معرفی
Dr. Maurice Harmon serves as Head of the Department of Learning, Society & Religious Education and holds the position of Associate Professor in Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Ireland. His academic profile reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in religious education, school ethos, education policy, pupil voice, initial teacher education, law and education, and children's rights. He actively supervises PhD students and maintains a robust research agenda with significant contributions to Irish educational scholarship.
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Religious Education awarded November 10, 2018
- Thesis: 'I am a Catholic Buddhist': The Voice of Children on Religion and Religious Education in an Irish Catholic Primary School Classroom
- Supervised by Sandra Cullen
Dr. Harmon's research program centers on the complex interplay between religious identity, educational practice, and student wellbeing within the Irish educational context. His work on religious education in Catholic primary schools examines children's authentic voices and experiences, challenging traditional assumptions about religious identity formation. His scholarship on pupil voice in education emphasizes children's rights to participate meaningfully in educational decision-making processes. The intersection of law and education forms another critical strand of his research, particularly regarding children's rights within school settings. His investigations into initial teacher education address the preparation of future educators for Ireland's evolving denominational school landscape.
Analysis of Dr. Harmon's publication record reveals a sophisticated research trajectory focused on wellbeing, religious identity, and educational policy. His recent work demonstrates methodological diversity, employing qualitative, mixed methods, and systematic review approaches to investigate complex educational phenomena. Key thematic areas include the relationship between religiosity and mental wellbeing among Irish students, the implementation of religious education in Catholic schools, and children's participation rights in educational research and policy development. His collaborative work spans multiple Irish institutions, reflecting the significance of his contributions to national educational discourse.
Dr. Harmon's research has attracted considerable attention from educational policymakers and media outlets. His work commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has directly influenced curriculum development in mathematics and wellbeing. Media coverage of his findings on religious beliefs and mental wellbeing has appeared in multiple Irish news outlets, demonstrating the public relevance of his scholarship.
Dr. Harmon actively supervises PhD candidates including Jayne Guiney and Sinead Morgan, and has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences. His 13 documented activities include 12 conference presentations and postgraduate supervision, reflecting his commitment to academic dissemination and mentorship. His collaborative network extends across Irish educational institutions, with frequent partnerships on research projects addressing critical issues in contemporary education.
