Karen Buckley

Contact Details


Academic Staff



E:karen.buckley@dcu.ie
Profile Photo

Karen Buckley is an Assistant Professor at the School of Inclusive and Special Education at Dublin City University (DCU), where she plays a pivotal role in preparing teachers across Primary, Post Primary, Further and Higher Education. As a qualified post-primary teacher and an experienced lecturer, Karen’s career has spanned diverse educational settings, including second-level, further education, and higher education, giving her a broad and nuanced perspective on the educational landscape.

Karen’s research focuses on inclusive pedagogy, driven by her passion for creating equitable learning environments. She is a strong advocate for the adoption of inclusive practices that enhance teaching, learning, and assessment in Higher Education. Her work seeks to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have access to high-quality educational experiences.

Karen’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology, a Master of Arts in Sociology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. She is currently a Doctoral candidate at Maynooth University, where her research delves into Teacher Education, Identity, and Professional Development. Her doctoral work is dedicated to exploring how educators’ professional identities evolve and how this impacts their teaching practices and professional growth.

Through her research, teaching, and advocacy, Karen Buckley is committed to advancing the field of inclusive education and empowering educators to create more inclusive and effective learning environments.

Peer Reviewed Journal

Year Publication
2022 Kelly, O., Buckley, K., Lieberman, L. J., & Arndt, K. (2022) 'Universal Design for Learning—A framework for inclusion in Outdoor Learning'. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 25 (1):75-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-022-00096-z
2021 Orna Farrell; Karen Buckley; Lisa Donaldson; Tom Farrelly (2021) 'Eportfolio in Ireland: A landscape snapshot of current practice'. Irish Journal Of Technology Enhanced Learning, . [Link] [DOI]
2021 Farrell, O., Buckley, K., Donaldson, L., & Farrelly, T. (2021) 'Editorial: Good bye exams, hello eportfolio'. Irish Journal Of Technology Enhanced Learning, 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.22554/ijtel.v6i1.101
2021 Buckley, K., Stone, S., Farrell, A. M., Glynn, M., Lowney, R., & Smyth, S. (2021) 'Learning from student experience: Large, higher education classes transitioning online'. Irish Educational Studies, 40 (2):399-406. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2021.1916566
2021 Farrell, AM, Buckley, K, Glynn, M, Lowney, R, Smyth, S, & Stone, S. (2021) 'Moving large classes online: Illuminating the experience of the sudden transition of large, face-to-face programmes to the online environment in Dublin City University, in response to the Covid-19 crisis (0.1)'. Zenodo, . https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.4574650
2021 O’Riordan, F., Buckley, K., & Lincoln, A. (2021) 'Peer Observation of Teaching: Can Peer Observation of Teaching Enhance Professional Development Practices within Higher Education? A Literature Scoping Review'. Zenodo, . https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4494444
2021 Lyons, Roisin; Buckley, Karen (2021) 'Stakeholder Engagement in a Large Enterprise Class Showcase'. Journal of Management Education, 45 (3). [DOI]
2020 Roisin Lyons and Karen Buckley (2020) 'Stakeholder Engagement in a Large Enterprise Class Showcase'. Journal of Management Education, . [Link] https://doi-org.dcu.idm.oclc.org/10.1177%2F1052562920969908
2018 Lisa Donaldson, Karen Buckley, Orna Farrell, Julie Uí Choistealbha (2018) 'Refections on ePortfolio Professional Learning: Harnessing an Unconference Approach'. Aepr, 2 (3):20-29. [Link]

Conference Publication

Year Publication
2018 Fiona O’Riordan, Karen Buckley and Mark Glynn (2018) International Conference on Engaging Pedagogy 2018 What can educators do to promote academic integrity?

Online Article

Year Publication
2019 Karen Buckley, Mark Glynn (2019) UDL in DCU. ELEA [Link]

Published Report

Year Publication
2021 O'Riordan, Fiona; Buckley, Karen; Lincoln, Angela (2021) Peer Observation of Teaching: Can Peer Observation of Teaching Enhance Professional Development Practices within Higher Education? A Literature Scoping Review. Dublin City University, . [Link]

Conference Contribution

Year Publication
2019 Karen Buckley, Lorraine Gallagher (2019) AGEAD Annual Conference: Journey to Oz -Travelling Together Towards Inclusive Education Universal Design for Learning (UDL) A professional development workshop to promote and implement an inclusive teaching and learning environment Dublin, 20/03/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) A Professional Development Workshop A professional development workshop to promote and implement an inclusive teaching and learning environment using principles of UDL for staff, faculty and learners in Higher Education Institutions Dublin City University, 22/02/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) Promoting Inclusivity through Universal Design for Learning Evaluate approaches to UDL taken in other institutions and note successes and challenges in implementing UDL principles in different settings University of Limerick, 06/11/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) 28th ICDE World Conference on Online Learning Doctoral Research Symposium - To Read or Not to Read? Dublin City University, 03/11/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley, Mary Fitzpatrick (2019) 12th International Conference on Engaging Pedagogy Voice of the Educator University of Limerick, 12/12/2019-13/12/2019.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) Designing your Professional Portfolio Enhancing Eportfolio competencies for higher education practitioners across Ireland Dublin City University, 14/02/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) DCU Teaching & Learning Day 2019 Student Panel Discussion: Do Universities Kill Creativity? Dublin City University, 11/09/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) QUB Annual Learning & Teaching Conference - Shaping Change in an Educational Setting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in DCU Queens University, Belfast, 17/04/2019-.
2019 Lisa Donaldson, Karen Buckley, Orna Farrell (2019) Workshop: The Potential and Practice of Eportfolio This half day workshop featured a keynote by Kristina Hoeppner, Catalyst IT, New Zealand & a conversational workshop on eportfolio practice Dublin City University, 11/11/2019-.
2019 Orla Kelly, Karen Buckley (2019) 18th Conference of the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE) Universal Design for Learning: A framework to explore inclusion in outdoor learning IT Trallee, 27/09/2019-.
2019 Karen Buckley (2019) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Curriculum Designing Inclusion in the Curriculum - Building sustainable learning communities Queens University, Belfast, 25/09/2019-.
2018 Lisa Donaldson, Orna Farrell, Karen Buckley, and Julie Uí Choistealbha. (2018) DIY Unconference: CPD with a twist Presentation at EdTech 2018, TEL Quality Matters – People, Policies and Practices, Annual Conference of the Irish Learning Technology Association, Carlow, 31st May - 1st June Carlow, Ireland, .
2018 Lisa Donaldson, Karen Buckley, Orna Farrell, Julie Ui Choistealbha.. (2018) Harnessing an unconference approach to develop eportfolio competencies Presentation at ePortfolios & More: The Developing Role of ePortfolios within the Digital Landscape, Dublin City University, Dublin, 24th May Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland, .
2021 Glynn, M.; Farrell, A.M.; Buckley, K.; Lowney, R.; Smyth, S.; Stone, S. (2021) Higher Education Advances (HEAd) Conference Suddenly moving large classes online: Illuminating the experience of the teaching staff in one university Valencia, Online, . [DOI]
2021 Stone, S., Galvin, T., & Buckley, K. (2021) AHEAD Conference 2021 A Shared Vision for Inclusion in Higher Education: Three Perspectives on Embedding UDL Principles During the Swift Move to Online Learning Online, .

Podcast

Year Publication
2023 Buckley, K. (2023) DCU Podcast: Exploring group work assessment with Karen Buckley | A discovery series for teaching and learning in Higher Education by DCU. PODCAST [Link]

Other Journal

Year Publication
2018 Donaldson, L., Buckley, K., Farrell, O., & Uí Choistealbha, J. (2018) 'Reflections on eportfolio professional learning: Harnessing an unconference approach' The AAEBBL Eportfolio Review, 2 (3) . [Link]

Edited Book

Year Publication
2018 Whitaker, T., Lynam, A., Buckley, K., Cassidy, D., Rowland, S., Thornton, M., Flanagan, M., Duffy, L., Bailey, J., Pasley, N., Clarke, A.-M., Caulfield, A., O’Sullivan, J., Kelly, M., Shanahan, E., McDonnell, A., & Beechinor, A (Ed.). (2018) Voices of Educators in 21st Century Ireland. Dublin, Ireland: The Doggett Group, [Link]

Presentation

Year Publication
2021 Lowney, R., Stone, S., Buckley, K., Farrell, A. M., Glynn, M., & Smyth, S. (2021) Moving large classes online—Findings and guidance from a rapid research project. PRES [Link]
Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2024) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

Education

Start date Institution Qualification Subject
National University of Ireland, Maynooth Doctorate of Education
National University of Ireland, Maynooth Higher Diploma in Education
National University of Ireland, Maynooth Master of Arts Degree
National University of Ireland, Maynooth Bachelor of Arts Degree

Research Interests

Inclusive Pedagogy: Exploring strategies and practices that promote inclusive education in diverse learning environments. Teacher Education: Investigating effective approaches to initial teacher preparation and ongoing professional development. Educational Assessment: Examining inclusive assessment methods that accommodate learner needs and promote equitable outcomes. Academic Identity: Analysing the development of teacher educator identity and its impact on instructional practices and professional growth. Higher Education Pedagogy: Researching the implementation and effectiveness of inclusive practices in higher education settings. Professional Development in Education: Studying the role of continuous professional development in enhancing educators’ skills and competencies. Curriculum Development: Researching inclusive curriculum design that reflects diverse perspectives and learning needs.

Research Projects

Title Role Description Start date End date
Moving Large, Face-to-Face classes online Researcher 01/06/2020 01/01/2021

Modules Coordinated

Term Title Subject
2022 Introduction to Inclusive Education SI220
2022 Principles and Concepts SI701
2023 Understanding Behaviour as Communication SI609
2022 Curriculum, Pedagogy & Current Issues SI802
2023 Professional Preparation and Practice 4 PR406
2023 Dyslexia SI607
2023 Mild General Learning Disabilities SI608
2021 Reflective Practice and Inquiry SI706
2023 Understanding Autism SI606
2024 SI420
2023 SI607
2023 SI609
2023 SI608
2023 SI606
2023 SI802