Dr. Lorraine Harbison
Dr Lorraine Harbison is an Associate Professor and Subject Lead of Mathematics Education in the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. She teaches in the areas of primary school mathematics education at undergraduate and postgraduate level and supervises MEd and PhD students. Lorraine holds an honours B.Ed. degree and a Higher Certificate in Froebel Education. She obtained her Doctorate in Education from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne where she focused on mathematical understanding in the lower primary years. She also holds a Facilitator Badge in Universal Design for Teaching and Learning from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Lorraine has extensive knowledge of the Irish school system. As well as being an experienced primary school teacher in mainstream and special education contexts, she has worked as an Education Officer in the areas of early childhood, primary curriculum and assessment with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Lorraine is currently involved in a number of collaborative local, national and international research projects. These include looking at mathematics curriculum design to support teacher efficacy and mathematics subject leadership; examining the factors that contribute to the successful transition in mathematics education for pupils moving from primary to post-primary school; embedding literature and creative writing in mathematics teaching and learning, and assessment of key skills in mathematics.
Research Interests
- Authentic assessment practices - Formative assessment of mathematical process skills
- Creative writing in the mathematics classroom - Use of literature
- Fostering metacognition - Problem solving and problem posing
- Supporting preservice primary teachers mathematics efficacy - Beliefs, knowledge and pedagogy
- Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the primary school classroom - Subject Leadership in Mathematics Education
- Inclusive teaching and learning practices - Universal Design for Learning and task design
Teaching Interests
I lecture in all areas of mathematics for primary school teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level. I am particularly interested in developing preservice teachers pedagogical and content knowledge to integrate mathematics across the curriculum.
