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Professor Carmel O'Sullivan
Professor In, Education
Dean of AHSS, Faculty Office : AHSS

Biography

Carmel O'Sullivan is Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and is a Professor in Education in the School of Education in Trinity College Dublin. She is involved in several funded research projects in the areas of creativity and assessmentin higher education, arts in education, and an innovative work readiness programme for young adults who face significant barriers to entering the workplace (Career LEAP). Carmel has particular expertise in the areas of creativity and inclusivity in education, working nationally and internationally with students, academics, practitioners and policy makers from the worlds of education, health, business, and community. She organises an international Summer School in Drama and Theatre in Education each year (M.Ed.), and is a founding member of ADEI (the Association for Drama in Education in Ireland). Carmel is a regularly invited speaker at national and international conferences, and has delivered lectures and workshops in academic and professional institutions worldwide. She has organised numerous national and international seminars, workshops and conferences. Carmel is very active in her local community and has continued to work with children and young people on a weekly basis throughout her professional career.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

Peer-Reviewed Publications

On The Pathway To Critical Consciousness: Fostering Critical Thinking Through Drama In A Chilean `Vulnerable" School in, editor(s)Vicki Ware, Kirsten Sadeghi-Yekta, Tim Prentki, Patrick Kabanda and Wasim Al-Kurdi , Routledge Handbook on Arts and Global Development, Australia, Routledge, 2024, pp123 - 139, [Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2024

Carmel O'Sullivan, Susanne Colleary and David Davis, Kimim Ben? Bunu bana Kim söyleyebilir? [Who am I?' 'Who can tell me who I am?' The Importance of the Social and Political in Children's and Young People's Drama, 1st edition, Turkey, E Yay"nlar" [Trans by Z. Handan Salta], 2024, 1 - 210pp Book, 2024

Carmel O'Sullivan and Lisa O'Keeffe, Creative Youth A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Trends across the Creative Youth Plan 2017 - 2022 Insights and Implications - Final Report, 2nd edition, Creative Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, January, 2024, p1 - 125 Report, 2024

Carmel O'Sullivan and Lisa O'Keeffe, 'Creative Youth: Evaluation Guidelines', The Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027. Supporting creativity and wellbeing in children and young people, Dublin, Dept. of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, 2023, 1 - 37 Protocol or guideline, 2023 TARA - Full Text

Carmel O'Sullivan, David Davis and Susanne Colleary, Who am I? Who can tell me who I am?'The Importance of the Social and Political in Children"s and Young People"s Drama, Vol 3, No. 1, Trinity College Dublin, Custodian, 2023, 1 - 199pp Book, 2023 TARA - Full Text

Unveiling the Power of Political Framing through Drama in, editor(s)Carmel O'Sullivan, David Davis and Susanne Colleary , 22, Dublin, Custodian, 2023, pp22 - 40, [Carmel O"Sullivan and Silke Franz] Book Chapter, 2023

O'Sullivan, C., Clotworthy, E., Nugent, M., Colleary, S., Keane, E., Piazzoli, E., Gubbins, E., Krakaur, L., Kerin, M., McCormick, S., & Heeran Flynn, L., Arts Alive: A literature review to support curriculum specification development for the area of Arts Education, Abingdon, Oxfon, UK, New York, US, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, October, 2023, p1 - 245 Report, 2023 URL TARA - Full Text

Carmel O'Sullivan, New Developments in Arts Education in Primary School Curricula, Nanjing Drama and Education Conference, Nanjing, China, 26th May, 2023, Nanjing Government and The University of Communication, Nanjing, 1 - 35pp Invited Talk, 2023

Geoff Readman, Carmel O'Sullivan, Stig A. Eriksson, The Drama/Theatre Continuum, Dorothy Heathcote Now - An International Conference, Institute of Education UCL, London, 11-13 November, 2022, Midland Actors Theatre and University College London Invited Talk, 2022

Silke Franz, Carmel O"Sullivan and Susanne Colleary , The Concealed Art of Persuasion: Unveiling the Power of Political Framing Through Drama , IDEA 9th World Congress, Drama4LL Drama for Tall and Small -Celebrating Drama in a Changing World, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 4th - 8th July, 2022 Conference Paper, 2022

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O"Sullivan , The Generalisability of `Social Drama" for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Natural Environments , Drama4LL Drama for Tall and Small -Celebrating Drama in a Changing World, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 4th - 8th July, 2022 Conference Paper, 2022

Carmel O'Sullivan, Silke Franz and Ciara Fagan , Using Frame in Drama and Theatre in Education, Body, Art and Education: Experiences from the Classroom (Cuerpo, Arte y Educación: Experiencia en el Aula), Universidad de Chile, 2-3 December 2021, edited by Catalina Villanueva , 2022, pp1-12 Conference Paper, 2022

Kiera Anderson and Carmel O'Sullivan, Developing Female Leaders Through Drama, 10th IDIERI Conference - `Navigating Mess and Complexity in Uncertain Times: values, practices, methods and impacts", University of Warwick, UK, 10th " 15th July, 2022 Conference Paper, 2022

O" Sullivan, C., Franz, S., Fagan, C., & Villanueva, C., Usando el marco en educación dramática y teatral, Teatro, 7, (1), 2022, p71 - 83 Journal Article, 2022 URL

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, Eliciting the voice of children with ASD , 10th IDIERI Conference - `Navigating Mess and Complexity in Uncertain Times: values, practices, methods and impacts", University of Warwick, UK, 10th " 15th July , 2022 Conference Paper, 2022

Carmel O'Sullivan and Lisa O'Keeffe, Creative Youth: A systematic review of outcomes and trends in Phase One of the Creative Youth Plan. Insights and Implications - An Interim Report, Australia, Creative Ireland Programme, May , 2022, p1 - 95 Report, 2022 TARA - Full Text

Carmel O'Sullivan, Exploring Heathcote's Brotherhoods Codes, Dorothy Heathcote Now - An International Conference, Institute of Education UCL, London, 11-13 November, 2022, Midland Actors Theatre and University College London Invited Talk, 2022

Noirin Hayes, Jackie Maguire & Carmel O'Sullivan, Professional Development in Arts Education for Early Childhood Education: A Creative Exchange Model , International Journal of Early Childhood, 53, (2), 2021, p159 - 174 Journal Article, 2021

Internationalizing Teacher Practice through the Arts: Exploring the Impact of a Drama-Infused Study Abroad Program in, editor(s)Laura Baecher , Study Abroad in Teacher Education: Transformation at the Global Scale, New York, Routledge, 2021, pp166 - 180, [Carmel O'Sullivan and Linda Krakaur] Book Chapter, 2021

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama In Education is now more important than ever, 'OPEN OUT - Tectonic Shift In School Education', India, 22nd May, 2021, Joy of Drama Invited Talk, 2021

Initial Teacher Education Provision in Ireland in, "Teacher Education Practicum/Internships", Iran, Farhangain Teacher Education University , 2020, pp22-45 - [Melanie Ní Dhuinn, Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2020

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Dramatic codifications: Possibilities and roadblocks for promoting critical reflection through drama in Chile, Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 2020, p1 - 17 Journal Article, 2020 URL

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama in Education as a Form of Critical Pedagogy: Democratising Classrooms in Chile, ArtsPraxis, 7, (2b), 2020, p92 - 115 Journal Article, 2020

Carmel O'Sullivan, Deirdre Rogers, Michael Flannery, Inclusive teaching and learning through visual arts integration with reuse materials, National Early Years Research, 1, (1), 2020, p81 - 88 Journal Article, 2020

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, The Contribution of Social Drama to the Generalisability of Social Skills of Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders , British Educational Research Association (BERA), Manchester, Sept,, 2019 Conference Paper, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan, Using drama in education to support students with special educational needs in a changing world, Facing the Gap Conference, Beijing, China, August 17th and 18th, Drama Rainbow, 2019, pp1 - 34 Conference Paper, 2019

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, Using Role-Play to Elicit Child Voice in the Social Drama Model for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, World Education Research Association (WERA) , Tokyo, Japan, August 5-8th , 2019 Conference Paper, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan and Niamh Price, Perceptions of Play and Drama in Education in Early Years Classrooms in China, Drama Research: International Journal of Drama in Education , 10, (1), 2019, p1 - 41 Journal Article, 2019 TARA - Full Text

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jennifer Symonds and Jos Akkermans, Career LEAP: A work readiness programme for young unemployed adults facing significant barriers to entering the workplace , World Education Research Association (WERA) , University of Tokyo, 5-8 August , 2019 Conference Paper, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan and Deirdre Rogers, All Heads Together: Inclusive teaching and learning through the visual arts with reuse materials, 'Providing Leadership to the First 5', Croke Park Dublin, 12-13 April 2019, Early Childhood Ireland, 2019 Conference Paper, 2019

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Analyzing the Degree of Consensus in Current Academic Literature on Critical Pedagogy, Scenario, XIII, (2), 2019, p70 - 91 Journal Article, 2019 TARA - Full Text

Heidi Schoenenberger and Carmel O'Sullivan, The Impact of Live Performance in Primary Schools, 9th International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) - Tyranny of Distance, University of Aukland, New Zealand, 2-9 July, 2018 Oral Presentation, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Planning Drama in Education in Primary School Classrooms: A Continuous Professional Development Course , Shanghai, China, 14-15 April, 2018, Drama Rainbow and Renmin University Press Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jacqueline Maguire, Noirin Hayes, Seoidin O'Sullivan, Lucie Corcoran and Grainne McKenna, The wonder project: an early years arts education project with Traveller mothers and their children, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, DOI: 10.1080/1350293, 2018, p1 - 27 Journal Article, 2018

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, The contribution of Social Drama to the generalisability of social skills of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), 9th International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) - Tyranny of Distance, University of Aukland, New Zealand, 2018 Oral Presentation, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Creativity in the kindergarten and the role of arts education in young children's development in 21st century education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, 12 April, 2018 Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Cultivating and cherishing life through drama', Nanxi Kindergarten, ECNU affiliated kindergarten, and Guangmin middle school, Shanghai, China, ECNU, 2018, - Theatre Production, 2018

Colman Patrick Ross and Carmel O'Sullivan, The Relationship between Comparative Adult Basic Education Approaches and Poverty Alleviation in Selected Tay, H'mong, Dao and Black Thai Communities in Vietnam, Iranian Journal of Comparative Education, 1, (1 (Spring)), 2018, p68 - 91 Journal Article, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jennifer Symonds and Jos Akkermans, An Evaluation of Career LEAP: A Work-readiness Programme for Young Adults Not in Education, Employment or Training, Dublin, Ireland, Temple-na-Sceilg Press. , July, 2018, p1 - 85 Report, 2018 TARA - Full Text

Carmel O'Sullivan, Exploring life and mortality through Drama in Education (Qingming) with children and their parents. A series of practical workshops and training seminars for children, teachers, parents, and educators. , Cheese Education Centre, Chengdu, China, 5-7 April , 2018 Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan and Niamh Price, Parents' and Teachers' Attitudes to Play in Early Years Classrooms in Jiangsu Province, China, Iranian Journal of Comparative Education, 1, (2 (Summer)), 2018, p30 - 57 Journal Article, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Deirdre Rogers, Ekaterina Kozina, Michael Flannery, Tom Hayes and Sarah Clarke, Teaching Artists Working in Inclusive Schools and Educational Settings, 9th International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) - Tyranny of Distance, University of Aukland, New Zealand, 2-9 July, 2018 Oral Presentation, 2018

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Challenging distances: Navigating the waters of critical pedagogy in the Chilean classroom through drama in education, 9th International Drama in Education Research Institute (IDIERI) - Tyranny of Distance, University of Aukland, New Zealand, 2-9 July, 2018 Oral Presentation, 2018

Jennifer E. Symonds and Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Educating young adults to be work ready in Ireland and the United Kingdom: A review of programmes and outcomes, Review of Education: An International Journal of Major Studies in Education, 5, (3), 2017, p229 - 263 Journal Article, 2017

Jennifer E. Symonds and Carmel O'Sullivan, Context and Implications Document for: Educating young adults to be work-ready in Ireland and the United Kingdom: A review of programmes and outcomes, Review of Education: An International Journal of Major Studies in Education, 5, (3), 2017, p264 - 266 Journal Article, 2017

Noirin Hayes, Jackie Maguire, Lucie Corcoran and Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Artful Dodgers': An arts education research project in early education settings, Irish Educational Studies, 37, (2), 2017, p1-24 Journal Article, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan and Alice, J. Drajea, The Influence of Parental Education and Literacy Skill Levels on Children's Achievement in Primary School, Moyo District, Rural Uganda, First International Conference on Comparative Education, CESIR (Comparative Education Society of Iran), Lorestan University, Khorramadab, Iran, 23-24 November 2017, edited by Abbas Madandar Arani , 2017 Conference Paper, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Planning Drama in Education in Chinese Primary School Classrooms: A Continuous Professional Development Course , Beijing, China, 6th-8th October, 2017, Drama Rainbow and Renmin University Press Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jennifer Symonds and Jos Akkermans, Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership) - A Work Readiness Training Programme [eBook), 1st edition, Dublin, Ireland, Temple-na-Sceilg Press. , 2017, 1 - 237pp Book, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Re-conceptualising Initial Teacher Education in Ireland, International Conference on Teacher Education, Farhangian University, Isfahan, Iran, 25-26 November 2017, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Drama in Chinese Schools , A Specialist Training Course for Senior Management in Teacher Education Universities in 5 Provinces , Chongqing, China, 11-13th October , 2017, UNICEF Invited Talk, 2017

Role-playing. In L. Cohen, L. Manion and K. R. B. Morrison, in, Research Methods in Education (8th edition), Abingdon, UK, Routledge, 2017, pp510 - 537, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2017

Deirdre Rodgers and Carmel O'Sullivan, Heads UP - A Journey in Creative Reuse, Second 'Arts in Education Portal National Day', St. Patrick's Campus DCU, Dublin , 6th May, DES and Dept of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, 2017 Oral Presentation, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama with Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Different Learning Abilities, Ministry of Education, Tehran, Iran, 21st November, 2017, Exceptional Education Organization of Iran Invited Talk, 2017

Colman Ross and Carmel O'Sullivan, The Relationship between Comparative Adult Basic Education Approaches and Poverty Alleviation in Selected Tay, H'mong, Dao and Black Thai Communities in Vietnam, First International Conference on Comparative Education, CESIR (Comparative Education Society of Iran), Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran, 23-24 November 2017, edited by Abbas Madandar Arani , 2017 Conference Paper, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Practical Guide to Planning Drama in Education - Creative learning for 7-8 year old children, 1st edition, Beijing, China, Renmin University Press Co. Ltd., 2017, 1-208pp Book, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Heidi Schoenenberger, and Philip Kingston, The Impact of Live Performance in Primary Schools in Ireland: A Case Study of the Abbey Theatre's Priming the Canon Programme., Drama Research: International journal of drama in education, 8, (1), 2017, p76 - 102 Journal Article, 2017

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama in education: opening spaces for critical pedagogy to come alive in the practice of Chilean teachers , 42nd Annual Conference, Changing Research: working the spaces between education policy and practice, University College Cork, 20th - 22nd April , ESAI (Educational Studies Association of Ireland), 2017 Conference Paper, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Active and Creative Teaching, Learning and Assessment Practices for 21st Century Teacher Education , International Conference on Teacher Education, Farhangian University, Isfahan, Iran, 25-26 November 2017, 2017 Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Building Bridges: Drama in the Social Education of Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Where are the Pioneers: Who is on the Edge of Practice and Research, The World Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences, ASSITEJ (International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People) Artistic Gathering, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, UK, 2-9 July, 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Creative Teaching and Learning Practices in an Increasingly Competitive, Unequal and Complex World, Continuous Professional Development for Faculty, Graduate School of Education, Peking University, 11th October , 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama in Education: A cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning, Continuous Professional Development for Faculty, Beijing Institute of Education, China, October 11th, 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama in Education: A Creative Pedagogy for 21st Century Teaching and Learning, A Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programme for Faculty and Postgraduate Students, Beijing Normal University, China, 10th October, 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Dara Connolly, Deirdre Rogers, Carmel O'Sullivan and Katherine Ridge, Heads Up - A Journey in Creative Reuse, Dublin, ReCreate Ireland and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), December, 2016, p1 - 64 Report, 2016 URL

Carmel O'Sullivan, Exploring Quality in Early Childhood Education Through Drama, Continuous Professional Development for Faculty and Students, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 12th October , 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, with Niamh Price, Practical Guide to Planning Drama in Education - Creative learning for 3-5 year old children, 1st edition, Beijing, China, Renmin University Press Co. Ltd., 2016, 1-174pp Book, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Creativity in the Social Skills Education of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 17th International Conference on Educational Research, Future Education Design: Creativity, Personality and Safety, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 12-14 October, 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Jackie Maguire, Naomi Draper, Debbie Donnelly, Ash Ryan, Carmel O'Sullivan, and Noirin Hayes, Artful Dodgers: Arts education through creative exchange, 26th European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) International Conference, DCU, Dublin, 31st Aug - 3rd Sept , 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Jackie Maguire, Naomi Draper, Debbie Donnelly, Ash Ryan, Carmel O'Sullivan, and Noirin Hayes , Artful Dodgers: Arts education through creative exchange, Happiness, Relationships, Emotion & Deep Level Learning, 31st August - 3rd Sept DCU, Dublin, edited by 26th European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) International Conference , 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, with Niamh Price, Practical Guide to Planning Drama in Education - Creative learning for 5-7 year old children, 1st edition, Beijing, China, Renmin University Press Co. Ltd. , 2016, 1-177pp Book, 2016

Heidi Schoenenberger and Carmel O'Sullivan, Bringing Quality Theatre to Classrooms, NYU Forum on Educational Theatre (FOET), Steinhart School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University , April 21-24, 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Research in Early Childhood Education and Special Education: The influence of Dorothy Heathcote and Bertolt Brecht, The Exception and the Rule, Bergen University College, April 29, 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan and Noirin Hayes, Researching the Artist-in-Residence in Early Years Settings, 26th European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) International Conference, DCU Dublin, 31st Aug - 3rd Sept , 2016 Conference Paper, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Developing Creative Kindergartens and Early Years Classrooms, Beijing, China, April 27-29, 2015, Drama Rainbow, UNICEF and Chinese Ministry of Education Invited Talk, 2015

Martin Murphy and Carmel O'Sullivan, Shakespeare without Boots. The case against compulsory Shakespeare at Junior Cycle, 40th ESAI Annual Conference: 'Educational Research and Practice in Times of Transition: Looking to the Future', Maynooth University, April 9-11, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

The Day that Shrek was almost rescued: Doing Process Drama with Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in, editor(s)Peter Duffy , What Was I Thinking: A Reflective Practitioner's Guide to (Mis)Adventures in Drama Education, New York, Peter Lang, 2015, pp219 - 242, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2015

Ireland and Autism in, editor(s)Fred R. Volkmar , Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, New York, Springer Reference, 2015, pp225 - 238, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2015

Martha O'Shaughnessy and Carmel O'Sullivan, Teaching and Learning Good Quality Literature using a Drama in Education Methodology in Primary Schools in Ireland, Reading Association of Ireland 39th Annual Conference, Dublin, September 25th, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, Doing drama with students with SEN and different learning abilities (Keynote address), Decades of Praxis: Emerging Issues and Possibilities of Drama Education in Asia and Beyond, Hong Kong, May 1-3rd , 2015, TEFO (Hong Kong Drama/Theatre and Education Forum) Invited Talk, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, Social Drama - Weaving Story into the Lives of Children and Young People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Keynote address), 6th International Storyline Conference, University of Strathclyde, Scotland, 27th to 29th March, 2015, Storyline International Invited Talk, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jackie Maguire, Seoidin O'Sullivan, Lucie Corcoran and Noirin Hayes , 'The Wonder Project': A collaborative early-years music, drama and visual arts programme for Traveller children and their mothers, 8th International Drama, Theatre and Education Research Institute (IDIERI), Singapore, June 30-July 5 2015, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, The impact of using a process drama approach on levels of concentration in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, 40th ESAI Annual Conference: 'Educational Research and Practice in Times of Transition: Looking to the Future', Maynooth University, April 9-11, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Then and Now: How does Current Academic Literature on Critical Pedagogy relate to Paulo Freire's Original Views?, 40th ESAI Annual Conference: 'Educational Research and Practice in Times of Transition: Looking to the Future', Maynooth University, April 9-11, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan and Susan Kennedy Killian, Is Inclusive Education Always Right for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An exploratory study using 'Social Drama', 8th International Drama, Theatre and Education Research Institute (IDIERI), Singapore, June 30-July 5 2015, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, Critical Pedagogy Today: Is There Consensus? A Literature Review of Critical Pedagogy and its Implications for the Field of Applied Drama, 8th International Drama, Theatre and Education Research Institute (IDIERI), Singapore, June 30-July 5 2015, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Peadar Donohoe and Carmel O'Sullivan, The Bullying Prevention Pack: Fostering Vocabulary and Knowledge on the Topic of Bullying and Prevention with Role-Plays and Discussions to Reduce Primary School Bullying, Scenario Journal for Drama and Theatre in Foreign and Second Language Education, IX, (1), 2015, p97 - 114 Journal Article, 2015

Sarah Clarke and Carmel O'Sullivan, Readiness to learn; the impact of drama in education approaches on the development of critical thinking skills and student ability to self-direct in Irish secondary schools, 40th ESAI Annual Conference: 'Educational Research and Practice in Times of Transition: Looking to the Future', Maynooth University, April 9-11, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Catalina Villanueva and Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Drama as a Form of Critical Pedagogy: Setting the theoretical scene for a practical exploration in the Chilean classroom', Performance of Hope - International Symposium on Applied Theatre. Critical Research Unit in Applied Theatre (CRUAT), University of Auckland, New Zealand, http://www.education.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/events/events-2015, 2015, - Broadcast, 2015

Jacqueline Fallon and Carmel O'Sullivan , Teachers' beliefs about play in the infant classes of primary schools in the Republic of Ireland , 25th EECERA (European Early Childhood Education Research Association) Annual Conference, 'Innovation, Experimentation and Adventure in Early Childhood', Barcelona, Spain, 7-10 September, 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, Social Drama and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Thessaloniki, Greece, 11-13 March, 2014, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1 - 98pp Invited Talk, 2014

Jackie Maguire, Seoidin O'Sullivan, Grainne McKenna, Lucie Corcoran, Noirin Hayes and Carmel O'Sullivan, 'The Wonder Project': A collaborative early-years music, drama and visual arts programme for Traveller children and their mothers, EECERA (European Early Childhood Research Association), Crete, Greece, 7th - 10th September, 2014 Conference Paper, 2014

Raising educational outcomes through improving literacy: examples from Uganda and Kenya in, editor(s)Marilyn Leask and James O'Meara , Pathways to Literate Worlds, London, Open University Press, 2014, pp17 - 26, [Drajea, Alice (SHS) and O'Sullivan, Carmel] Book Chapter, 2014

Drama and Autism in, editor(s)Fred R. Volkmar , Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders, New York, Springer Reference, 2014, pp312 - 327, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2014

Alice J. Drajea (SHS) and Carmel O'Sullivan, Raising Educational Outcomes through Parental Education and Literacy Skills: Perspectives from Parents and their Children in Rural Uganda, ESAI (Educational Studies Association of Ireland) 'Imagining and Innovating for Sustainable Futures; education in challenging times', Athlone, Ireland, 10-12 April, 2014 Conference Paper, 2014

Drajea, Alice (SHS) and O'Sullivan, Carmel, Influence of Parental Education and Family Income on Children's Education in Rural Uganda, Global Education Review, 1, (1), 2014, p93 - 115 Journal Article, 2014

Academic Professional Development in Ireland in, editor(s)Andrew Loxley, Aidan Seery and John Walsh , Higher Education in Ireland - Practices, Policies and Possibilities, London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014, pp216 - 232, [O'Sullivan, Carmel and Cooper, Rose] Book Chapter, 2014

The stage and the city: narrative, identity and place in Dermot Bolger's 'The Ballymun Trilogy' (2004-2008). in, editor(s)Kathleen Gallagher and Jonothan Neelands , Drama and Theatre in Urban Contexts., Oxon, Routledge, 2013, pp85 - 100, [Niamh Malone and Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2013

Carmel O'Sullivan, Interactive Drama in Education Techniques for Early Childhood Teachers and Drama Practitioners in Turkey, Research seminar, Eskisehir, Turkey, 3-4 May, 2013, University of Anadolu, 1 - 43pp Invited Talk, 2013

Stuart Roche and Carmel O'Sullivan, with Purple Heart Theatre Company, ''The Flying Box', from the Franz Xaver von Schonwerth Collection', The Role of Fairytale in Contemporary Theatre, Trinity Long Room Hub, School of Education, Arts Education Research Group, 2013, - Theatre Production, 2013

Jacqueline Fallon and Carmel O'Sullivan , 'Risky Business': policy implementation in infant classes in Irish primary schools, ESAI (Educational Studies Association of Ireland), 'Educational Policy in Changing Times: Consultation, Implementation and Impact', Limerick, 21-23 March 2013, 2013 Conference Paper, 2013

Carmel O'Sullivan, What is the role of fairytale in contemporary theatre?, The Role of Fairytale in Contemporary Theatre, Trinity Long Room Hub, 7-8 June 2013, 2013 Conference Paper, 2013

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama in Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Research seminar, Antalya, Turkey, 10-12 May, 2013, University of Akdeniz, 1 - 38pp Invited Talk, 2013

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama, drama therapy and ethical questions, Research seminar, Ankara, Turkey, 6 May, 2013, Ankara University Invited Talk, 2013

Carmel O'Sullivan and Meg Maxwell, The Role of Technology in Drama in Education , Identity formation through the Arts, University of Arts, Targu-Mures, Romania, 16-17 November, 2012, pp1 - 19 Conference Paper, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Teacher in Role: An exploration of its application in the classroom as a creative pedagogy, Research seminar , Ioannina, Greece, March 16 to 18, 2012, The Municipal and Regional Theatre of Ioannina, 1 - 28pp Invited Talk, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Interactive Drama in Education Techniques for Kindergarten and Early Childhood Teachers and Classroom Assistants in China, Creative Practices in Early Years Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China, September 21-23, 2012, Drama Rainbow, 1 - 109pp Invited Talk, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Lorraine Boran and David Delany, A Study of the Role of Drama in Developing Social versus Physical Attribution Abilities in Children on the Autistic Spectrum, Borders and translations: Towards new paradigms and languages in drama education, IDIERI (the International Drama in Education Research Institute), Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, 10-15 July, 2012 Conference Paper, 2012

O'Sullivan, C. , Drama for Learning. A 21st Century Vision for Education, featuring Dorothy Heathcote and Cecily O'Neill [3 hour DVD], 2012, - Miscellaneous, 2012

Malone, N. and O'Sullivan, C. , The Stage and the City: Narrative, Identity and Place in Dermot Bolger's The Ballymun Trilogy (2004-2008), RIDE - The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 16, (2), 2011, p235 - 250 Journal Article, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. , Interactive drama in education techniques for teachers and facilitators working with pre-school and early years children, Drama in Education Association, University of Ankara, University of Adana and Eskişehir, Turkey, May 16-22, 2011 Invited Talk, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. and McKernan, D., Educational drama as an effective intervention in the education of young people on the autistic spectrum, Ambitious for all: Current research in Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disorders, Queens University Belfast, 18 November, 2011 Conference Paper, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. and McKernan, D., Building Bridges - Drama in the Social Education of Young People with Asperger Syndrome , No Mind Left Behind, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, March 29-30, edited by Mindroom Social Brain 3, Conference proceedings , 2011 Poster, 2011

Boran, L., Delany, D. and O'Sullivan, C., Executive Function and Creativity in Autism Spectrum Disorder, No Mind Left Behind, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, March 29-30, edited by Mindroom Social Brain 3, Conference proceedings , 2011 Poster, 2011

Role-Playing in, editor(s)L. Cohen, L. Manion and K. Morrison , Research Methods in Education (7th edition), Oxon, Routledge, 2011, pp510 - 527, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. and Karavoltsou, A., Drama in education and self-directed learning for adults, Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, Volume 17, (2), 2011, p64 - 79 Journal Article, 2011

Michael Grenfell, Carmel O'Sullivan, Marita Kerin, Measuring Artistic and Social Impacts , 'Arts and Civil Society Symposium', Create and Voluntary Arts Ireland, Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, October 20-21, 2011 Oral Presentation, 2011

Early Childhood Education: A Socio-Historic and Cognitive Introduction in, editor(s)Yayina Hazirlayanlar, Yasare Aktas Arnas and Özlem Kaf Hasirci , 'Erken Çocukluk Egitiminde Yaratici Drama', Ankara, Turkey, Naturel, 2010, pp17 - 34, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2010

O'Sullivan, C. , Creativity and Autistic Spectrum Disorders [Keynote address], Conference on Creativity in Education and Practice, Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, May , 2010, Social Studies Community of Practice Invited Talk, 2010

Planning for Drama in Early Childhood Education in, editor(s)Yayina Hazirlayanlar, Yasare Aktas Arnas and Özlem Kaf Hasirci , 'Erken Çocukluk Egitiminde Yaratici Drama', Ankara, Turkey, Naturel, 2010, pp91 - 150, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2010

Asperger Syndrome and Social Skills Education through Creative Drama in, editor(s)Denise Lyons , Creative Studies for the Caring Professions, Dublin, Gill and McMillan, 2010, pp178 - 189, [O'Sullivan, C., McNulty, U., Conroy, L., Walsh, A. and McKernan, D. ] Book Chapter, 2010

O'Sullivan, C. , Special Educational Needs and Drama, 6th IDEA (International Drama, Theatre and Education Association) World Congress, Belém, Brazil, July , 2010 Invited Talk, 2010

O'Sullivan, C. and McKernan, D., Communication through Drama, Enabling Communication, North-South Autistic Spectrum Conference, Armagh City Hotel, 13 November, 2009, Department of Education, Northern Ireland and the Department of Education and Science, Ireland Invited Talk, 2009

O'Sullivan, C., McKernan, D., O'Halloran, S. and Rowland, J., Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents, Teachers, Young People and Other Professionals. [2 hour DVD] , 2009, - Miscellaneous, 2009

O'Sullivan, C. , Okul Öncesi Egitimine Sosyo-tarihsel ve Bilissel Bir Bakis [Keynote address], Fourteenth International Creative Drama in Education Conference, University of Adana, Turkey, May , 2009, Turkish Drama in Education Association, 9 - 16pp Invited Talk, 2009

O'Sullivan, C. , Education through Drama with Children and Young People with Asperger Syndrome, National Association for the Teaching of Drama (UK), Stoke Rochford Hall, Grantham, UK, September, 2007 Invited Talk, 2007

O'Sullivan, C. , Special Needs Education through the Arts [Special Interest Group Convenor}, 5th IDEA (International Drama, Theatre and Education Association) World Congress , Hong Kong, July , 2007 Invited Talk, 2007

O'Fearghail, F. and O'Sullivan, C. , The Man in the Middle. St Laurence O'Toole, Patron Saint of Dublin, 2nd edition, Dublin, Temple-na-Skellig Press, 2007, 1 - 148pp Book, 2007

Defining our Practice in Drama in Education in, editor(s)Marianne Streisand, Nadine Giese, Tom Kraus and Bernd Ruping , 'Talkin' 'Bout My Generation': Archäologie der Theaterpädagogik II - The History of Theatre Pedagogy, Berlin, Schibri-Verlag, 2007, pp84 - 97, [Carmel O'Sullivan] Book Chapter, 2007

O'Sullivan, C. , Education of the Emotions, National Conference on Asperger Syndrome, University College Dublin, October 21, 2006 Invited Talk, 2006

O'Sullivan, C. , Learning In and Learning Through Drama and Theatre, International Conference on the History of Theatre Pedagogy, Lingen (Ems), Germany, November, 2005 Invited Talk, 2005

O'Sullivan, C. , Postmodern Practice in Drama [Special Interest Group Leader], 'The Universal Mosaic of Drama - Walking different pathways together, finding new directions', Fifth World Congress of the International Association of Drama, Theatre and Education (IDEA), Ottawa, Canada, July , 2004 Invited Talk, 2004

O'Sullivan, C. , Overcoming the Divide Between Learning In and Learning Through the Arts [Keynote address], What place for Arts in Education? Towards a new pedagogical pattern based on creativity and participation. The Third Conference of European Regional Ministers for Culture and Education, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin, September, 2004 Invited Talk, 2004

O'Sullivan, C. , Research Paradigms in the Field of Drama, Theatre and Education [Special interest group leader], Fourth International Drama in Education Research Institute, University of Northampton, UK, July , 2003 Invited Talk, 2003

O'Sullivan, C. , Enhancing literacy levels through the use of Drama in Education as an active learning methodology, International Conference on Literacy, Southern Education Library Board (SELB), Belfast, February, 2002 Invited Talk, 2002

O'Sullivan, C. , Arts Education, UNESCO Regional Conference on the Arts in Education in Arab Countries, Amman, Jordan, May, 2002 Invited Talk, 2002

O' Sullivan, C., A Critique of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Research in Drama Education, 6, (2), 2001, p254-257 Review, 2001

O'Sullivan, C. , Searching for the Marxist in Boal, Research in Drama Education, Vol. 6, (No. 1), 2001, p85 - 97 Journal Article, 2001

O'Sullivan, C. , Augusto Boal - A Critical Encounter [Keynote address], 'Beyond Boal: Art and Community Development Theatre for the 21st Century', Grand Valley State University, Michigan, US, November, 2001 Invited Talk, 2001

Haseman, B. and O'Sullivan, C. , Defining our Practice - Between Tradition and Innovation [Leader of a Special Interest Group], Fourth World Congress of IDEA (International Drama/Theatre and Education Association), Bergen, Norway, July, 2001 Invited Talk, 2001

O' Sullivan, C., Review of Legislative Theatre, Research in Drama Education, 5, (2), 2000, p290-294 Review, 2000

O'Sullivan, C. and Davis, D., Self-empowerment or class empowerment? Boal, Brecht and materialism, Urdimento (Latin American Drama and Theatre Journal), 15, (2), 2000, p28 - 43 Journal Article, 2000

Davis, D. and O'Sullivan, C., Chips without the Fat, Journal of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, 9, (1), 2000, p68 - 81 Journal Article, 2000

Davis, D. and O'Sullivan, C., The Un-Political Master Swimmer, New Theatre Quarterly (63), 16, (3), 2000, p288 - 297 Journal Article, 2000

O'Sullivan, C., Review of Beginning Drama 4 - 11, Research in Drama Education, 4, (1), 1999, p129-132 Review, 1999

O'Sullivan, C., Linking at the Equator Cross-roads. 3rd World Congress of Drama. Theatre and Education, Broadsheet, 15, (1), 1999, p49 - 57 Journal Article, 1999

O'Sullivan, C. , Theatre of the Oppressed -A Valid Form of Participatory Theatre? {Keynote address], 'Exploring Boal', Central School of Speech and Drama, London, February, 1999 Invited Talk, 1999

Grady, T. and O' Sullivan, C., A Head Taller - Developing a Humanising Curriculum Through Drama, Birmingham, National Association for the Teaching of Drama, 1998, 1 - 139pp Book, 1998

Primary Cross Curricular Drama in, editor(s)Grady, T. and O' Sullivan, C. , A Head Taller - Developing a Humanising Curriculum Through Drama, Birmingham, National Association for the Teaching of Drama, 1998, pp42 - 57, [O' Sullivan, C.] Book Chapter, 1998

(Re)laying the Foundations for a Child-Centred Curriculum in Drama and Education in, editor(s)O'Sullivan, C. and Williams, G. , Building Bridges - Laying the Foundations for a Child-Centred Curriculum in Drama and Education, Birmingham, National Association for the Teaching of Drama, 1998, pp158 - 178, [O'Sullivan, C.] Book Chapter, 1998

O'Sullivan, C. and Williams, G., Building Bridges - Laying the Foundations for a Child-Centred Curriculum in Drama and Education, Birmingham, National Association for the Teaching of Drama, 1998, 1 - 178pp Book, 1998

O' Sullivan, C. and Gray, A., The Behavioural Stakes - a study of the effects of drama on undisciplined children at primary school level, Broadsheet, 14, (1), 1998, p28 - 36 Journal Article, 1998

O' Sullivan, C., Theatre of the Oppressed Workshops - A Rehearsal for Life?, Research in Drama Education, 2, (2), 1997 Review, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., Interactive Research Conference - a review, Research in Drama Education, 2, (2), 1997 Review, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., A Report on the Interactive Research Conference, Broadsheet, 13, (2), 1997 Review, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., Review of Join the Ripple - make waves, Research in Drama Education, 2, (2), 1997 Review, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., Drama or Mimesis?, IDEA International Research Journal, 1, (1), 1997, p15 - 26 Journal Article, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., A Video of the Interactive Research Conference with Dorothy Heathcote, Gavin Bolton and John Fines, UCE, Birmingham, International Centre for Studies in Drama in Education, 1997 Book, 1997

Belton, C., O' Sullivan, C. and Williams, G., On the Imagination, Broadsheet, 13, (1), 1996, p52 - 62 Journal Article, 1996

O' Sullivan, C. and Belton, C., The Erosion of Creativity Through the Repression of the Imagination in the Junior Years, Broadsheet, 13, (1), 1996, p39 - 51 Journal Article, 1996

O' Sullivan, C. and Sadlier, E., Homelessness - Who Cares?, Scottish Drama International, (4), 1995 Journal Article, 1995

O' Sullivan, C., A Joker Responds, Scottish Drama International, (4), 1995 Journal Article, 1995

O' Sullivan, C., Knowing or Not Knowing in the Arts, Broadsheet, 12, (1), 1995, p34 - 44 Journal Article, 1995

O' Sullivan, C., Review of Theatre Studies, An Approach for Advanced Level, Research in Drama Education, 1, (1), 1995 Review, 1995

Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

Carmel O'Sullivan, Artificial Intelligence and Disruptive Pedagogy, Learnovation Summit 2023, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, October 5, 2023 Oral Presentation, 2023

Carmel O'Sullivan, Systems thinking for well-being in education, Creativity and Well-Being for Personal and Professional Growth International Cross-Disciplinary Symposium, Trinity Long Room Hub, April 27, edited by Erasmus+ & Global Brain Health Institute , 2023 Oral Presentation, 2023

Carmel O'Sulivan and Elaine Clotworthy, 'Social Drama'© for Children and Young People with ASD, Waterford Education Centre, Feb 12th, 2020 Invited Talk, 2020

Carmel O'Sullivan, Including children and young people with autism in arts events, run and organised by artists and arts organisations , Events for All. Training for artists, Poetry Ireland, 2019 Invited Talk, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan, The Benefits of Drama in the Ethical Education Classroom, Ethical Education Teacher Professional Network, Dublin, Ireland, May 11, 2019, Educate Together Invited Talk, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan, The Importance of Outdoor Learning in 21st Century Education, 'Learning without Walls' Annual Conference , Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, County Down, October 4th, 2019, Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association (NIFSA) Invited Talk, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan, Catalina Villanueva Vargas, Erika Piazzoli and Marita Kerin, 'Growing through the cracks: Arts in education in institutional margins', Volume 5, Issue 2, Trinity College Dublin, Custodian , 2019, 1 - 187pp Book, 2019

Carmel O'Sulivan, 'Social Drama'© for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Drama Rainbow Summer School, Beijing, China, August 10-17, 2019, 1 - 67pp Invited Talk, 2019

Carmel O'Sullivan, Career LEAP: 'Speaking the same language', BUSINESS BRUNCH 'SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE', Introducing Business to the Career L.E.A.P. Model, IFSC, Dublin, February 15th, 2019 Oral Presentation, 2019

Carmel O'Sulivan, Creative Pedagogy for 21st Century Teaching and Learning , Learning without Walls, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, May 14th, 2018 Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Enlivening teaching and learning in higher education , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , 14 December, 2018, RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, A training day on Social Drama for teachers of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Education Centre, Portlaois, March, 2018, DES (Special Education Support Service) Invited Talk, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan and Deirdre Rogers, All Heads Together. A ReCreate resource for artists and teachers working in inclusive educational settings with reuse materials, Dublin, Ireland, ReCreate Ireland, 2018, 1 - 65pp Book, 2018

Carmel O'Sullivan, Strategies for staff working with students with ASD in Higher Education , Autism Campus Awareness, Sligo IT, 7th Nov, 2018 Invited Talk, 2018

Shane Bergin Marita Kerin, Carmel O'Sullivan, Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Diarmaid O'Donovan , 'Cross curricular teaching and learning through the arts', (Teaching Council of Ireland research webinar series, http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/Research/Research-Webinars/), 2017, - Digital research resource production, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, A master class in understanding creativity and imagination and how to harness their power in early childhood education settings, Where the Imaginative Things Are, Marino Institute of Education, 4th November, 2017, Dublin City Childcare Committee Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Elaine Clotworthy and Sarah Clarke, Social Drama for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Special Education Support Service (DES), Portlaoise Education Centre, 23rd March, 2017, 1-66pp Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Exploring Quality in Chinese Early Childhood Education Through Drama , Dublin, 29th November, 2017, Irish Chinese Cultural Society (ICCS) Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan and Elaine Clotworthy, 'Social Drama' for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Drumcondra Education Centre, 30th Sept, 2017, IATSE (Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education) Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Jennifer Symonds and Jos Akkermans, Career LEAP - Work Readiness Programme, 3rd Youth Employability Initiative, Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham, Dublin, February 9th , 2017, Department of Children and Youth Affairs Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Lesley Conroy, Fiona Condon and Elaine Clotworthy, 'The Greenwood Forest - drama programme for children with ASD', Culture Night, Sept 22nd, Russborough, Co Wicklow, 2017, - Theatre Production, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan and Deirdre Rodgers, Reuse Materials in Inclusive Art Classrooms and Settings, 21st-23rd May 2017, 2017, Russborough, Co Wicklow, CPD training organised by TCD, ReCreate and Russborough Meetings /Conferences Organised, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan and Elaine Clotworthy, 'Social Drama' for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Waterford Education Centre, Oct 21st, 2017, IATSE (Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education) Invited Talk, 2017

Carmel O'Sullivan, Social Drama for Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Special Education Support Service, Portlaoise Education Centre, January 29th, 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, Heads UP, Creativity through Reuse and Repurposing of Surplus Materials, Constellations Series (2016-17), Trinity Long Room Hub, Dec 16th, 2016, Creative Arts Practice Research Theme Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Social Drama' as an artistic engagement for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Medical Humanities research theme, Trinity Long Room Hub, 18 May, 2016 Invited Talk, 2016

Carmel O'Sullivan, A longitudinal study of the impact of O'Sullivan's 'Social Drama' Model with Children and Young People with Autism in Ireland. VSAInternational, The Kennedy Centre, Washington. Online magazine, April edition 2016. Available at: https://vsainternational.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/a-longitudinal-study-of-the-impact-of-osullivans-social-drama-model-with-children-and-young-people-with-autism-in-ireland/, 2016 Journal Article, 2016

Elaine Clotworthy and Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama to increase levels of concentration in children with ADHD, InTouch, Issue 156, November, 2015, p51-52 Journal Article, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, Social Drama and Young People with ASD, Portlaois Education Centre, 15 April, 2015, DES (Department of Education and Skills) Invited Talk, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Social Drama' in the Education of Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, IT Sligo, 23 - 24 February, 2015, HSE (Health Services Executive) Invited Talk, 2015

Carmel O'Sullivan and Noirin Hayes, Artful Dodgers: An arts education research project in early education settings, Space Invaders: An Early Years Arts Seminar & Festival for Children, Families, Artists and the Early Years Sector, Farmleigh Estate, Dublin, 9th & 10th May 2015, edited by Julie Clarke, Fingal County Council , 2015 Conference Paper, 2015

Lawlor, Michelle and O'Sullivan, Carmel, Recognising the Montessori Degree? A comparison between the Montessori curriculum and the primary school curriculum and approaches to initial teacher education in Ireland, InTouch, March, 2014, p36 - 37 Journal Article, 2014

Carmel O'Sullivan, 'Social Drama' and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Research seminar and practical workshop, Ioannina, Greece, 15 March, 2014, The Municipal and Regional Theatre of Ioannina, 1 - 97pp Invited Talk, 2014

Carmel O'Sullivan, Using creative approaches in the social education of children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder., Middletown Centre for Autism, Armagh, Northern Ireland, May 16, 2012 Invited Talk, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Using Applied Drama in Research, Advanced Research Methods - Complementary Art and Science Research , Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, 21 April 2012, 2012 Oral Presentation, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Towards Inclusive Youth Theatre Practice: Strategies to include young people with an autistic spectrum disorder , Managing Disabilities in Youth Theatre, Dublin City Council Arts Office: The Lab, March 31, 2012, National Association of Youth Drama (NAYD), 1 - 17pp Invited Talk, 2012

Carmel O'Sullivan, Lorraine Boran and David Delany, The Role of Drama in Developing Social Attribution Abilities in Children on the Autistic Spectrum, 'Examining theory and practice in inclusive education', Trinity College Dublin, April 25, 2012 Conference Paper, 2012

Owens, Alice and O'Sullivan, Carmel, Museum visits - maximise value with drama, InTouch, May, 2012, p46 - 47 Journal Article, 2012

O'Sullivan, C. , Using Drama in Education with Children and Young People with Asperger's Syndrome, Marino Institute of Education, February, 2011, ADEI (Association for Drama in Education in Ireland) Invited Talk, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. , Using Drama in the Education of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs, Church of Ireland College of Education, April, 2011 Invited Talk, 2011

Carmel O'Sullivan, Communicate with Conviction, Commitment and Control, Staff development seminar and workshop, Dundalk, 4 March, 2011, Dundalk Institute of Technology Invited Talk, 2011

O'Sullivan, C. , Educational Drama and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Middletown Centre for Autism, Armagh, Northern Ireland, May, 2011 Invited Talk, 2011

Delany, D., O'Sullivan, C. and Boran, L., Brain Training in Asperger's Syndrome , Common Themes: Strategies for Managing Co-occurring Conditions. , Spectrum Alliance Conference, Red Cow Hotel, Dublin, 16th October , 2010 Invited Talk, 2010

O'Sullivan, C. , Working with Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Middletown Centre for Autism, Armagh, Northern Ireland, May, 2010 Invited Talk, 2010

O'Sullivan, C. , Using Drama in the English Classroom, The Russell McKay Memorial Lecture, Trinity College Dublin, July , 2009, English Matters, European Summer School Invited Talk, 2009

Carmel O'Sullivan, Using and protecting your voice when teaching, Staff development seminar and workshop, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, 26 February, 2009 Invited Talk, 2009

O'Sullivan, C. , Social Skills Education through Drama, Aspire National Conference, National College of Ireland, Dublin 1, October, 2009, Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland Invited Talk, 2009

O'Sullivan, C. , Cúrsa Drámaíocht san Oideachas do Pháistí le Riachtanais Speisialta, Muintearas, Tír an Fhia, Co. na Gaillimhe, October, 2008 Invited Talk, 2008

O'Sullivan, C. , Opening address, Engaging Pedagogy , Griffith College, Dublin, September, 2007 Invited Talk, 2007

O'Sullivan, C. , Communicate with Conviction, Commitment and Control [Opening address], AISHE (All Ireland Society for Higher Education) National Conference, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, August, 2007 Invited Talk, 2007

O'Sullivan, C. , An Dramaíocht agus an Ghaeilge. A two-day training course for the national co-ordinators of the Second Level Support Service (Irish), Trinity College Dublin, September, 2007 Invited Talk, 2007

O'Sullivan, C. , Good Buzz Bad Buzz! , Theatre in education presentation, National Conference on Joyriding, Dublin, November, 2006 Invited Talk, 2006

O'Sullivan, C. , Dorothy Heathcote's Frame Distancing in Drama, PanHellenic Association for Drama in Education, Athens, Greece, December, 2005 Invited Talk, 2005

Carmel O'Sullivan, Drama is for everyone - or is it?, Teaching English, Summer , 2004 Journal Article, 2004

O'Sullivan, C. , Using Theatre to Empower Homeless Youth. A series of workshops with the Simon Community, Belfast Foyer, January, March, May, 2004 Invited Talk, 2004

Kehoe, E. and O' Sullivan, C., Taste the Forbidden Fruit. Drama in Education as a Teaching and Learning Methodology to Increase Comprehension in Reading, DramaTimes, 3, (1), 2003, p1 - 9 Journal Article, 2003

Arts Education (Drama) Volume 3 in, editor(s)NCCA , Curriculum Guidelines for Teachers of Students with Severe and Profound General Learning Disabilities, Dublin, The Stationery Office, 2003, [Carmel O'Sullivan, Margaret Leahy, Mary Howard and Mary Corr] Book Chapter, 2003

Arts Education (Drama) Volume 2 in, editor(s)NCCA , Curriculum Guidelines for Teachers of Students with Mild General Learning Disabilities, Dublin, The Stationery Office, 2003, [Carmel O'Sullivan, Margaret Leahy, Mary Howard and Mary Corr] Book Chapter, 2003

Arts Education (Drama) Volume 1 in, editor(s)NCCA , Curriculum Guidelines for Teachers of Students with Moderate General Learning Disabilities, Dublin, The Stationery Office, 2003, [Carmel O'Sullivan, Margaret Leahy, Mary Howard and Mary Corr] Book Chapter, 2003

O'Sullivan, C., The Shadow: Using Drama in Education in the Exploration of Poetry, DramaTimes, 2, (3), 2002, p6 - 9 Journal Article, 2002

Prejudice in Practice in, editor(s)Mary Gannon , Changing Perspectives. Cultural Values, Diversity and Equality in Ireland and the Wider World. A Resource for Civic, Social and Political Education, CDVEC Curriculum Development Unit, 2002, pp40 - 44, [O'Sullivan, C.] Book Chapter, 2002

O' Sullivan, C., Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and a Constructive Alternative, DramaTimes, 2, (1), 2001, p1 - 5 Journal Article, 2001

Clarke, S. and O'Sullivan, C., Sleeping Beauty. Using Drama with young children, DramaTimes, 2, (3), 2001, p14 - 18 Journal Article, 2001

Leahy, M. and O'Sullivan, C., Review of Playing betwixt and between. IDEA 2001, DramaTimes, 2, (2), 2001 Review, 2001

O' Sullivan, C., Review of Hamlet and the Baker's Son. My Life in Theatre and Politics, Youth Drama Ireland, (4), 2001, p29 Review, 2001

O'Sullivan, C. , Drama and literacy with second language learners, Women's College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March, 2001 Invited Talk, 2001

Sullivan, C., Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and a Constructive Alternative, DramaTimes, 2, (1), 2001 Review, 2001

O'Sullivan, C. , Drama and Conflict Resolution, Centre for Drama in Education, Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina, October, 2001 Invited Talk, 2001

O'Sullivan, C., Doing Drama - Why Bother?, Astir, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, 22, (5), 2000, p16 - 17 Journal Article, 2000

O'Sullivan, C., Doing Drama - Why Bother?, InTouch, Irish National Teachers' Organisation, (10), 1999, p20 - 21 Journal Article, 1999

O' Sullivan, C., Is There a Secret of Success?, The AESDaily (Theatre Festival Newspaper, Canada), 1, 1997, p24 - 29 Journal Article, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., Review of Theatre of the Oppressed, London Drama Newsletter, 92, 1997 Review, 1997

O' Sullivan, C., Development of Truth in Performance, The AESDaily (Theatre Festival Newspaper, Canada), (2), 1997, p7 - 15 Journal Article, 1997

O'Sullivan, C. , The use of drama and theatre in education to explore human rights [Keynote address], GERFEC's International Conference on Education and Human Rights, Strasbourg, France, April, 1995 Invited Talk, 1995

Research Expertise

Description

. Arts education . Drama and theatre in education . Creativity in teaching, learning and assessment . Inclusive education . Work readiness for unemployed young adults . Early childhood arts education . Social Drama and Autism . The development of sub-types in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Projects

  • Title
    • Creative Youth A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Trends across the Creative Youth Plan 2017 - 2022 Insights and Implications:- Final Report
  • Funding Agency
    • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
  • Date From
    • December 2022
  • Date To
    • Dec 2023
  • Title
    • Arts Alive: A literature review to support curriculum specification development for the area of Arts Education in the reimagining of the primary school curriculum from 2025 onwards
  • Summary
    • This research was commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to inform the ongoing development of Ireland"s curriculum for primary and special schools. The research involved a desk-based narrative enquiry to examine and interrogate the evidence for learning through arts education as art, as subject and as pedagogy. The review also included literature in relation to integration within this combination of subjects as well as other subjects. The research questions which guided the study were: 1. Through the lens of the vision and principles of the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework (2023), what is the philosophical basis and educational basis for the curriculum area/subjects of Arts Education? 2. What evidence is provided by the literature on children"s learning and development for the integrated curriculum area of Arts Education in stages 1 and 2 " junior infants to second class, and the subjects of Visual Art, Music, Drama (and other aspects, e.g., Dance, Film and Digital Media) in stages 3 and 4 " third to sixth class? 3. In response to curriculum overload, what are the desired curriculum processes and essential curriculum content (knowledge, skills, values and dispositions) for children"s learning and development in Arts Education and Visual Art, Music, Drama within the broad primary curriculum? 4. What aspects of the curriculum area (the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions) support integration in stages 1 and 2, and what aspects of the subjects support integration in stages 3 and 4?
  • Funding Agency
    • National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
  • Date From
    • November 2022
  • Date To
    • Dec 2023
  • Title
    • A Cross Disciplinary Exploration of Arts in Health in Populations of Young People and Children at Risk of Social Exclusion and Disadvantage
  • Summary
    • In the last two decades, a growing evidence base around the benefits of arts in health demonstrates an increasing interest from health and arts professionals, researchers, and policymakers into how engagement with the arts can influence population health. Unfortunately, the sword of disadvantage is double edged, engagement in creative and cultural endeavours is in many instances socially and gender patterned whilst those of lower socio-economic positions are also generally at higher risk of poor health. In Ireland, a marked social gradient exists which reveals rates of disease and risk factors for ill health persistently higher amongst lower income groups and similarly shows people from poorer socio-economic backgrounds are less able to access the arts and other types of cultural activities. There is a gap in research in the area of arts in health amongst the Irish population, particularly children and young people in situations of risk. This research lies at the intersection between arts, humanities and health, advocates a cross disciplinary approach and responds to the research gap in Ireland through exploring the impact of a creative arts programme on health and wellbeing amongst children and young people from seldom heard communities. The research aims to identify appropriate content for creative interventions/projects/programmes for young people and children in seldom heard communities and how these could be used to facilitate the expansion and development of this practice in health and youth organisations around the country. The research will also provide a set of policy recommendations with particular emphasis on the development of indicators for the recently published Understanding Life in Ireland A Wellbeing Framework (2022).
  • Funding Agency
    • Trinity College
  • Date From
    • Sept 2023
  • Date To
    • August 2027
  • Title
    • Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership) - Phase 5
  • Summary
    • Career LEAP (https://careerleap.ie) is an evidence-based work-readiness programme, designed specifically to support young people who face additional and significant barriers to entering the workforce and/or further education. Working with young people in northeast inner city, over 80% are in full time employment or full time education after completing the programme up to 5 years later. Career LEAP works in tandem with local employment initiatives and referrals, including Swan Youth Service Street work team, East Wall Youth, Bradog Youth Service, Focus Ireland (PETE program), NYP1, The Hay Project, Intreo, ICRG, Roslyn Park College, Irish Refugee Council, LYCS CTC, NEIC Programme Office, Crinan Youth Project, Focus Ireland, family members and friends, and former graduates of the programme. Funded and certified mentor training is provided to local business partners on how to support young people who are not in employment, education or training to take up entry level employment opportunities in their companies in the north and south docklands area.
  • Funding Agency
    • City of Dublin Education and Training Board; and North East Inner City Taoiseach's Taskforce (NEIC)
  • Date From
    • Sept 2022
  • Date To
    • Jan 2025
  • Title
    • EUFSTIAT: Empowering University Faculty with Student-Cantered Teaching and Innovative Assessment Techniques
  • Summary
    • The overall objective of this Erasmus Plus project is to enhance the capacity of faculty members across all disciplines at the Royal University of Bhutan, in using future-oriented teaching, learning, and assessment practices that align with global trends and respond to learners" diverse needs. This objective will be achieved through a series of activities, including the development of five professional development modules by consortium members (Trinity College, Lund University in Sweden, and Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal Universitesi, Turkey). These modules will be made available on the Royal University of Bhutan's Moodle platform as MOOCs, and will be used in offering hybrid professional development to the two Colleges of Education and the faculty members from other colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan and teachers across Bhutanese schools. The project is expected to benefit over 720 faculty members, and over 200 school teachers through professional development. The project will also benefit over 300 pre-service student teachers annually. The project will result in enhancing the capacity of its beneficiaries in meeting the diverse needs of 21st century learners by implementing student-centred teaching strategies, innovative assessment practices, assessment data-based instructional activities, qualitative feedback models, and MOOCs. The project will also foster a culture of using student-centred teaching and innovative assessment practices in Bhutanese schools.
  • Funding Agency
    • European Education and Culture Executive Agency
  • Date From
    • November 2023
  • Date To
    • October 2026
  • Title
    • Focusing on what matters: Supporting Irish Traveller children through bridging the fields of occupational therapy and inclusive education
  • Summary
    • According to the most recent Census, Irish Travellers make up 32,949 (1%) of the population with children under the age of 15 making up 36% of Irish Travellers. When it comes to education, only 13% of Traveller children complete their second-level education, with only 1% progressing to third-level education (AITHS, 2010). Research in the UK found Traveller groups to have the highest prevalence (54%) of special educational needs (SEN) of all ethnic minority groups in the UK. Overall, the Irish Travelling Community encounters many forms of social exclusions across a wide range of activities such as access to employment, health services, accommodation, and education thus restricting meaningful participation in occupations as well as occupational choices. This research is examining the potential role of a social model of occupational therapy applied in Irish primary school classrooms. The study is part is part of a larger project called Tobar, and is being conducted in collaboration with the Marino Institute of Education and colleagues in OT in Trinity.
  • Funding Agency
    • HEA
  • Date From
    • Sept 2023
  • Date To
    • Aug 2026
  • Title
    • Creative Youth Evaluation Guidelines
  • Summary
    • Commissioned by Creative Ireland as a consequence of the findings from the Interim Review of Phase One of Creative Youth (2017-2022), this research was informed by a thorough literature review, a scoping of evaluation frameworks, numerous stakeholder consultations and input from the interdepartmental Creative Youth research subgroup. The research sought to develop user friendly guidelines for artists, teachers and researchers involved in Creative Youth and Creative Ireland funded projects. The evaluation guidelines include information on evaluating arts-based and other types of activity aimed at fostering creativity and wellbeing, using quantitative and qualitative methods. The research sought to explore the different purposes of evaluation, identifying challenges involved in evaluating creative practice and how practitioners and organisations may go about tackling these issues.The guidelines are being rolled out nationally for use by all Creative Youth funded projects during Phase Two of the Creative Ireland programme (2023-2027).
  • Funding Agency
    • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM)
  • Date From
    • November 2022
  • Date To
    • Dec 2023
  • Title
    • Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership) - Phase 4
  • Summary
    • Funding a research fellow to support the implementation and evaluation of the Career LEAP Programme.
  • Funding Agency
    • NEIC Taoiseach's Task Force for the North East Inner City
  • Date From
    • Sept 2021
  • Date To
    • August 2022
  • Title
    • Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership) - Phase 3
  • Summary
    • The research underpinning the Career LEAP integrated model of service delivery highlights key findings in the area of youth services and education (O'Sullivan, Symonds & Akkermans, 2018). Career LEAP has achieved over 90% success rate to date working with local young people (17-25 years old) in helping them secure sustained employment and/or access to formal education and apprenticeships. This phase of the research project will examine the impact of the Career LEAP model with those who are long term unemployed (26-50 year olds). This older age group is being investigated based on a desire to understand the cycle connected to the role of parents and family members in inclusive labour activation strategies.
  • Funding Agency
    • City of Dublin Education and Training Board, North East Inner City Taoiseach's Taskforce (NEIC)
  • Date From
    • Jan 2019
  • Date To
    • August 2021
  • Title
    • Level Up: Enhancing socially disadvantaged young people's career, college and work readiness through a school-based training programme
  • Summary
    • Level Up is a school based psychosocial skills training programme for 16 - 18-year olds who are preparing for the school-to-work (STW) transition. The programme design is informed by the occupational and social developmental psychology of career and achievement motivation, identity development, work-readiness and resilience. On the programme, young people enhance their competencies through social cognitive learning, active learning, drama and stress inoculation. Level Up is the senior school companion to the training programme Career Leap for young adults.
  • Funding Agency
    • University College Dublin
  • Date From
    • April 2017
  • Date To
    • Sept 2019
  • Title
    • A Systematic Review of the Impact of Phase One of Creative Youth (Pillar One of the Creative Ireland Programme): Interim Report
  • Summary
    • Creative Ireland was established in 2017 to support the development of creativity in Ireland and works in partnership with local and national authorities, youth services, community, cultural, enterprise, arts and heritage organisations, creative industries, and schools to nurture and enable creative potential across the full spectrum of Irish society. Creative Ireland has committed to conducting research that investigates creative practices, identified factors that foster and support such practices, and explores their impact on the wellbeing of citizens, and on innovation in creative industries, communities, schools, and nation state. With over 30 initiatives from Creative Youth reporting project specific outcomes from Phase One (2017-2022), the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) will conduct a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis across the diverse projects to establish the current situation in terms of creative practice with a view to informing future policy in this area. Synthesising the key findings and learning will allow for easier identification of the bigger picture outcomes from Phase One of Creative Youth and support the EAG in advising and guiding national policy in relation to the broader objectives of the Creative Youth programme during Phase Two (2023-2027).
  • Funding Agency
    • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
  • Date From
    • Nov 2021
  • Date To
    • Oct 2022
  • Title
    • Mapping of Whole Child Development Pedagogies and Models in Western Europe and North America
  • Summary
    • This study involves a mapping of pedagogical and assessment initiatives, actors, and change in support of whole child development in 8 Western European countries and in North America. A whole child development (WCD) approach aims to promote multiple interconnected aspects of human growth including cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and talent development. This study covers middle childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, and aims to identify the nature and the scope of current efforts to achieve WCD in schools and other settings, such as youth clubs, service learning community-based projects, outdoor education, and internships for young people. The domains of WCD include physical and emotional health and safety; resilience; artistic and creative development; spiritual development; positive youth development; engagement and connectedness; academic challenge and learning; career and college readiness. This study is being led by the American Institutes for Research (AIR).
  • Funding Agency
    • The Porticus Foundation
  • Date From
    • February 2017
  • Date To
    • August 2017
  • Title
    • 'All Heads Together': Working through the visual arts to protect our environment
  • Summary
    • This research and development project, commissioned by ReCreate and funded by the EPA, will respond to the data from an earlier study ('Heads UP') by developing and evaluating a set of best practice guidelines and a detailed practice manual, concentrating on artistic processes not templates in visual arts education. 
In addition, a series of specialist CPD training modules for artists, teachers, early years educators, and special needs assistants working in inclusive educational settings with reuse materials will be developed, trialed and evaluated. ReCreate is a social enterprise which makes art materials and educational supplies available to all sectors of society for creative reuse, through salvaging clean reuseable materials from business which would otherwise be sent to landfill.
  • Funding Agency
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Date From
    • Jan 2017
  • Date To
    • June 2018
  • Title
    • Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership) - Phase 2
  • Summary
    • Following the successful completion of a pilot study (2015-2016) which highlighted key findings in the area of youth services and education, and resulted in the development of comprehensive training manuals for participants and trainers in the area of work readiness, in this main study we aim to take the learning from the pilot project and evaluate the impact of the Career LEAP programme on young adult (18-24 year-old) unemployed job seekers, their parents/partners/friends, and mentors in local businesses, and assess the impact of a substantial 'train the trainers' education component.
  • Funding Agency
    • CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board)
  • Date From
    • May 2017
  • Date To
    • April 2018
  • Title
    • Exploring the generalisability of the 'Social Drama' model
  • Summary
    • This study aims to address a key criticism in the literature on disability and autism studies which report that while many social skills interventions for children and young adults have been created and implemented, there are concerns surrounding the generalisability of these skills to other environments. Research has shown that it is difficult for people with ASD to generalise skills from one environment to another and that for positive life outcomes and employability, generalisability of social skills is crucial. Data from phases 1-3 of the longitudinal drama and autism social skills study suggest a positive correlation between attending the programme and participants' social skills development. Using a quasi-ethnographic research approach, this study aims to examine the generalisability of the social skills developed in O'Sullivan's Social Drama model to environments outside of the drama classroom.
  • Funding Agency
    • Dormant Accounts Fund (Measure 7 - support for young people with disabilities)
  • Date From
    • 2016
  • Date To
    • 2018
  • Title
    • 'Heads Up': Achieving creative and social inclusion through reuse materials
  • Summary
    • 'Heads-Up' is designed to facilitate new avenues of communication, inclusion and collaboration through the arts using surplus materials from manufacturing industries. It aims to encourage a deeper understanding of social and educational inclusion where children and young people with different learning abilities are working creatively side by side to demonstrate that there is no 'right' way to work artistically. Using an 'artist in residence' model, 18 schools and community based inclusive educational settings throughout Ireland will explore the potential of introducing teachers, facilitators, participants and their parents to reuse materials. The workshops will be facilitated by artists using clean, high quality materials from ReCreate that have been salvaged from business. As part of their mission to create a greener environment, ReCreate have commissioned this study to explore the impact of creative reuse of materials in socially inclusive settings.
  • Funding Agency
    • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Date From
    • 2016
  • Date To
    • 2017
  • Title
    • 'The Drummer and the Goalkeeper'
  • Summary
    • Consultant to a feature length movie written and directed by Nick Kelly. 'The Drummer and the Goalkeeper' is the story of an unlikely friendship between a 25-year-old rock'n'roll party loving young man with bipolar disorder who revels in rejecting society's rules, and a 17-year-old goalkeeper who suffers from Asperger Syndrome and yearns to fit in.
  • Funding Agency
    • The Irish Film Board (Catalyst Scheme)
  • Date From
    • 2016
  • Date To
    • 2016
  • Title
    • Career LEAP (Local Employment Action Partnership)
  • Summary
    • This pilot study is a collaborative partnership between community youth organisations, over 20 members of the Business in the Community (BITC) business network operating in the docklands area, and research partners. Adapting the DIEAC framework, it aims to design, implement and evaluate a unique 'work readiness' programme to reduce barriers to training and employment for hard to reach 18-24 year olds in the north inner city. Using a collaborative approach, this study will draw from research, participants' individual needs, and the expertise of large businesses to create and evaluate an innovative model of 'work readiness'.
  • Funding Agency
    • CDETB; Dept of Children and Youth Affairs; participating businesses
  • Date From
    • Dec 2015
  • Date To
    • Feb 2017
  • Title
    • Artful Dodgers (Phase 3): Working in partnership with parents
  • Summary
    • This study aims to explore the impact of a mentoring programme with parents of the young children who participated in earlier phases of the Artful Dodger's research programme. It involves working with parents to introduce them to new and creative forms of engagement in arts practices. It aims to examine the efficacy of an artistic model of continuous professional development in enhancing parents' knowledge of the arts, and increase their active participation and engagement through the arts with their early years children in their home settings.
  • Funding Agency
    • Arts Office, Fingal County Council and Arts Education Research Group (AERG), TCD
  • Date From
    • 2015
  • Date To
    • 2017
  • Title
    • 'Social Drama©'
  • Summary
    • To disseminate the results from a longitudinal research study examining the impact of a new drama based approach to developing social skills called 'Social Drama©', developed in the School of Education in association with Aspire.
  • Funding Agency
    • ASPIRE (Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland) and Arts Education Research Group (TCD)
  • Date From
    • 2015
  • Date To
    • 2017
  • Title
    • Youth Theatre: Context, Research and Practice
  • Summary
    • The Arts Education Research Group (AERG) in the School of Education, Trinity College, and the National Association for Youth Drama (NAYD) have established a research partnership to explore youth theatre practice in Ireland. NAYD supports the development of youth theatre in Ireland and works in partnership with local authorities, youth services, theatres, arts centres, organisations and individuals. NAYD is committed to conducting research that investigates youth theatre practice and explores its impact on the artistic, social and personal development of the young person. In order to develop youth theatre research in an academically rigorous manner, the aim of this study is to conduct an exhaustive literature review to establish the current situation in terms of youth theatre practice and research. There appears to be an absence of peer reviewed published research specific to this sector. In phase 1 of the study, the School of Education and NAYD aim to examine the existing, relevant literature in this field and lay the groundwork for future research.
  • Funding Agency
    • Irish Research Council
  • Date From
    • May 2015
  • Date To
    • May 2017
  • Title
    • Sub-types in Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Summary
    • The data from an ongoing large-scale longitudinal research project involving the use of educational drama in the social skills education and development of children and young people with an ASD, support compelling evidence for the existence of 12 sub-types across the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. This study aims to examine the implications of this data in terms of extending existing knowledge on how to communicate, interact with and support children and young people who represent different sub-types on the autism spectrum. The development and exploration of these new sub-types holds considerable potential for changes in policy, practice and future research in the field.
  • Funding Agency
    • ASPIRE (Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland); National Lottery
  • Date From
    • 2013
  • Date To
    • 2017
  • Title
    • Artful Dodgers (Phase 2): A co-mentoring programme for early years educators working in partnership with two artists
  • Summary
    • Project Aims: . To deliver a co-mentoring programme between the early years educators in two community crèches and two artists, where the focus is on 'artistic practice'. . To examine whether Artful Dodgers as a model that includes 'the experiential' in Phase One and 'co-mentoring' in Phase Two, can sustain arts practices in early years settings. . To examine the efficacy of an artistic model of continuous professional development in enhancing early years educators' knowledge of the arts, and in their abilities to initiate a change in their practice and increase engagement with the arts in their childcare settings.
  • Funding Agency
    • Arts Office Fingal County Council and the Arts Education Research Group (TCD)
  • Date From
    • 2014
  • Date To
    • 2015
  • Title
    • Artful Dodgers (Phase 1): an early years music and visual arts programme for children aged 3-5 years
  • Summary
    • . To explore the impact of an artist in residence model that works through two arts forms with the children and Early Years Educators in two community childcare services. 'An artist in residence model' will be adopted where two artists will be located in early childhood care services, delivering integrated music and visual arts workshops to children aged between 3-5 years. The study aims to examine the impact of the arts on the development of early literacy and numeracy practices. Through observing the artists in residence, it is intended that the Early Years Educators will develop a strong foundation in music and the visual arts and be equipped with the skills to embed these arts practices in their services once the arts programme is finished.
  • Funding Agency
    • Arts Office Fingal County Council and Fingal County Childcare Committee
  • Date From
    • 2013
  • Date To
    • 2014
  • Title
    • The Wonder Project - An early years arts education programme for Traveller mothers and their children
  • Summary
    • Fingal County Council Arts Office, Fingal Traveller Organisation, community artists and the School of Education Arts Education Research Group, aim to pilot a unique Early Years Arts programme for Traveller children and their mothers living in North County Dublin. The programme will introduce young children (5 months to 3.5 years) and their mothers to a quality arts experience, primarily through the media of Music and Visual Arts. Strand One will be developed as an 'Artist Residency Model for Arts Development and Parental Involvement', and will involve the use of the DIEAC Framework in its design, implementation and evaluation. The study aims to examines the role of the arts in engaging mothers with their young children, and encourages them to practice the arts in their home, so that their children become regularly exposed to arts experiences.
  • Funding Agency
    • Fingal County Council Childcare Committee
  • Date From
    • 2012
  • Date To
    • 2013
  • Title
    • The DIEAC Framework (Design, Implement and Evaluate Arts in Context)
  • Summary
    • In response to the diversity and significance of collaborative arts practices in a range of social and community contexts, the School of Education in partnership with Create (National Development Agency for Collaborative Arts in Social and Community Contexts) and the Arts Council, propose to research and develop the DIEAC framework (conceived by Carmel O'Sullivan and Sarah Tuck). This framework is proposed on the basis of providing an adaptive and flexible tool for designing, implementing and evaluating arts in context (DIEAC). Existing guidelines and models mainly cater either for project planning or retrospective evaluation. This forward-looking framework is predicated on the basis of providing a holistic approach to artists working in social and community contexts. The DIEAC framework will utilise the Arts Council's Artist in the Community Scheme, managed by Create, as the source material for the research enquiry.
  • Funding Agency
    • Create, The Arts Council and the Arts Education Research Group (TCD)
  • Date From
    • 2012
  • Date To
    • 2015
  • Title
    • Social skills education through drama for children and young people on the autism spectrum
  • Summary
    • Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder, which most researchers feel falls at the higher-functioning end of the Autistic Spectrum. Individuals with AS can experience significant difficulties with social interaction and communication, flexible thinking, and imaginative play. People with the syndrome are often characterised by an impairment in social interaction as well as stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. There is no known treatment that has any effect on the basic impairments underlying Asperger Syndrome, but challenges can be diminished by appropriate management and education. The prime motivation for this research project came from the realisation that although it is widely recognised that young people with Asperger Syndrome lack the ability to empathise with other people, there is little research on how to help them develop this ability, as most literature in the field focuses on the outcome rather than the process: on methods to enable children achieve social skills by imitating the 'correct' (acceptable) behaviours, rather than helping them decode the images they see and understand the meanings below the surface. This project aims to investigate whether the sustained use of an integrated creative arts approach with specific focus on the use of drama in education will lead to a more successful social, personal, emotional and cognitive education of young people with AS. It aims to bring about a greater understanding of what it means to live with AS and the implications on one's life.
  • Funding Agency
    • ASPIRE (Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland); National Lottery funding
  • Date From
    • 2009
  • Date To
    • 2012
  • Title
    • Integrated Executive Function (IEF) Training
  • Summary
    • This study is investigating the effects of a novel form of brain training with children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a collaborative study between researchers in Trinity College, DCU and ASPIRE, and is the first of its kind to take place in Ireland.
  • Funding Agency
    • ASPIRE (Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland)
  • Date From
    • 2009
  • Date To
    • 2012
  • Title
    • 'Corduroy' - a short film based on a young adult with high functioning autism
  • Summary
    • Consultant to a short film based on the life of a young adult with high functioning autism (written and directed by Hugh O'Connor). 'Corduroy' was selected for competition at the 60th Berlin Film Festival (2010) and at the Dublin Film Festival (2010).
  • Funding Agency
    • Irish Film Board
  • Date From
    • 2009
  • Date To
    • 2010
  • Title
    • Raising student and public awareness of Ireland's roles and responsibilities towards developing countries
  • Summary
    • Collaboration between the Schools of Economics and Education
  • Funding Agency
    • Dept. of Foreign Affairs/Irish Aid joint funded project
  • Date From
    • 2008
  • Date To
    • 2011
  • Title
    • Global Development through Education: Enhancing Teacher Education and Educational Research through International Co-operation
  • Summary
    • 13 collaborating HE institutions in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Uganda and Lesotho
  • Funding Agency
    • The Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education Institutions
  • Date From
    • 2007
  • Date To
    • 2011
  • Title
    • Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents, Young People, Teachers and Other Professionals
  • Summary
    • This project was set up to research and create an educational DVD which has been distributed to every school in Ireland, and also to parents, professionals and other carers of young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) nationally and internationally. It features interviews with key personnel working in multidisciplinary teams to support children and young people with an ASD. Special features include video footage of the Drama in Education social skills education programme.
  • Funding Agency
    • Department of Education and Science, ASPIRE, School of Education (TCD) and AVMS (TCD)
  • Date From
    • 2007
  • Date To
    • 2009
  • Title
    • 'Good Buzz - Bad Buzz'
  • Summary
    • This theatre in education performance was researched and devised to launch the Task Force Report on Joyriding and raise awareness of the potential role of drama and theatre in education as a creative and educational tool to stimulate debate and discussion about issues of youth joyriding nationally.
  • Funding Agency
    • Blue Drum: The Government Arts Specialist Support Agency
  • Date From
    • 2006
  • Date To
    • 2006
  • Title
    • The role of drama in language development and social disadvantage
  • Funding Agency
    • National Children's Strategy (Office for the Minister of Children)
  • Date From
    • 2004
  • Date To
    • 2008
  • Title
    • The use of Drama in Education in the holistic education of young people with Asperger Syndrome
  • Funding Agency
    • Dormant Accounts Fund, The Ireland Fund, Dublin Bus and the Asperger Syndrome Association
  • Date From
    • 2004
  • Date To
    • 2009
  • Title
    • Schoolscape@future (lead partner)
  • Summary
    • This EU Minerva Project investigated a vision for the 21st Century School in which ICT is integrated into ICT practice in schools. Through working with successful schools and industrial experts, the project identified examples of innovative practice in the three member countries (Ireland, UK, and Portugal). A database of best practice was prepared using "networked knowledge" between teachers, researchers and industry in order to create teacher briefing packs which contain new models of practice for school teachers as well as a series of case studies which benefit teachers, researchers, teacher trainers and learners across Europe.
  • Funding Agency
    • EU Minerva Open and Distance Learning Initiative
  • Date From
    • 2001
  • Date To
    • 2004
  • Title
    • Development of a Research Framework and Evaluation Guidelines for the Creative Youth Plan (2023-2027)
  • Summary
    • The systematic analysis provided the Creative Youth Working Group and the Ministers with an overview of outcomes and trends on the delivery of creative opportunities for children and young people in Ireland, achieved during Phase One of the Creative Youth Plan. Arising from those findings, the development of easy to use, robust evaluation and reporting tools was commissioned to facilitate timely and standardised collection of data and evidence on a systematic basis during the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027.
  • Funding Agency
    • Dept. of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
  • Date From
    • 1st November 2022
  • Date To
    • 31st August 2023
  • Title
    • Evaluation Framework and Guidelines for the Creative Youth Plan (2023-2027)
  • Summary
    • The systematic analysis provided the Creative Youth Working Group and the Ministers with an overview of outcomes and trends on the delivery of creative opportunities for children and young people in Ireland, achieved during Phase One of the Creative Youth Plan. The recommendations called for the development of easy to use, robust evaluation and reporting tools will facilitate timely and standardised collection of data and evidence on a systematic basis during the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027.
  • Funding Agency
    • Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
  • Date From
    • Nov 1st 2023
  • Date To
    • August 31st 2023

Keywords

Arts and health; Arts in Education; Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder; AUTISM SPECTRUM; Dance Education; Drama and theatre in education; Early Years Education; Higher Education; Special Education

Recognition

Representations

Member of the Expert Advisory Group for Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme, for the Dept of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dept of Education, and the Dept of Children and Youth Affairs. 2018-2023

External Examiner, Newman University, Birmingham, UK 2020-2023

Visiting research professor to East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai 2018

External examiner for University College Cork (2014-2016) - Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 2014-2016

External expert on the validation panel for the PG Certificate in Creative and Cultural Education, Edge Hill University, Liverpool, UK 2014

External Examiner for doctoral dissertations 2010

Member of ITE accreditation panel for Sligo IT 2020

Member of academic advisory committee for IDIERI (the International Drama in Education Research Institute) 2012

External examiner for St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra (2011-2014) 2011 - 2014

External examiner in the School of Social Studies, DIT (2011-2014; 2000-2003) 2011 to 2014

Member of the Academic Board of IICP (Institute of Integrated Counselling and Psychotherapy) 2010 - 2012

Member of Accredited Programmes Working Group for NAIRTL (National Academy for Integrated Research in Teaching and Learning) 2008 to 2010

Academic development sessions for teaching staff in several Higher Education institutions on effective communication skills for teaching and learning in higher education 2007 to date

Special Interest Group convenor for Drama and Special Needs Education for IDEA (International Drama, Theatre and Education Association) 2006 to date

External examiner for the Institute of Education, University of Warwick (2006-2009) 2006 to 2009

Member of HETAC validation panel for a postgraduate programme on Teaching and Learning at Griffith College Dublin (2008) and the BA in Humanities at Carlow College (2006). 2006 to 2008

Member of international academic advisory committees: IDEA (International Drama, Theatre and Education Association) 6th World Congress in Hong Kong; 7th IDIERI conference (International Drama in Education Research Institute). 2005 to date

Member of the international editorial advisory committee for five peer reviewed journals: RIDE (Research in Drama Education) (2005 to date); the Journal for Drama in Education (2004 to date); Drama Research - International Journal of Drama in Education (2011 to date); the Irish Journal of Arts Management and Cultural Policy (2013 to date); and Applied Theatre Research (2014 to date). 2004 to date

Member of the Peer Review Group of St. Patrick's College of Education (Quality Assurance Programme, Irish Universities Quality Board) 2004

External examiner for the Cork School of Music, CIT (2003-2008) 2003 to 2008

Commissioned writer for the NCCA (National Guidelines on the use of Drama in Education for students with Mild, Moderate and Severe and Profound General Learning Disabilities) 2000 to 2002

Chairperson of ADEI (Association for Drama in Education in Ireland) 1999 to 2009

Adjudication of Drama and Theatre festivals (nationally and internationally). 1995 to date

Awards and Honours

Chambers Ireland Sustainable Impact Awards - Community Programme Category (Career LEAP supported by A&L Goodbody) Sept 2022

Trinity Research and Innovation Societal Impact Award Dec 2019

Career LEAP was nominated for a Chambers Ireland CSR Award as part of A&L Goodbody's 'Step Up Community' programme Sept 2019

Nominated for a QS Reimagine Education award October 2018

An article we wrote about our Career LEAP programme was shortlisted for the 2018 British Educational Research Association Editors' Choice Award for articles published in its Review of Education journal. August 2018

Shortlisted for The Registrar's Civic Engagement Award 2018 for Career LEAP in recognition of outstanding engagement with society April 2018

Our 'Heads Up' research project received an Allianz Business to Arts Award in 2017 for the best Community Arts project (ReCreate, EPA and TCD) 5th Sept 2017

Nominated as a 'Changemaker' by Ashoka for contributing to social change across the country July 2017

Nominated and won a community service award from Dublin Bus for our work on Social Drama with people with autism 2009

I received one of only two major awards for postgraduate study granted by the Irish Arts Council in 1993. 1994

Memberships

Expert Advisory Group Member on Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme (Dept of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dept of Education, and the Dept of Children and Youth Affairs) 2018 – 2023

ETAI (Encountering the Arts Ireland) 2012 – To date

AISHE (All Ireland Society for Higher Education) 2005 – to date

ADEI (Association for Drama in Education in Ireland): Founding member and Chairperson (1999 to 2009) 1999 – to date

ATE (Association for Teachers of English) 1998 – 2008

ND (National Drama, UK) 1997 – to date

IDEA (International Association for Drama and Theatre in Education): member of the Executive Committee (1998-2004); secretary to the Accountancy Committee (1998-2004); member of the International Advisory Committee (2005-2007) 1995 – to date

NATD (National Association for the Teaching of Drama), UK: National Publicity Officer (1995-'98); National Conference Officer (1996-'98); member of international editorial advisory committee (2004 to date) 1993 – to date

Youth Theatre Ireland (formerly the National Association of Youth Drama - NAYD) 1993 – to date