A number of CTY Ireland staff are currently undertaking research in a number of different areas of gifted education.

Dr. Colm O’Reilly’s research focuses on high ability students and the effects of Saturday and summer courses on their academic and social development.  The study looks at reasons for attending the classes and any achievements they may have realised as a result of attendance from the perspectives of the students and their parents. The study also compares levels of academic satisfaction with CTYI classes compared to school and also in comparing differing attitudes that students may have in attending CTYI compared to school. The research group were asked to rank themselves in various subjects compared to their peers in school and will also be asked to rank the various levels of encouragement that they receive from various people in relation to their ability. Finally the study looks at the students and their parents in relation to the whole field of giftedness. Participants will be asked to evaluate how comfortable they are with their own ability and with the term gifted to describe that ability.

Catriona Fitzgerald is undertaking PhD research at the School of Education Studies, under the supervision of Dr. Joe O’Hara. Her research is in the area of acceleration, and in particular dual enrolment between second and third level for high ability transition year students. The study involved the setting up and evaluation of a dual enrolment programme called “Early University Entrance” at Dublin City University during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years. Students participated in first year modules on the following degree programmes: B.A. Economics, Politics and Law, B.Sc. Applied Physics, and Common Entry to Engineering. The students’ social, emotional and academic integration were monitored throughout their participation.

Catriona would like to thank the DCU community for their assistance in helping to realise this programme.

Eleanor Cooke’s research is entitled “Encouraging talented students from socio-economic disadvantaged areas to reach their academic potential.” Research, carried out as part of an educational doctorate study, is currently being done on the academic and social effects that taking part in a unique afterschool programme (called the Centre for Academic Achievement) has on students that attended these courses.

The programme that is run by CTYI, in conjunction with DCU ACCESS services, involves students from 32 primary schools that are designated disadvantaged (DEIS schools). These students have been nominated by their teachers to take part in the programme on the basis of the high academic ability they have shown in the classroom. The courses on offer are similar to the CTYI model: university style courses that are fun and involve a large element of student participation.

A programme evaluation, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, was carried out. The findings included evidence that the majority of students who took part had a greater interest in learning, alongside an increase in confidence and self- esteem, as a result of taking part in the programme.

The findings and improvements recommended by the above study are currently being implemented in a further study, using action research, in order to maximise the benefit of students attending the Centre for Academic Achievement.