An exploration of development education within the Irish secondary school curriculum
Authors
Dooley, Caitriona
Issue Date
2014
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This research study examined the implementation of Development Education Policy in Irish Secondary Schools. Using qualitative methodology and thematic analysis current Development Education Policy in Ireland was reviewed and was analysed and discussed through six teachers’ experiences of Development Education across three secondary schools. Recommendations from organisations with a Development Education remit were assessed. The possible implementations of these recommendations and policies were questioned in relation to the challenges identified by the teachers in this research. The five main themes which emerged from the interviews identified the main challenges throughout the research which was the overcrowded secondary school curriculum and the lack of a common definition of Development Education. Confusion also arose because of the similarities and differences between Environmental Education, Education for Sustainability and Development Education. Author keywords: Development education and teachers