How is research disseminated, accessed, and utilised in Irish schools?

Barrett, Courtenay A.; Prendergast, Mark

How is research disseminated, accessed, and utilised in Irish schools?

Files

Research Utilisation in Irish Schools_Accepted Manuscript.pdf(619.91 KB)

Accepted Version

Date

2025

Authors

Barrett, Courtenay A.

Prendergast, Mark

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Published Version

10.1177/01430343241309031

Abstract

In Ireland, as elsewhere, there has been growing recognition around the importance of using research evidence to inform educational policy and practice at both a national government and individual school level. Despite such importance, there is currently a dearth of empirical, peer-reviewed studies regarding the use of research evidence in the Irish education system. With this in mind, we conducted semi-structured interviews in Autumn 2023 with seven educational researchers based in higher education and ten teachers based in both primary and secondary schools. The purpose was to examine how research is utilised at both the individual- and systems-levels in Irish schools. In terms of findings, researchers and teachers noted there was insufficient dissemination, access, and utilisation of research in schools. Participants suggested that the use of research evidence in Ireland focused on the dissemination of the research process (e.g., how to conduct research as part of self-evaluation processes) rather than the dissemination of research findings (e.g., results from efficacy studies). However, all participants acknowledged that the use of research evidence to inform practice is nuanced and complex, and is dependent upon many factors such as the type of research (e.g., methodology, subject area) and the context (e.g., national policies in Ireland). Implications for research and practice, as well as potential pitfalls when using research to inform policymaking, are discussed.

Keywords

School , Education , Ireland , Research utilisation , Dissemination , Access

Citation

Barrett, C.A. and Prendergast, M. (2025) ‘How is research disseminated, accessed, and utilised in Irish schools?’, School Psychology International, 01430343241309031. https://doi.org/10.1177/01430343241309031