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Dr Karen Ní Chlochasaigh

Dr Karen Ní Chlochasaigh

BA (MIC), MA (MIC), DMGA (NUIM) & PhD in Applied Linguistics
Comhordaitheoir ar an MOid san Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta / Director of the MEd in Irish Medium and Gaeltacht Education

Research interests

Réimsí Taighde / Research Interests

Is iad na réimsí taighde is mó a bhfuil spéis ag Karen iontu ná: sealbhú éifeachtach an dara teanga; úsáid straitéisí foghlama teanga; forbairt ar an gcumas teanga mar chuid d’fhorbairt ghairmiúil an mhúinteora; an t-oideachas faoi mhíbhuntáiste; ionchuimsiú agus litearthacht san oideachas faoi mhíbhuntáiste; an fhoghlaim agus an measúnú teanga ríomhchuidithe; pobail chleachtais na mionteanga; an phleanáil sealbhaithe teanga.

Tá suim mhór ag an Dr. Ní Chlochasaigh i bpróifíleanna foghlaimeoirí agus na factóirí a chuireann sealbhú an dara teanga chun cinn go héifeachtach. Tá spéis ar leith aici an bonn fianaise seo a úsáid chun tacú le foghlaimeoirí teanga ar bhóthar an tsealbhaithe forbairt a dhéanamh thar a gcuid scileanna teanga agus feasacht a chothú ina leith. Tá fianaise láidir ina cleachtas gairmiúil ar fhorbairt ghairmiúil an mhúinteora, go háirithe sa chóras tumoideachais, agus cleachtais Chomhchreat Tagartha na hEorpa um Theangacha (CTET) a chomhtháthú sa chleachtas sin, go dtacaíonn a cuid taighde le forbairt shuntasach ar scileanna agus ar chumas teanga an mhúinteora agus le freastal a dhéanamh ar riachtanais teanga an mhúinteora, an t-ábhar a mhúineadh trí mheán na teanga agus an teanga a mhúineadh trí mheán an ábhair.

Anuas ar seo, tá an-suim ag Karen in ionchuimsiú an oideachais i gcóras tumoideachais na mionteanga agus sa chóras rochtana ar an tumoideachas. Tá mórthionscadal taighde déanta aici ar ghnóthachtáil sa mhatamaitic agus i léamh an Bhéarla i scoileanna DEIS a fheidhmíonn tré mheán na Gaeilge.

Ó cuireadh tús leis an M. Oid. san Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge i gColáiste Mhuire gan Smál in 2013, tá scileanna agus saineolaw ar leith forbartha ag Karen maidir le teicneolaíochtaí digiteacha a úsáid chun an teagasc agus an fhoghlaim teanga a chur chun cinn. Tá spéis ar leith aici an litearthacht dhigiteach a chur chun chun mar chuid d’fhorbairt ghairmiúil an mhúinteora agus leas a bhaint as uirlisí digiteacha ina cleachtas féin chun timpeallachtaí foghlama saibhre a chruthú, an phiarfhoghlaim agus pobail chleachtais teanga a neartú, aiseolas ceartaitheach a chur ar fáil agus an fhorbairt teanga a thomhas agus a threorú tré uirlisí ar nós ríomhphunann teanga a chur i bhfeidhm.

 

Karen’s main research interests include; effective second language acquisition and learning strategies; building linguistic proficiency and bi/multilingualism; educational disadvantage, inclusion and literacy in an immersion setting; technology-based language learning and assessment; minority language communities of practice; language acquisition planning. 

Dr. Ní Chlochasaigh has a keen interest in language learner profiles and the factors that contribute to successful second language acquisition. She is especially interested in how this evidence supports practice in building linguistic proficiency and awareness in the language acquisition process. There is strong evidence in her own professional practice in teacher education and professional development, particularly immersion teacher education where Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) practices are implemented, that her research in this area has provided supports and a scaffold in cultivating teachers’ linguistic proficiency and specifically attending to the language needs of  immersion teachers to teach content through language and language through content.

Karen also has a great interest in educational inclusion in minority language immersion education and in access to immersion education, having completed a research study on the achievements of students in mathematics and English reading in Irish-medium schools that could be at risk due to educational disadvantage.

Since the beginning of the MEd in Irish-medium at Mary Immaculate College in 2013, Karen has developed skills and expertise in using digital technologies to promote language teaching and learning. She has a particular interest in enhancing digital literacies through teacher professional development and utilising online digital learning tools in her own practice to create rich and meaningful learning environments, to foster peer learning and build language communities of practice, to provide corrective feedback and to gauge and guide language development through the use of tools such as a language e-portfolio.

More information

PRÓIFÍL TAIGHDE / RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Tuairiscí Taighde / Research Reports

Ní Chuaig, N., Ó Brolcháin, C., Ní Chlochasaigh, K. agus Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2021). Staidéar ar theaghlaigh atá ag tógáil a gclann le Gaeilge laistigh de na limistéir oifigiúla Gaeltachta: Tuarascáil Taighde do Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta. Ar fáil ag https://tuismitheoiri.ie/wp-c….

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Shiel, G. & Ó Duibhir, P. (2020). Iniúchadh ar an Tumoideachas do Dhaltaí i Scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge i gCeantair Mhíbhuntáiste  [An investigation into immersion education for pupils in Irish-medium schools in areas in social disadvantage]. An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta https://www.cogg.ie/wp-content/uploads/Taighde_Sealbhú-1.pdf  

 

Foilseacháin in Irisí Acadúla / Publications in Academic Journals

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2024) An Cumasú Teanga i bhForbairt Ghairmiúil an Mhúinteora Tumoideachais: Ról an Chur Chuige Chumaisc. Léann Teanga: An Reiviú (12). 

Uí Shuibhne, M., Ní Chlochasaigh, K. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2023) Tionchar an tumoideachais ar ghnóthachtáil na matamaitice san iarbhunscoil lán-Ghaeilge DEIS. ComharTaighde.  

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. Shiel, G. &  Ó Duibhir, P. (2021) Immersion in a minority language: The performance in English reading and mathematics of primary-level students in Irish-medium schools in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Education (JICB), 9 (2).

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020) Ag cothú na foghlama teanga éifeachtaí i gcás shealbhú an TX sa chóras oideachais: Cás na Gaeilge. Léann Teanga: An Reiviú (8).  

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Ó Duibhir, P., & Shiel, G. (2018). Dearcthaí agus cleachtais ghairmiúla maidir le tionchar an tumoideachais ar dhaltaí i ngaelscoileanna atá lonnaithe i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáiste: Deiseanna agus dúshláin [Teacher attitudes and professional practices in relation to the impact of immersion education on pupils in Irish-medium schools that are located in areas of social disadvantage: Opportunities and challenges]. Teanga, 25. doi:https://journal.iraal.ie/inde…

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2016). Foghlaimeoirí Éifeachtacha na Gaeilge: Táid ann ach Táid gann. Ról na Foghlama Comhtháite Teanga agus Ábhair i gcothú na Dea-foghlama i gcás na Gaeilge’. Ó Ceallaigh, T agus Ó Laoire, M. (2016) An Chéad Chomhdháil Taighde Uile-Oileánda ar an Tumoideachas – Páipéir Chomhdhála.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2010). Tonn Tuile na bpaisean agus na bpléisiúr: Téama na Collaíochta i bhfilíocht Chaitlín Maude. Comhar, June 2010.

Ó Laoire, M. agus Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2010). ‘Dea-fhoghlaimeoirí teanga i mbun foghlama: Cad iad na bealaí éifeachtacha foghlama a bhíonn acu?’. Ó Laoire, M., Davitt, A., Ní Laoire, M. agus Ó Máirtín, M. (eag.) Teagasc na Gaeilge 9. Baile Átha Cliath: Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge.  47-58.

 

Caibidil i Leabhair / Book Chapters 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K, O’Brien, E., Ó’Ceallaigh, T.J., (2023) The role of Digital or (e)assessment and feedback literacy in fostering learner agency in ITE In Eds Connolly, C. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J (Ed.). (2024) Innovating Assessment and Feedback Design in Teacher Education Oxfordshire, UK: Routledge / ATEE Book Series. [Details]

Eochairchaint / Plenary Speech    

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Shiel, G., & Ó Duibhir, P. (2018). Tionchar an Tumoideachais i Léamh an Bhéarla agus sa Mhata ar dhaltaí i scoileanna atá lonnaithe i gceantair mhíbhuntáiste

[The Performance of Immersion Students in Disadvantaged schools in English Reading and Maths].

An Dara Comhdháil Taighde Uile-Oileánda ar an Tumoideachas, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, 19 May 2018.

    

Páipéir Chomhdhála Náisiúta agus Idirnáisiúnta / National and International Conference Papers 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2023) Defining Features of Effective Professional Development for Immersion Teachers. EDULEARN 23, 15th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies. Palma de Mallorca (Spain). 3rd - 5th of July, 2023. 

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. & Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020) E-portfolio-based language learning and assessment in immersion teacher professional development: Critical reflection, strategic thinking and independent action. 8th International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah, 07-10 October 2020.  

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. agus Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020). Generating immersion teacher language awareness through online learning. World Conference on Online Learning 2019, Transforming Lives and Societies: Conference Proceedings, Volume 2, 650-660, Dublin City University, Dublin. http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3804014.

O’ Brien, E., Ní Chlochasaigh, K. and Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2019). The role of assessment literacy in encouraging students to choose alternative assessment modes. International Conference on Engaging Pedagogy (ICEP). University of Limerick, Ireland, 13 December 2019.

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. and Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2019). Cultivating immersion teachers’ linguistic proficiency through active blended learning. ICLHE 2019 Conference, Multilingualism and multimodality in Higher Education.  Universitat Jaume, Castellón, Spain, 15-18 October 2019.

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. and Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2019). Immersion teacher educator evaluation and professional development: Pedagogic transformation through blended learning.  ICLHE 2019 Conference, Multilingualism and multimodality in Higher Education.  Universitat Jaume, Castellón, Spain, 15-18 October 2019.

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. agus Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2019). Generating immersion teacher language awareness through online learning. World Conference on Online Learning 2019, Transforming Lives and Societies. Dublin, 03-07 November 2019.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. and Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2019).  CEFR practices and technology-based language assessment in higher education, European Association for Language Testing and      Assessment Conference (EALTA 2019), Transitions in Language Assessment, Dublin City University, 31/05/19 – 02/06/19.

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. and Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2019). Building linguistic systems through online learning, EdTech2019, The Digital Transformation of Irish Higher and Further Education –      Real or Imagined? Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, 30-31 May 2019.

Shiel, G., Ní Chlochasaigh, K. and Ó Duibhir, P. (2019) The effects of bilingualism on pupils in Irish-medium schools with a low socio-economic status: Benefits and challenges. ESAI        Conference 2019: Education in Times of Change, Choice and Challenge, St. Angela’s College and Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo, 11 – 13 April 2019.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Shiel, G. and Ó Duibhir, P. (2019) Achievements of Irish Language Immersion Students in a Low Socio-economic Context. 15th BAAL Language Learning and         Teaching in Different Contexts Special Interest Group 2019. Bath University, UK, 28-29 June 2019.

Ó Duibhir, P., Ní Chlochasaigh, K. and Shiel, G. (2019) The effects of bilingualism on Irish-medium students with low socio-economic status: performance, progress and challenges.        International Symposium on Bilingualism: The Next Generation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 23-29 June 2019 (Poster Presentation).

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Shiel, G. and Ó Duibhir, P. (2019) The performance of students in Irish-medium schools with low socio-economic status in English reading and  Mathematics:            Opportunities and Challenges. EuroSLA 29, Lund, Aug. 28-31, 2019.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K., Ó Duibhir, P. & Shiel, G. (2018). Dearcthaí Gairmiúla i leith Tionchar an Tumoideachais ar Dhaltaí le Stádas Socheacnamaíoch Íseal [Professional perspectives        on the effects of immersion education on primary school students with low socio-economic status]. Tionól Forbartha Gaeloideachas. 24 November 2017.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2017) Cúinsí Indibhidiúla a bhaineann le sealbhú an dara teanga [Applying theories of individual differences in second language learning across the curricula]. Ollchomhdháil na Cigireachta 2017 (National School Inspectorate Conference). Athlone, March 2017.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2015). Dea-Fhoghlaimeoirí na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal: Trí Chás Staidéar [Good Language Learners of Irish in Higher Education: Three Case Studies]. Comhdháil ar Theagasc na Gaeilge ar an Tríú Leibhéal, St. Patricks College, Drumcondra, 18 September 2015.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2015). Effective Second Language Acquisition among learners of the Irish Language: Bua nó Dua? Symposium on the Sociolinguistics of the Celtic Languages, University College Dublin, 24-26 June 2015.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2015). Foghlaimeoirí Éifeachtacha na Gaeilge: Táid ann ach Táid gann. Ról na Foghlama Comhtháite Teanga agus Ábhair i gcothú na Dea-foghlama i gcás na Gaeilge [The Role of CLIL in promoting effective language acquisition]. An Chéad Chomhdháil Taighde Uile-Oileánda ar an Tumoideachas, MIC, Limerick, 15-16 May 2015. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2013). Dea-Fhoghlaimeoirí na Gaeilge: Cúlra agus Sonraí Eolais an Taighde. The 5th AILA Europe Junior Researcher Meeting, Trinity College, Dublin, June 2013. This  paper was recognized and short-listed as a prize paper. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2011). The traits and characteristics associated with the effective language acquisition process among learners of the Irish Language. Postgraduate conference IT Tralee, Tralee, Co. Kerry, 3 May 2011. 

 

Aoichainteanna agus Ceardlanna don Fhorbairt Ghairmiúil / Invited Lectures and Professional Development Workshops 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2024) 'An sealbhú éifeachtach teanga a chothú i bhfoghlaim agus i dteagasc na Gaeilge' [Cultivating Effective Second Language Acquisition in Irish Language Teaching and Learning] Seimineáir an Earraigh / Spring Seminar Series, Sealbhú DCU. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2024) ‘Understanding the good language learner. What every teacher should know for scaffolding language learning’. Clare, Tralee and Navan Education Centres Webinar Series.   

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. & Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020). Úsáid na teicneolaíochta chun an teagasc agus an fhoghlaim teanga a fhorbairt. Ceardlann de chuid Ionaid Tacaíochta Oideachais na hÉireann (Ionad Oideachais na Gaillimhe) (ceardlann ar líne). 16 Samhain 2020.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2020). Úsáid na teicneolaíochta chun an teagasc agus an fhoghlaim teanga a fhorbairt. Seimineár gréasáin um fhorbairt ghairmiúil: Ionad Oideachais Thrá Lí.  09 Samhain 2020.

Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. & Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020). An teagasc le cuidiú teicneolaíochta: Bealaí nuálacha. Seimineár gréasáin um fhorbairt ghairmiúil don chigireacht. 08 Meán Fómhair 2020.

Ó Ceallaigh T.J. & Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2020). Transitioning to teaching online: Perils, perplexities and possibilities. Professional development workshop for faculty of education, Mary Immaculate College. 07 September 2020.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2019). Peer feedback and students as critical friends. Innovations in Assessment and Feedback: Peer Showcase, Conversations in the Consortium, Mary Immaculate College. 17 September 2019.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2019) Sealbhú teanga: na bunphrionsabail a ghabhann le sealbhú éifeachtach teanga. Seimineár Teanga: cáilíocht eispéireas na bhfoghlaimeoirí a shaibhriú. [Principles of Effective Second Language Acquisition; enriching learning experiences] An Chigireacht [The Inspectorate, Department of Education and Skills], 4 Meán Fómhair 2019. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. & Ó Ceallaigh, T.J. (2019). Peer feedback and students as critical friends. Innovations in Assessment and Feedback: Peer Showcase, Conversations in the Consortium, Mary Immaculate College. 17 September 2019.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2018). Straitéisí Foghlama don Sealbhú Éifeachtach Teanga [Learning Strategies for Effective Language Learning]. Kerry County Council, Ardchúrsa Gaeilge [Advanced language course} , October 2018.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2017). Gníomhaíochtaí cumarsáideacha chun an fhoghaim éifeachtach agus ghníomhach a chur chun cinn [Classroom Activities that promote effective and active language learning]. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, Continual Professional Development for Irish language teachers in a Gaeltacht setting, February 2017. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2017) Enabling Institutional Capability for Formative Assessment Strategies through the Learning Management System. University of Limerick, February 2017. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2016). Ceachtanna ó dhea-fhoghlaimeoirí na Gaeilge: Impleachtaí don Seomra Ranga [Lessons from effective language learners of Irish: Implications for the Irish    language classroom]. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, Continual Professional Development for Irish language teachers in a Gaeltacht setting, February 2016.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2015) Providing corrective feedback in a problem-based learning approach: using an online language portfolio to promote language accuracy and students’ collaboration. Learning through sharing: best practices of Computer Mediated Communication in language teaching/learning. University of Limerick, October 2015. 

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2014). Tabhairt faoi deara i leith foghlaim na gramadaí [Nurturing Noticing in Grammar Instruction and Learning]. National University of Ireland, Maynooth. DMGA Guest Lecture Series. November 2014.

Ní Chlochasaigh, K. (2011). Foghlaimeoirí Éifeachtacha na Gaeilge: Teoiric agus cur chuige praiticiúil [Theories and practical approaches for effective language learning]. National University of Ireland, Maynooth. DMGA Guest Lecture Series. Novemeber 2011.