New Perspectives in Science Education

Dr. Maeve Liston is a Lecturer in Science Education at Mary Immaculate College. She has extensive experience in teaching science and science education at all levels in education (primary, second and third level). She lectures at undergraduate and postgraduate level (Graduate Diploma Masters, PhD.). She has been directly involved with the training of primary level and second level science teachers for many years in Mary Immaculate College and at the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland.

Maeve studied BSc. (Ed.) in Biological Sciences with chemistry at UL. She was awarded the title of ‘Advanced Scholar’ for her academic achievements and successfully obtaining the highly prestigious IRCSET Post Graduate Scholarship completing her PhD. in Science also at UL.

She was the Senior Projects Officer in Teaching and Learning (Biological Sciences) with NCE-MSTL (National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning), managing, driving and supervising research projects and activities in different themes of science education at primary, second and third level. In her capacity as Associate of and Senior Research Fellow at the NCE-MSTL, she also continues to carry out this work, and is involved in carrying out research into and the delivery of continuous professional development programmes in science education for teachers at primary level. She designs and delivers CPD courses and outreach activities at Mary Immaculate College, the NCE-MSTL, teacher association conferences, in schools and in education centres around Ireland for both teachers and pupils.

Maeve is also the Assistant Editor for Primary Science for SCIENCE, the official journal of the Irish Science Teachers Association.

She judges at National and Regional Science and Mathematics Competitions (Sci-Fest and the Smart Careers Competition).

She is associated with and plays an active role (both research and outreach role) with Science on Stage Ireland, the Chemistry is All Around Network, the Irish Association for Social, Scientific & Environmental Education, SCOTENS, Discover Primary Science and Mathematics Programme and sits on the Council of The Institute of Biology of Ireland.

Area/s of Expertise: Development of the Subject Matter Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Qualified and Pre-Service Teachers in Science, Continuous Professional Development Programmes in Science Education.