Sociology in Schools

International Perspectives: Learning from Shared Insights

 26 March 2022

Marino Institute of Education

Convenors: Dr Lisa Moran (VP SAI), Dr Aimie Brennan (Convenor PSPP Study Group of the SAI) and Dr John O’Brien (SAI President). A Joint conference of MIE, WIT, Sociological Association of Ireland and the PSPP Study Group of the SAI.

This new conference brings together international educational research and teaching experts, to debate the importance of sociology in post-primary schools in Ireland and internationally. It will offer perspectives on the position of social and political education, including sociology, in the educational system of Ireland and of other countries. The place and status of the discipline in the second level curriculum; curriculum design and development; pupil engagement with the subject matter; the position of sociology in teacher education and the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between teachers and third-level educators will be explored. Interactive sessions and keynote speakers will explore the following questions which are highly pertinent for the development of effective social and political, and sociological learning and teaching both in Ireland and internationally:

• What is the status and position of sociology in the second level curricula in Ireland and internationally?
• What constitutes effective curriculum development and design in politics, society and sociology?
• How can schools and third level institutions work together to advance politics, society and sociology at post-primary levels and tertiary levels?
• What are the challenges and enablers to effective online sociological teaching and learning duringCovid-19?
• What are the broader sociocultural factors that shape and reflect teaching and learning sociology, including the ‘decolonisation’ of the curricula’, ‘hidden curricula’, policy contexts etc.?
• What lessons can be learned by sharing insights from teachers, academics and subject level experts alike?
• What research methods are applied by professional researchers to investigate various aspects of sociological teaching and learning at post-primary level (e.g. factors affecting pupil engagement, improved sociological teaching and learning practices in different countries/regions)

In sharing insights from educational leaders, sociological experts, and teaching professionals, from Ireland and internationally, this symposium will make an important contribution to research on the status of disciplines in the educational system, their needs and challenges, and curriculum development and design. It will advance discussion about factors that shape effective learning and teaching of society and politics and sociology in secondary schools.

We are calling for proposals for research papers, posters and proposals for interactive workshops and symposia from teachers, teacher educators, sociologists and others, that engage with the questions outlined above, as well as other critical issues pertaining to effective learning and teaching of politics, society and sociology in second level schools. We particularly welcome joint abstract submissions from teachers, sociologists, pupils and undergraduate /postgraduate researchers. This initiative is driven by our shared commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing student voices in curriculum design and development, trans-disciplinary approaches and methodological co-design.