معرفی
Dr. Mairead Hourigan is an Associate Professor in Mathematics Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), University of Limerick, specializing in STEM Education. She is actively engaged in research on educational transitions, teacher education models, Lesson Study, problem posing, and STE(A)M education, with her work contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education.
Her educational background includes a PhD, M.Sc, and B.Sc (Physical Education & Mathematics) from the University of Limerick, establishing a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to mathematics education.
Hourigan's research focuses on improving mathematics education through innovative approaches like Lesson Study and integrated STEM education. Her work emphasizes the development of primary teachers' capabilities, problem-posing practices, and the implementation of effective educational transitions. She explores how teachers can better support students' statistical reasoning and mathematical thinking through practical, real-world applications, as evidenced by projects like the BUDS (Engaging with Beekeepers Using Data Science) initiative. Her research consistently addresses the challenges and opportunities in rural educational settings while promoting inclusive practices for diverse learners including emerging bilingual students.
Her research outputs reveal a strong emphasis on teacher professional development through Lesson Study models and the integration of STEM concepts in primary education settings. Recent work examines rural implementation challenges, bilingual learners' statistical reasoning, and the impact of extended professional development on teacher efficacy, with numerous publications in high-impact journals across mathematics education, STEM education, and professional development fields.
- C. Oswald George Award (2021)
- C. Oswald George Prize (2015)
- Peter Holmes Prize (2020)
- Teachers' Research Exchange (T-REX) Module Innovation Framework Award (2020)
Hourigan actively supervises postgraduate students and has secured significant research funding, including a €2.8 million study on teachers' professional journeys. She collaborates extensively with colleagues on projects like Studio LAB Encounters and STEM Café, focusing on becoming STEAM educators. Her work with the National Centre of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL) has directly informed national curriculum development, including consultation reports on the Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum. She serves as a key academic advisor to the Department of Education on STEM and Arts education policy.
She leads and participates in numerous community engagement initiatives, including Science & Maths Week activities, and has maintained a multi-year partnership with RTE's Home School Hub. Her research consistently bridges theory and practice, with strong connections to teacher education programs and classroom implementation across Ireland.
