Jane O'Kelly
Dr
Dr. Jane O'Kelly is an Assistant Professor in the DCU Institute of Education. Her research interests include further education and training, professional practice in teaching adults, learner voice, blended learning and peer and self-directed learning. She lectures in Creative Instructional Design, Research methodologies and approaches, Work-based reflective practice and professional practice in education. She is the Chair of the BSc in Education and Training and manages the placement year for students seeking accreditation as tutors in further education and training. Her background includes working in the National Centre for Guidance in Education and Leargas, supporting policy and practice in adult education, vocational education and training (VET) and guidance. She has strong ties to European Commission funded VET programmes through twenty years of administration, management, evaluation and report writing in the Leonardo da Vinci, Lifelong Learning and Erasmus+. She has a deep interest in contributing to the development of the further education sector in Ireland through research and evaluation on pedagogy, peer support and learner-centred practice, both to support the continuing professional development of educators and trainers, and to improve outcomes for adult returners and older learners.
Peer Reviewed Journal
Thesis
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Jane O'Kelly (2016) How can a community of practice process and concept support undergraduates learning experiences?. THES Link |
Book Chapter
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Rami, J & O'Kelly, J (2017) 'Initial Teacher Education in FET settings: Affirmation and Aspiration' In: Galway, Ireland : Education Matters. Link |
Conference Contribution
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Outreach Activities
Research Interests
Communities of practice in education and training, further education and training (FET), teaching placement in further education and training, continuing professional development in FET, reflective practice, blended learning, special educational needs especially Asperger's Syndrome.
Teaching Interests
I am interested in communities of practice and the value of educators and trainers learning from each other's experience. I believe that the sharing of tacit knowledge and responses to learner needs and behaviour from the practitioner perspective is key to improving practice and the learner experience. These beliefs align with the importance of reflective practice and the commitment of all practitioners to improving the educational and vocational experience of learners and educators alike.