CERC
The Colleges of Education Research Consortium (CERC) is an umbrella grouping of staff members with an interest in research from the five colleges of education in Ireland. The group meets regularly to discuss common areas of interest. It has received funding from the Department of Education and Science for its study into teachers’ lives. This study is led by researchers in St. Patrick’s College and looks at issues such as retention of teachers in the system, teachers’ professional development, the characteristics of teachers and the characteristics of schools that are linked to job satisfaction. The highlight of each year’s work is the annual conference in June which has been attended each year by mentors Professors Marilyn Cochran Smith and Larry Ludlow from Boston College.
In line with the increased focus on research in Marino, the need to increase awareness of and skill in research among students has been identified. One practical step that has been taken is to offer an introductory, elective course in research for students. This course has been designed and approved by Trinity College, Dublin, and was offered to students for the first time in the 2007-2008 academic year.
Links: www.cerc.ie/