Menlough NS teacher awarded DCU research scholarship

A PRIMARY School teacher from Galway has been chosen for a prestigious scholarship by Dublin City University (DCU).

Claire Gill is based at Scoil Mhuire Naofa in Menlough and she will be just one of seven teachers and educators taking part in the DCU Drumcondra 150 PhD Scholarships Programme following a competitive open call for submissions.

Claire has worked in several school settings in roles including mainstream class teacher, special education teacher and special educational needs coordinator. She has also worked as workshop tutor with Dyslexia Ireland and as an examiner with the School of Inclusive and Special Education at DCU.

Her research project 'Maintaining a Momentum of Play', will investigate the use of play as a pedagogical approach to literacy in primary schools.

“I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Drumcondra 150 scholarship. I look forward to conducting my research in DCU’s innovative academic environment,” said Claire.

The Drumcondra 150 PhD scholarships mark 150 years of teacher education at St Patrick’s Campus in Drumcondra, which first opened its doors to students in 1875.

“Over the past 150 years, the St Patrick’s Campus in Drumcondra has played a pivotal role in the development of generations of talented and dedicated teachers who helped transform the nation through education,” offered DCU President Daire Keogh.

“The awarding of these PhD scholarships is a fitting way to celebrate St Patrick’s rich heritage and its pivotal role in our country’s history. Their research will inform the further progression of teacher education in Ireland, and of teaching and learning, more broadly.”