has received two all-Island SCOTENS Awards (2017/2023) for outstanding research in Teacher education and has received the President of DCU Gold medal for Engagement (2021).


Peer Reviewed Journal

Year Publication
2023 Baker, K.; Scanlon, D.; Tannehill, D.; Coulter, M. (2023) 'Teaching Social Justice Through TPSR: Where Do I Start?'. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 94 . [Link] [DOI]
2023 Scanlon, D., Coulter, M., Baker, K., Tannehill, D. (2023) 'Teacher Educators’ Explorations of Pedagogies that Promote Meaningful Experiences in Physical Education'. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, .
2023 Bowles, R., Sweeney, T., & Coulter, M. (2023) 'Using Collaborative self-study to support professional learning in initial teacher education: developing pedagogy through Meaningful Physical Education'. European Journal of Teacher Education, .
2023 Ní Chróinín, D.; Fletcher, T.; Beni, S.; Griffin, C.; Coulter, M. (2023) 'Children’s experiences of pedagogies that prioritise meaningfulness in primary physical education in Ireland'. Education 3-13, 51 . [Link] [DOI]
2023 Kristy Howells., Alethea Jerebine., Wouter Cools., Eva D’Hondt., Kristine De Martelaer., Eline Coppens., Helena Sienaert., Nathan Hall., Jinxia Dong., Anne Soini., Christina O’Keeffe., Maura Coulter., Sinéad McNally., Patricia McCaffrey., Patrizia Tortella., Aldo M. Costa., Andrea Hernández-Martinez., Ann-Christin Sollerhed., Mark Urtel., Debra Vinci., Christopher Wirth., Carla Vidoni., and Arja Sääkslahti. (2023) 'Physical play - How do we inspire and motivate young children to be physically active through play? An International Analysis of Twelve Countries’ National Early Years Curriculum Policies and Practices for Physical Activity and Physical Play'. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 12 (1):253-276. [Link]
2023 Coulter, Maura; Britton, Una; MacNamara, Aine; Manninen, Mika; McGrane, Bronagh; Belton, Sarahjane (2023) 'PE at Home: keeping the 'E' in PE while home-schooling during a pandemic'. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28 (2). [DOI]
2022 Murphy, J., Coulter, M., Sweeney, M. R., & McGrane, B. (2022) '“You Get to…” a Qualitative Study of Perceived Influence of Physical Activity and Sport on Mental Wellbeing among Adolescent Girls'. Advances in Physical Education, 12 (2):87-105. [DOI]
2022 North, C.; Patton, K.; Coulter, M. (2022) 'Negotiating tensions in identity: from physical education teacher educator to academic leader'. Sport, Education and Society, 27 . [Link] [DOI]
2021 North, C., Patton, K., & Coulter, M., (2021) 'Negotiating tensions in identity: From physical education teacher educator to academic leader'. Sport, Education and Society, DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2021.1907326  .
2021 Faulkner, J.; O'Brien, W.J.; McGrane, B.; Wadsworth, D.; Batten, J.; Askew, C.D.; Badenhorst, C.; Byrd, E.; Coulter, M.; Draper, N.; Elliot, C.; Fryer, S.; Hamlin, M.J.; Jakeman, J.; Mackintosh, K.A.; McNarry, M.A.; Mitchelmore, A.; Murphy, J.; Ryan-Stewart, H.; Saynor, Z.; Schaumberg, M.; Stone, K.; Stoner, L.; Stuart, B.; Lambrick, D. (2021) 'Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during initial COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis'. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24 . [Link] [DOI]
2021 Murphy, F.; Marron, S.; Coulter, M. (2021) 'Primary field experiences: Critical for primary generalist physical education teachers?'. European Physical Education Review, 27 . [Link] [DOI]
2021 Marron, S.; Coulter, M. (2021) 'Initial teacher educators’ integrating iPads into their physical education teaching'. Irish Educational Studies, . [Link] [DOI]
2020 Coulter M.; Scanlon D.; MacPhail A.; O’Brien W.; Belton S.; Woods C. (2020) 'The (mis)alignment between young people’s collective physical activity experience and physical education curriculum development in Ireland'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, . [DOI]
2020 Parker M.; Ní Chróinín D.; Coulter M.; McFlynn P.; Walsh C. (2020) '‘Finding the image’: using photos to give voice to teacher educator professional learning'. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, 11 (2):110-128. [DOI]
2020 Chróinín, D.N.; Coulter, M.; Parker, M. (2020) '“We took pictures”: Children’s meaning-making in physical education'. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 39 . [Link] [DOI]
2020 Coulter, M.; McGrane, B.; Woods, C. (2020) '‘PE should be an integral part of each school day’: parents’ and their children’s attitudes towards primary physical education'. Education 3-13, 48 . [Link] [DOI]
2020 Coulter, M.; Kealey, F.; Langan, S.L.; McGarvey, J.; Padden, S. (2020) 'Seeing is believing: Primary generalist pre-service teachers’ observations of physical education lessons in Ireland and Switzerland'. European Physical Education Review, 26 . [Link] [DOI]
2019 Marron, S., & Coulter, M. (2019) 'Initial Teacher Educators’ Integrating iPads into their Physical Education Teaching'. Irish Educational Studies, .
2013 Coulter, M.; Ní Chróinín, D. (2013) 'What is PE?'. Sport, Education and Society, 18 . [Link] [DOI]
2012 Coulter, M.; Woods, C.B. (2012) 'Primary teachers' experience of a physical education professional development programme'. Irish Educational Studies, 31 . [Link] [DOI]
2012 Ní Chróinín, D.; Coulter, M. (2012) 'The impact of initial teacher education on understandings of physical education: Asking the right question'. European Physical Education Review, 18 . [Link] [DOI]
2011 Coulter, M; Woods, CB (2011) 'An Exploration of Children's Perceptions and Enjoyment of School-Based Physical Activity and Physical Education'. Journal of physical activity & health, 8 :645-654.

Book Chapter

Year Publication
2023 Patton, K., Coulter, M., & North, C. (2023) 'Navigating the Thresholds and Crossing Boundaries Into Academic Leadership' In: Pausing at the Threshold. USA : Equity Press. [Link]
2023 Sweeney, T., Bowles, R., & Coulter, M. (2023) 'Looking Back to Move Forward: Identifying Value in Collaborative Self-Study' In: Pausing at the Threshold. USA : Equity Press. [Link]
2022 Coulter, M. & Ní Chróinín, D. (2022) 'The possibilities and challenges in primary Physical Education' In: An Introduction to Primary Physical Education (2nd ed). London : Routledge.
2020 North, C., Coulter, M., and Patton, K., (2020) 'Identity theft on the way to an administrative role' In: Textiles and Tapestries: Self-Study for Envisioning New Ways of Knowing. Herstmonceux, UK : S-STEP.
2021 Coulter, M.; Bowles, R.; Sweeney, T. (2021) 'Learning to teach generalist primary teachers how to prioritize meaningful experiences in physical education' In: Meaningful Physical Education: An Approach for Teaching and Learning. [Link] [DOI]
2020 Sweeney, T., Bowles, R., & Coulter, M. (2020) 'Shared learning, different contexts: Understanding teaching for meaning in pre-service physical education teacher education' In: Textiles and Tapestries: Self-Study for Envisioning New Ways of Knowing. Herstmonceux, UK : S-STEP.
2019 Coulter, M. (2019) 'Primary Physical Education Teacher Educators Professional Learning' In: Encyclopedia of Teacher Education. Singapore : Springer. [Link] https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1179-6_338-1
2019 Coulter, M. & Duff, C. (2019) 'Physical Activity Recommendations for Early Childhood - Irish Perspective' In: Physical Education in Early Childhood Education and Care: Research–Best Practice-Situation. Slovakia : Fédération Internationale D’Éducation Physique.
2018 Marron, S.; Coulter, M. (2018) 'Experiences of using iPads in physical education teacher education' In: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES. [Link] [DOI]
2018 Marron, S; Murphy, F; Coulter, M (2018) 'Specialising in Primary Physical Education: primary teachers 'fit' to enhance well-being of children' In: Ireland's Yearbook of Education. Kerry : Education Matters.
2016 Parker, M., Ní Chróinín, D., Coulter, M., Walsh, C., & McFlynn, P., (2016) 'Teacher educator professional learning shaping teacher educator practices' In: Enacting self-study as methodology for professional inquiry. New Zealand : Self-study of Teacher Educationn Practices Community. [Link]
2016 Marron, S. & Coulter, M. (2016) 'Start with one module, one group, one ipad and one app' In: Physical Education and New Technologies. Zagreb : Croatian Kinesiology Association.
2016 Coulter, M.; Woods, C.B. (2016) 'Modeling: An effective method for enhancing the teaching of physical education by primary school generalist teachers' In: Global Practices and Training in Applied Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology: A Case Study Approach. [Link] [DOI]
2015 Stiel, J., Parker, M.,and Coulter, M., (2015) 'Standards-based Physical Education Curriculum Development' In: Outdoor Education. New York : Jones & Barlett Publishers.

Other Journal

Year Publication
2017 Coulter, M., & Descourdes, M., (2017) 'Exploring Critical Incidents in CHildren's Learning through Physical Education in Ireland and Switzerland' 26 :31-33.
2009 Sweeney, T., & Coulter, M., (2009) 'Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class' 3 (1) .
2009 Breen, C., & Coulter M. (2009) 'Curriculum profiles: An assessment tool for physical education' Autumn .

Conference Publication

Year Publication
2020 Sweeney, T., Bowles, R., and Coulter, M., (2020) AERA Exploring Pedagogy and Practice: Meaningful Physical Education in Elementary Preservice Teacher Education
2009 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2009) PE PAYS Research Forum, Engaging Young People in Physical Activity and Youth Sport Children's perceptions and enjoyment of physical activity and physical education
2009 Sweeney, T., & Coulter M. (2009) PE PAYS Forum: Engaging Young People in Physical Activity and Youth Sport Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class
2008 Ní Bhrian C., Coulter, M., & Woods, C. (2008) Second PE PAYS Forum. Evidence-based Research in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport An examination of activity levels of Primary school pupils during a physical education specialist taught outdoor and adventure strand of the Irish physical education curriculum
2008 McGreevy, F., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2008) Poster presentation at the AIESEP World Congress, Sapporo, Japan. (First Prize Winner) An examination of free-play physical activity levels of boys and girls in Irish primary schools playgrounds
2008 Ní Bhrian, C., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2008) Poster presentation at the AIESEP World Congress, Sapporo, Japan An examination of activity levels of Primary school pupils during a physical education specialist taught outdoor and adventure strand of the Irish physical education curriculum
2008 McEvoy, E., & Coulter M. (2008) Oral presentation at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick Be Active ASAP
2008 Sweeney, T., & Coulter M. (2008) Oral presentation at the 3rd National APA (Adapted Physical Activity) Conference, Building the right structures, Killarney Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class
2008 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2008) Oral presentation at the AIESEP World Congress, Sapporo, Japan Primary physical education: An Irish case study
2007 Emerson, Y., O’ Donoghue, C., Ní Bhrian, C., McGreevy, F., McGinn, V., Tuite, O., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2007) Poster presentation at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick A study of selected components of health related physical fitness in Irish primary school children
2007 Ní Bhrian, C., McGreevy, F., McGinn, V., Tuite, O., Emerson, Y., O’ Donoghue, C., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2007) Poster presentation at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick An examination of activity levels of primary school pupils during a physical education specialist taught outdoor and adventure strand of the Irish physical education curriculum
2007 McGreevy, F., McGinn, V., Tuite, O., Ní Bhrian, C., Emerson, Y., O’ Donoghue, C., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2007) Poster presentation at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick An examination of free-play physical activity levels of boys and girls in Irish primary schools playgrounds
2007 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2007) Oral presentation at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick Primary Teachers’ practices and perspectives in Physical Education prior to an intervention to support them in their teaching of PE: A Case Study
2006 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2006) Poster presented at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick Sport, Spraoi agus Sealbhú (Be Active, Learn and Have Fun)
2006 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2006) Round table discussion at the PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick Be Active, Learn and Have Fun – Primary Physical Education: Research project
2008 Coulter, M. & Woods, C.B. (2008) Second PE PAYS Forum. Evidence-based Research in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport 'It's all about out of the classroom': Classroom teachers' on teaching physical education
2011 Marron, S., Murphy, F., & Coulter, M. (2011) AIESEP International Conference - Moving People – Moving Forward Out and about: supporting a rural primary school implementing a programme of outdoor and adventure activities University of Limerick,

Conference Contribution

Year Publication
2023 Patton, K., Coulter, M., & North, C. (2023) Castle Conference 14 Navigating the Thresholds and Crossing Boundaries Into Academic Leadership Herstmonceux, England, .
2023 Baker, K. Scanlon, D., Iannucci, C., Coulter, M., (2023) Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) conference A conceptualisation and reconsideration of a pedagogy of vulnerability for physical education teacher education Melbourne, Australia, .
2023 Baker, K., Coulter, M. (2023) Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) conference Enacting and further developing a socially just Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (SJ-TSPR) approach in physical education teacher education Melbourne, Australia, .
2023 Sweeney, T., Bowles, R., & Coulter, M. (2023) Castle Conference 14 Looking Back to Move Forward: Identifying Value in Collaborative Self-Study Herstmonceux, England, .
2023 Coulter, M. & Baker, K. (2023) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport Research Forum Developing and enacting a socially-just teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) approach in physical education teacher education Dublin, Ireland, .
2023 Ni Chróinín, D, Parker, M., Coulter, M., Rafferty, R., & Sweeney, T. (2023) PHE Canada Research Forum Facilitating the Voice of the Child in Primary Physical Education Charlottetown, Canada, .
2023 Sweeney, T., Bowles, R & Coulter, M. (2023) Meaningful PE Research Symposium Designing a PETE programme around the pedagogical principles of LAMPE Norwegian School of Sport Science, Oslo, .
2021 O'Keeffe, Christina; Coulter, Maura; McNally, Sinéad (2021) AIESEP Early Years Special Interest Group Physical activity and play in the early years curriculum and education settings – Ireland Banff, Canada, .
2020 Coulter, M., Sweeney, T., and Bowles, R., (2020) ESAI Opening Up Education, Options, Obstacles and Opportunities Exploring Pedagogy and Practice: Meaningful Physical Education in Elementary Preservice Teacher Education Dublin, Ireland, .
2020 Coulter, M., Bowles, R., Ní Chróinín, D., Fletcher, T., Gleddie, D., and Sweeney, T., (2020) AERA Meaningful Physical Education in Outdoor and Adventure Education: Perspectives from Preservice Primary Teacher Education San Francisco, .
2020 Coulter, M., Patton, K., and North, C., (2020) AERA Perfect Strangers to Critical Friends: Negotiating the Process of Collaborative Self-Study of Teacher Education Practices (S-STEP) San Francisco, .
2019 Dylan Scanlon, Maura Coulter, Ann MAcPhail (2019) AIESEP International Conference The (mis)alignment between student experience in physical education, physical activity and sport and physical education curriculum development in Ireland New York, .
2019 Doug Gleddie, Maura Coulter, Richard Bowles, Deirdre NiChroinin, Tim Fletcher (2019) AIESEP International Conference Learning about meaningful physical education: explorations of pedagogies for teacher educators New York, USA, .
2019 Richard Bowles, Tim Fletcher, Maura Coulter, Deirdre Ni Chroinin and Doug Gleddie (2019) AERA Annual Conference Using S-STEP to examine enactment of a pedagogical innovation in an international community of practice Toronto, Canada, .
2019 Doug Gleddie, Maura Coulter, Richard Bowles, Deirdre Ni Chroinin, Tim Fletcher (2019) Physical and Health Education Conference Teacher educators’ explorations of pedagogies that promote meaningful participation in PE Montreal, Canada, .
2019 Maura Coulter, Anne Marie D'Arcy and Grace Hogan (2019) Irish Primary Physical Education Association Conference How Meaningful are your Physical Education Lessons Kilkenny, .
2018 Maura Coulter (2018) ESAI Annual Conference Teaching primary physical education – the value of peer and lecturer mentoring UCD, Dublin, .
2018 Christina Duff, Maura Coulter, Tara Coppinger and Sarahjane Belton (2018) AIESEP Pre Conference Symposium National Early Years Physical Activity Recommendations Edinburgh, Scotland, .
2017 McGarvey, J., Langan, S.L., Kealy, F., Padden, S. & COulter, M. (2017) PEPAYS Ireland Annual Forum Critical Incidents in Physical Education Teaching University of Limerick, .
2017 Marron S., & Coulter, M., (2017) Technology: Alienating or Enabling Teaching iPads: a gadget or a teaching tool in physical education Dublin City University, .
2016 Coulter, M., Ní Chróinín, D., Parker, M., Walsh, C., and McFlynn, P (2016) European Education Research Association, ECER: Leading Education: The Distinct Contributions of Educational Research and Researchers Using Photos To Give Voice To Teacher Educator Professional Learning Experiences University College Dublin, .
2016 Coulter, M. and Marron, S., (2016) European Education Research Association, ECER: Leading Education: The Distinct Contributions of Educational Research and Researchers i-Pads: A Gadget or a Teaching Tool in Physical Education University College Dublin, .
2016 Parker, M., Ní Chróinín, D., Coulter, M., McFlynn, P. & Walsh, C. (2016) International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education World Congress Teacher educator professional learning: Shaping the conversation of teacher education? Wyoming, USA, .
2016 Marron, S; & Coulter, M. (2016) PEPAYS Research Forum Charter for Change Winner of Best Poster Award: The student experience of using technology (iPads) in physical education teaching Tralee Institute of Technology, .
2016 Parker, M., Ní Chróinín, D., Coulter, M., Walsh, C., and McFlynn, P., (2016) Enacting self-study as methodology for professional inquiry Snapshots: Teacher educator professional learning shaping teacher educator practices UK, .
2016 Pike, S., Austin, S. and Coulter, M. (2016) Festival of Outdoor Learning Outdoor Learning and the Primary School Curriculum Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow, .
2016 Marron, S; & Coulter, M. (2016) CREATE 21 Launch iPads: a gadget or a teaching tool in physical education St. Patrick's College, .
2016 Marron. S., & Coulter, M. (2016) Next Generation Symposium Primary Physical Education Initial Teacher Educators’ Experiences of Integrating Technology into their Teaching Dublin City University, .
2015 Austin, S., Cleary, A., Coulter, M., and Pike, S. (2015) Lessons From Near And Far: International Conference On Outdoor Learning Engaging with the Natural World in Initial Teacher Education London, .
2015 Coulter, M., (2015) PEPAYS Research Forum 1,2,3 PE University of Limerick, .
2015 Marron, S; & Coulter, M. (2015) PEPAYS Research Forum: i-PE: Grappling with iPads University of Limerick, Ireland, .
2014 Coulter, M. (2014) AIESEP World Congress Physical Numeracy: Mathematical learning opportunities in early years physical education University of Auckland, New Zealand, .
2014 Dyson, B., Carse, N., Keay, J., Coulter, M., Ní Chróinín, D., Graber, K., Morgan, P. & Okade Y., (2014) AIESEP World Congress Physical Education in Elementary/Primary Schools: An International Perspective University of Auckland, New Zealand, .
2014 Coulter, M. (2014) AIESEP World Congress Parents and Primary Physical Education University of Auckland, New Zealand, .
2014 Delaney, C., & Coulter, M (2014) All-Ireland Post Graduate Conference in Sport Sciences and Physical Education Is there a place for yoga in Primary Physical Education? University of Limerick, .
2013 Marron, S; Murphy, F; & Coulter, M. (2013) Learning to move, moving to learn: exploring fundamental movement skills across the lifespan Poster presentation: Supporting learning through movement in one initial teacher education college University College Cork, .
2013 Murphy, F., Coulter, M., Marron, S., (2013) Playboard Conference, Driving the Play Agenda Where is the play in Primary Physical Education Belfast, .
2013 Coulter, M (2013) Let’s get Moving: Promoting Physical Activity in the Primary School Physical Activity and After School Programmes St Patrick's College, .
2013 Coulter, M. (2013) Youth Sport: PEPAYS Research Forum Parents and Primary Physical Education Dublin City University, .
2011 Cheffers, J., Hawkins, K., Coulter, M (2011) AIESEP International Conference, Moving People – Moving Forward The covariance of Yeats poetry and the human lifespan in physical activity University of Limerick, .
2011 Coulter, M., and Ní Chróinín, D. (2011) Re-imagining Initial Teacher Education: Perspectives on Transformation What is PE? The implications of an initial teacher education programme on understandings of Physical Education St Patrick's College, .
2011 Marron, S., Murphy, F., & Coulter, M (2011) AIESEP International Conference, Moving People – Moving Forward Out and About: supporting a rural primary school implementing a programme of outdoor and adventure activities University of Limerick, .
2011 Marron, S., Murphy, F., & Coulter, M. (2011) AIESEP 2011 International Conference, Moving People – Moving Forward Out and About: supporting a rural primary school implementing a programme of outdoor and adventure activities University of Limerick, Ireland, .
2011 Coulter, M., Petrie, K., Tsangaridou, N., Murphy, F., & Marron, S., and Keay, J. (2011) AIESEP 2011 International Conference, Moving People – Moving Forward Enhancing the Landscape of Initial Teacher Education in Primary Physical Education University of Limerick, .
2011 Maura Coulter (2011) Re-imagining Initial Teacher Education: Perspectives on Transformation Responsible for accommodation and funding St Patrick's College, .
2010 Ní Chróinín, D., and Coulter, M (2010) Australian Association for Research in Education What is PE? University of Melbourne, .
2010 Coulter M., and Woods, C.B. (2010) Australian Association for Research in Education Teachers’ and children’s experiences of a physical education professional development programme(PE-PDP) University of Melbourne, .
2010 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2010) British Education and Research Association Annual Conference Can a contextualised sustained programme of professional development for the generalist primary teacher in physical education work? University of Warwick, .
2010 Coulter M., and Woods, C.B (2010) AIESEP World Congress Back to basics: It’s what you know (or don’t) La Coruña, Spain, .
2010 Coulter, M., and Ní Chróinín, D (2010) AIESEP World Congress What is PE? Asking the right question La Coruña, Spain, .
2009 Breen, C., & Coulter M (2009) 'Promoting Physical Education Across Schools and Communities', PE PAYS Research Forum Curriculum profiles: An assessment tool for physical education University of Limerick, .
2009 Breen, C., & Coulter M (2009) AfPE, National PESS Conference, ‘Thinking beyond targets: Shaping tomorrow - today’ Curriculum profiles: An assessment tool for physical education London, .
2008 Ní Bhrian, C., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2008) AIESEP World Congress An examination of activity levels of Primary school pupils during a physical education specialist taught outdoor and adventure strand of the Irish physical education curriculum Sapporo, Japan, .
2008 McGreevy, F., Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2008) AIESEP World Congress First Prize Winner – Best Poster: An examination of free-play physical activity levels of boys and girls in Irish primary schools playgrounds Sapporo, Japan, .
2008 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2008) AIESEP World Congress Primary physical education: An Irish case study Sapporo, Japan, .
2008 Sweeney, T., & Coulter M (2008) PE PAYS Research Forum Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class University of Limerick, .
2008 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2008) PE PAYS Research Forum Children’s enjoyment of physical activity and physical education University of Limerick, .
2008 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B. (2008) AfPE, National PESS Conference, 'Hitting the Target Missing the Point, Shaping the Future' Primary school children: physical activity and physical education Cheshire, .
2008 Sweeney, T., & Coulter M (2008) AfPE, National PESS Conference, 'Hitting the Target Missing the Point, Shaping the Future' First Prize Winner – Best Poster: Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class Cheshire, .
2008 Sweeney, T., & Coulter M. (2008) 3rd National APA (Adapted Physical Activity) Conference, Building the right structures Teachers’ perspectives on the inclusion of pupils with special education needs in the mainstream physical education class Killarney, Co Kerry, .
2008 McEvoy, E., & Coulter M (2008) PE PAYS Research Forum Be Active ASAP University of Limerick, .
2007 Coulter M., & Woods, C.B (2007) PE PAYS Research Forum Primary Teachers’ practices and perspectives in Physical Education prior to an intervention to support them in their teaching of PE: A Case Study University of Limerick, .
2007 Coulter, M., & Woods C. (2007) PE PAYS Research Forum, University of Limerick A study of selected components of health related physical fitness in Irish primary school children University of Limerick, .
2022 Aylward, T., Farrelly, T., and Coulter, M. (2022) 9th International Outdoor Education Research Conference (IOERC9) Self-Study of Practice In Higher Education; An Opportunity For Outdoor Education University of Cumbria, UK, .
2022 Cardiff, G., Bowles, R., Coulter, M., and Sweeney, T. (2022) Self-Study: Learning About Practice in PE and Sport. PEPAYS Ireland Forum Research through Practice Workshop: Meaningful Engagement In Self-Study: Learning About Practice in PE and Sport University of Limerick, Limerick, .
2022 Rafferty R., Coulter, M., and Bryan, A. (2022) 19th international Conference of the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure EOE: Childhood &Nature Exploring Children’s Sense Of Learner Identity While Experiencing Outdoor Learning In An Irish Primary School Context Germany, .
2022 Baker, K., & Coulter, M. (2022) ULEARN 2022, Summer Learning Series Teaching about, through and for Social Justice; A Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) Approach The Newfoundland & Labrador English School District, Canada, .
2022 Pennycook, C., Tiernan, P, Rami, J., and Coulter, M. (2022) National Volunteer Management Conference Volunteering through Covid Dublin, .
2022 Rami, J., Pennycook, C., Coulter, M., and Tiernan, P. (2022) National Volunteering Network Conference Celebrating connections and collaborations Volunteering during Covid-19: Lessons for the Future Athlone, .
2022 Coulter, M., Scanlon, D., Baker, K., and Tannehill, D. (2022) PHE Canada Research Forum The Enactment of a socially just Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) approach in physical education teacher education Canada, .
2022 Scanlon, G., and Coulter, M. (2022) Spring ATEE Conference: Teacher Education and Practice: Foresight and Hindsight A self-study about teaching and learning about self-study for a PME research module Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, .
2022 Coulter, M., Scanlon, D., Baker, K., and Tannehill, D. (2022) 4th CIAPSE Congress Physical Edu & Physical Activity in Childhood: Current Challenges &Perspectives Developing And Enacting A Socially Just Teaching Personal And Social Responsibility (TSPR) Approach In Physical Education Teacher Education University of Luxembourg, .
2022 Coulter, M., Walsh, C., Macken, S., McKee, D., Sweeney, T., and McLoughlin, E. (2022) AIESEP World Congress 2022 Value Orientations Of Teacher Educators In Physical Education – VOTE-PE Gold Coast Australia, .
2022 Parker, M., Ní Chroínín, D., Coulter, M., Sweeney, T. (2022) 4th CIAPSE Congress Physical Edu & Physical Activity in Childhood: Current Challenges &Perspectives Listening And Responding To Children University of Luxembourg, .
2022 Scanlon, D., Baker, K., Coulter, M., and Tannehill, D. (2022) AIESEP World Congress 2022 The enactment of the socially-just teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) approach in physical education teacher education Gold Coast Australia, .
2018 Maura Coulter & Susan Marron (2018) AIESEP World Congress Tracking primary generalist teachers who completed the inaugural specialism in physical education - their observations, thoughts and experiences Edinburgh Scotland, .
2018 Maura Coulter, Susan Marron, & Frances Murphy (2018) AIESEP Pre-Conference Symposium Teacher Professional Learning: Initial Teacher Education Edinburgh Scotland, .
2018 Maura Coulter, Susan Marron, Frances Murphy (2018) AIESEP World Congress Teaching Primary Physical Education...beginning the journey Edinburgh Scotland, .
2015 Marron, S; & Coulter, M. (2015) CREATE Seminar iPads a gadget or a teaching tool in physical education St Patrick's College Dublin, .
2015 Coulter, M. (2015) Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport: PREPAYS Research Forum Physical Numeracy: Opportunities for mathematical learning in early years physical education Waterford Institute of Technology, .

Published Report

Year Publication
2017 Deirdre Ni Chroinin, Ciaran Walsh, Melissa Parker, Paul McFlynn, Maura Coulter and Eileen McEvoy (2017) Teacher educator professional learning:Shaping the conversation of teacher education? (TEmPLE). The Centre for Cross Border Studies for SCoTENS, .
2022 Walsh, C., Coulter, M., Macken, S., McKee, D., Sweeney, T., & Mc Loughlin, E. (2022) VOTE-PE (Value Orientations of Teacher Educators in Physical Education). Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South (SCoTENS), .

Online Article

Year Publication
2009 Coulter, M., Cosgrave, C.,Dawson, G., Marron, S., Murphy, F., Sweeney, T. (2009) Teaching PE: The central role of the class teacher. ELEA

Reports

Year Publication
2012 Maura Coulter (2012) Report of the Outcomes of the Be Active, LEarn and Have Fun project. REPORT

Commissioned Report

Year Publication
2022 Rami, J., Pennycook, C., Coulter, M., Tiernan, P. (2022) Volunteering during COVID-19 Lessons for the Future (Research Report). Ireland: COMMREP [Link]
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2023) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Professional Associations

Association Function From / To
AIESEP: International Association fro Physical Education Member 01/01/2008 -
Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport All Ireland Research Centre Co-chair Teaching and Learning Cluster 01/09/2015 -
European Educational Research Association Member 01/01/2016 -
European Primary Physical Education Network in Higher Education Member 01/01/2016 - 01/01/2023
Irish Primary PE Association Member 01/01/2006 -
The International Self-Study Research network of Physical Education and Coach Educators Member 01/09/2015 -
Physical Education Teacher Education Ireland Member 01/01/2010 -
Institute of Directors in Ireland Member 01/05/2020 - 02/05/2022

Honors and Awards

Date Title Awarding Body
01/01/1998 First International Rugby Cap IRFU
01/12/2017 HEA Government Academic Mobility Award HEA
01/10/2017 SCoTENS John Coolahan Award 2017 ScoTENS
01/10/2010 Early Careers Research Award AIESEP
01/05/2021 DCU Presidents Award for Engagement - Special Merit DCU
01/03/2023 SCoTENS John Coolahan Award 2023 SCoTENS

Committees

Committee Function From / To
Student Sport Ireland Board of Directors Chair of the SSI Research Committee 01/03/2018 - 01/03/2023
Healthy Campus Steering Committee 01/12/2016 -
Student Sport Ireland Strategic Planning Committee 01/01/2016 -
Information Technology Committee 01/09/2014 - 30/08/2016
Education Management Committee 01/09/2013 - 30/08/2016
Student Services Committee 01/09/2009 - 30/08/2015
PEPAYS Ireland Forum 11/06/2022 -
St Paul's National School (Ratoath) Board of Management 01/12/2023 - 01/12/2027
IRFU Leinster Branch U20 Development Working Group 02/08/2022 - 27/10/2023

Employment

Employer Position From / To
University of Ulster Students' Union Vice President Clubs and Societies 01/08/1992 - 30/07/1993
St Patrick's Girls Academy Teacher of PE and Religion 01/09/1994 - 30/03/2000
National College of Ireland Guest Lecturer 01/10/2010 - 30/11/2010

Education

Start date Institution Qualification Subject
University of Ulster Post Graduate Certificate
University of Ulster Diploma
St Andrews University Certificate
University of Ulster M.Sc. (Hons)
University of Ulster Certificate
Dublin City University PhD
University of Ulster B.A. (Hons)

Reviews

Journal Role
Journal of physical activity & health Reviewer
European Physical Education Review Editor
Irish Educational Studies Reviewer
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Reviewer
Sport, Education and Society Reviewer
Curriculum Journal Reviewer
Health Education Journal Reviewer
Psychological Reports Reviewer
Irish Educational Studies Editor

Other Activities

Description
2018-2021 - Chief External Examiner PGCE Primary Education - University of Chichester
2018-2021 - External Examiner - BA (Hons) Physical Education and Sport and Exercise Science - Canterbury Christ Church University
2012-2017 - External Examiner, B.Ed. Primary Teaching /with QTS - Birmingham City University 2016-2017 - External Examiner PGCE in 3014 Physical Education - University of Edinburgh

Creative Outputs

Year Title Type
2020 PE at Home Recording

Enterprise Engagement

Year Engagement Type Client Description
2019-2007 Consultancy Health Service Executive, Sports Ireland member of National Working Group of the Be Active After School Physical Activity Programme
2018-2020 Consultancy Irish Rugby Football Union Consulting on mini coaching pathway
2016-2017 Personnel Exchange PEERS Staff and Student exchange with HEP Lausanne, for one week to explore physical education internationally
2017-2018 Consultancy Student Sport Ireland Member of Student Sport Ireland Strategic Planning Group
2006-2017 Continuous Professional Development/Training Irish Primary Physical Education Association In-service Teacher Workshops
2016-2017 Consultancy TUSLA Expert working group on Health and Wellbeing - Assessment of education being provided in places other than recognised schools
2016-2019 Continuous Professional Development/Training Coaching Ireland Facilitation of Workshops on coaching Young Children
2013 Personnel Exchange Erasmus+ Staff mobility to Jyvaskla University Finland to explore early childhood physical activity practices
2011 Consultancy TOP Foundation Member of the TOP Foundation Physical Education Project (UK), Initial Teacher Education focus group looking at the challenges teachers face in providing high quality learning experiences in Physical Education for the Key Stage 1 age group and working towards identifying and proposing a support framework for those working with these children
2006-2010 Continuous Professional Development/Training health Service Executive Be Active After-School Activity Teacher leader and tutor Workshops
2004-2007 Continuous Professional Development/Training Education Centres In-service Physical Education Workshops

Research Interests

  • Learning about Meaningful Experiences in Physical Education. 
  • Leadership and Teacher Educator Identity. 
  • Teachers' experiences having completed a major specialism in physical education.   
  • Physically Active Play Outdoors and Adventurous Play
  • Enacting the Socially Just-TPSR approach in physical education
  • Exploring Pedagogies of Vulnerability

Research Projects

Title Role Description Start date End date
Growing voices: promoting student voice as everyday practice in primary physical Education co-investigator 01/10/2023 01/10/2024
Identify best practice in “Inclusivity in a Volunteer Programme” Principal Investigator 01/09/2023 30/04/2024
A programme to support primary teacher professional development in Outdoor Education and Risky Play across Europe DCU Co-PI 28/02/2022 27/02/2025
Value Orientations of Teacher Educators in Physical Education: investigating beliefs, curricula, and programming in two jurisdictions. DCU PI 21/09/2021 30/10/2022
VOICE PE co-investigator VOICE PE will use in-depth qualitative approaches to examine teachers’ and children’s experiences of student voice in primary physical education. The research will be guided by the following question: How can teachers listen and respond to children in primary physical education? 01/11/2021 28/10/2022
The Impact of COVID-19 on Volunteering Activity in Ireland on behalf of Volunteer Ireland DCU Co-PI 09/06/2021 24/09/2021
PE at Home - Keeping children learning and active through COVID-19 DCU Co Principal Investigator 25/05/2020 30/10/2020
Action for Life Co-Investigator 01/03/2019 30/12/2019
CSPPA II DCU Co-PI 01/10/2017 31/07/2018
LAMPE (learning about meaningful physical education) DCU Co-PI 01/10/2017 30/06/2018
TEmPLe (Teacher educator professional learning: Shaping the conversation of teacher education?) Co-investigator 01/04/2015 30/12/2016
Building a collective vision for educational practice through engagement with the Natural World Co-investigator 01/03/2015 30/12/2016
Physical Education and its impact on Literacy and Numeracy in the Early Years Principal Investigator 01/01/2013 30/12/2015
AIESEP World Congress, University of Limerick Co-investigator 01/06/2011 30/06/2011
Assessment for Learning in Physical Education Co-investigator 01/01/2008 30/12/2012
Be Active ASAP Principal Investigator 01/01/2007 30/01/2009
Be Active Learn and Have Fun Principal investigator 01/01/2006 30/12/2007

Contract Researchers

Researcher Name Project Funding Body
Dr Conor Scully Identify best practice in “Inclusivity in a Volunteer Programme”
Dr Joan Whelan APOLE - Erasmus+ project

Current Postgraduate Students

Student Name Degree Supervision
Rafferty ,Rachel Master of Arts Supervisor
Aylward ,Tomas PhD Supervisor

Internal Collaborators

Type Name Company Role
Internal Dr Sarahjane Belton Dublin City University Academic
Internal Dr Peter Tiernan DCU Academic
Internal Dr Alan Gorman DCU
Internal Dr Orla Kelly Dublin City University
Internal Dr Ger Scanlon Dublin City University Academic

External Collaborators

Type Name Company Role
External Dr Doug Gleddie University of Alberta Academic
External Dr Tim Fletcher Brock University Academic
External Dr Chris North University of Canterbury Academic
External Dr Kevin Patton California State University Chico Academic
External Dr Deirdre Ni Chroinin Mary Immaculate College Academic
External Dr Richard Bowles Mary Immaculate College Academic
External Mr Tony Sweeney Maynooth University Academic
External Dr David McKee Stranmillis Colleges, Queens University Belfast Academic
External Tomás Alyward Munster Technological University (Tralee) Academic
External Prof Dirk Schubotz Queens University Belfast
External Dr Melissa Parker University of Limerick Academic
External Dr Suzy Macken Marino Institute of Education Academic
External Dr Dylan Scanlon Deakin University Academic
External Dr Kellie Baker Memorial University Newfoundland and Labrador Academic
External Dr Cassandra Ianucci Deakin University Academic
External Dr Tom Farrelly Munster Technological University Academic
External Ciaran Walsh St Mary's College Queen's University Belfast Academic
External Prof Punya Mishra Arizona State University Academic

Teaching Interests

I teach Physical Education on the Bachelor of Education, Professional Masters in Education, Masters in Education and the Masters in Teaching programmes. My teaching interests lies in the pedagogy of Outdoor and Adventure Activities and its relationship with social responsibility and outdoor learning respectively. I am also interested in the teaching of physical activity and its association with meaningful physical education at primary level.  

My teaching for the academic year 2023-24 comprises of the following
BEd Year 1 PE (ED1015)
BEd Year 2 PE (ED2019) 
BEd Year 3 PE Major Specialism (AP302)  
MEd Physical Education (AP806)

Modules Coordinated

Term Title Subject
2022 Personal and Social Responsibility in PE AP302
2022 Teaching the Physical Education Curriculum AP205
2021 Health, Wellbeing &Physical Ed moving forward AP806
2024 AP212
2022 Physical Education and Drama ED2019
2022 ED1015