TL21 Professional Development Programme

Accreditation is available in either of two forms:

(a) Certificate of Participation issued by the Education Support Centre to each participant, with a list of the CPD workshops attended over the two years.

(b) University accreditation option, leading to M.Ed. in Innovative Learning. Individuals are invited to indicate their interest during the first year of the workshops with formal studies commencing in Maynooth University in Year 2.

What's involved?

Individuals sign up for this option before the end of the first year of workshops (having attended all CPD workshops in the Education Support Centre during that year). A call for expressions of interest will issue from Maynooth University.
They are invited to prepare a summary proposal for an action research project and submit this to the Department of Education at Maynooth University. Maynooth University will provide guidance and support will be given to all those who indicate an interest.
Once the proposal is approved they are invited to become a registered student of the university studying for Year 1 of the M.Ed. in Innovative Learning;
During this first year they attend the normal CPD workshops in the Education Centre and six research workshops in the university. They are asked to produce a 16,000 word action research project during this first year of studies. All participants will be offered the support of a thesis supervisor in the research and writing of the thesis.
If the research project reaches the required standard (viz. 60% of above), they proceed to Year 2 of the M.Ed. in Innovative Learning. If the project falls below 60% they are awarded the Higher Diploma in Innovative Learning (Exit award).
Year 2 of the M.Ed. involves writing a 30,000 word thesis by action research and attending six research workshops in the university. All participants will be offered the support of a thesis supervisor in the research and writing of the thesis.

Samples of topics from recent Action Research theses

Samples of topics from recent Action Research theses

Promoting feedback strategies in Junior Cycle Business Studies to enhance students’ learning.
Supporting new approaches in Second Year Maths teaching by using web-based resources.
Using iPads to advance better learning in First Year Science.
Promoting active learning among Fifth Year Geography students.
Enhancing the quality of oral literacy in a Junior Certificate English class.
Cultivating an inclusive learning environment in Second Year Home Economics.
Motivating students to become more confident, independent and inventive learners through self-reflection and involvement in their own assessment and learning.
Using peer-learning and peer assessment to enhance the quality of learning in a Fifth Year Business class.
New approaches to questioning to promote higher-order learning in English.
Promoting critical thinking in a Fifth Year Art Class.
Using co-operative learning strategies to improve learning among Leaving Cert Business students.
Cultivating active learning approaches in Fifth Year Physics.
Promoting oral competency with Senior Cycle students of French.
Using digital learning approaches to improve engagement with First Year Science students.
Exploring the possibilities of Voicethread software with a Fifth Year Irish class.
Exploring how flexible grouping and tiered assignments can cater to the needs of diverse students in a mixed ability English class.
Using differentiated strategies in a mixed ability Maths class to improve the learning outcomes of all students.
Using Comment-only marking to promote motivation in Third Year History.
Promoting deeper understanding in Science through constructivist learning.
Cultivating autonomous learning in English through a phased introduction of selected assessment for learning initiatives.

Fees

Please note these fees have remained the same since 2003 but may be subject to change. Please refer to Maynooth University Student Fees and Grants Office for Fee Information.

Year 1: €2,000

Year 2: €3,000

Research

Undergraduate Studies

Postgraduate Studies

International

Search form

TL21 Professional Development Programme

What's involved?

Samples of topics from recent Action Research theses

Fees

Research

Undergraduate Studies

Postgraduate Studies

International

Search form

TL21 Professional Development Programme

What's involved?

​Samples of topics from recent Action Research theses

Fees

Samples of topics from recent Action Research theses