In this episode of the EPI·STEM podcast, Geraldine Simmie PhD and Michelle Starr PhD welcome Assistant Professor Patrick J. Dundon as their special guest. Assistant Professor Dundon is a lecturer in science education in the School of Education and an affiliate of the EPI·STEM research centre. Pat is also Course Director for the undergraduate programme in UL in biology education, with additional options either in agricultural science or in physics and chemistry.
In the podcast, Pat shares his journey into the academy of science teacher education at UL from completing his undergraduate studies in science teacher education and his PhD study in the life sciences in UL, to becoming a science teacher in Castletroy College. In addition, Assistant Professor Dundon has acted as an examiner with the State Examinations Commission and a resource person with the OIDE team, the teacher learning team overseen by the Department of Education and Youth.
Dr Dundon shares his insights of the complexities and nuances involved in teaching young people science, taking a reflective and relational positioning and coming from a rich understanding that the canon of science knowledge is itself provisional and constantly changing. This invites multiple pedagogical approaches – it relates to citizen science and moves science teaching beyond a static body of knowledge. As a science teacher your aim is to keep the tension alive between being present to the young people and delivering the class that you had carefully planned.
Dr Pat Dundon has published school-based textbooks, general science books for junior cycle and a recent book for the new Leaving Certificate Biology specification. His current research studies are interested in the multiple experiences of student teachers during their school placement and developing with colleagues a research-led framework for teaching science practical skills.
The music selection today is by Yoghan, an original songwriter from Limerick and a final year student in the BA in World Music in the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in UL. Here Yoghan is playing his acoustic guitar and singing his original composition called ‘Butterfly’.
