Dr. Mary Masterson

BA, MA, H Dip Ed, TEFL, PhD

Biography

Dr Mary Masterson completed her PhD at the University of Kassel Germany. Her doctoral dissertation "Perception of Self and Other and the Role of Language: An Exploratory Qualitative Study" was awarded the prestigious award of Magna Cum Laude (1st Grade). Her dissertation is published by the internationally recognised publishers, Peter Lang.

Masterson, M. (2017). Perception of the Self and Other and the Role of Language: An Exploratory Qualitative Study. Frankfurt am Main. Peter Lang. https://www.peterlang.com/view/product/82305 Her research interests are in the area of Diversity & Inclusion (race, ethnicity, cultural, linguistic & religious diversity). Together with colleagues at the University of Limerick and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and a number of partners drawn from the school and university sectors in Ireland, Europe and South Africa, she is currently engaged in research in the area of teacher well-being. This research has been awarded research funding from a number of funding bodies (Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership EU award, SCoTENS Seed Funding).

She has conducted an empirical qualitative study with a focus on diversity in Irish schools in collaboration with her colleague, Professor Mare Parker-Jenkins (2011-2013). Their research examined how schools were responding to the challenges and opportunities teachers are increasingly facing in light of the demographics in Irish schools and society.

She carried out a quantitative study on language learning strategies with a specific focus on exploring the development of learner autonomy (1998- 1999, Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics).

She has taught at post-primary and university levels. She qualified as a teacher of German, History & Information & Communication Technology. She has experience of Pastor Care in the post-primary context. She has taught English as a Second Language in Ireland and internationally. For many years, she has been an examiner with the Exams Commission in Ireland. She has been active in her Subject Associations and has led European Awareness Raising Initiatives.

She is the Course Director for the Professional Master of Education (Languages) programme. She contributes to a number of modules to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Limerick: History, Policy and Contemporary Issues; Curriculum & Policy Studies; Responding to Diversity.

Professional Activities

Award

2012 - Research Scholar at Kassel University
2007 - eTwinning award for teachers with excellent eTwinning projects
2000 - Scolarship for German Language Teachers
2000 - European Awareness Raising at The Louvain Institute for Ireland, Belgium
1998 - Research Scholarship, University of Kassel, Germany
1992 - Scholarship for undergraduate studies, Bochum, Germany