Dr. Griffin’s PhD research focused on pupils presenting with behavioural care needs in mainstream primary schools in Ireland. In particular, the research explored the preparedness and deployment of Special Needs Assistants (SNA) when supporting pupils’ behavioural care needs and development of independence. Throughout the research, due regard was given to the voice of the child and the larger school system. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to data collection, comprising a large scale SNA survey (n = 814), alongside minute-by-minute systematic classroom observations and in-depth case studies across 20 mainstream class contexts. 

In addition to this PhD research, Claire has a range of other research interests. These include: 

• Assessment practices in education
• Student voice 
• Supporting inclusive practices 
• Individual pupil planning and intervention
• Positive behaviour support
• Emotional regulation 
• Child-centred teaching/learning approaches

Claire engages in a large amount of undergraduate and post-graduate research supervision. This includes with students on the Bachelor of Education in Education and Psychology Programme, various Master's programmes and the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology Programme. As programme leader of the BEd in Education & Psychology programme, Claire hosts an annual symposium at the Psychological Society of Ireland Conference with programme graduates. 

Brief Biography

Dr. Claire Griffin is a Chartered Educational Psychologist and lecturer in Educational and Developmental Psychology at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick. She is also programme leader of the ‘B.Ed in Education and Psychology’ programme and professional placement supervisor of trainee Educational Psychologists on the ‘Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology’ programme. Claire originally worked within primary and special education settings, as well as in residential care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities. Thereafter, Claire engaged in postgraduate training in both special education and Educational Psychology, qualifying as an Educational Psychologist in 2012. Over subsequent years, Claire undertook part-time PhD studies through University College London while working full-time in MIC. Claire successfully graduated with her PhD in 2018 under the supervision of Professor Peter Blatchford. Since graduating, Claire continues to engage in academic and professional development. Most recently (2021), Claire was awarded the ‘Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching and Learning’ and the ‘Facilitator Badge for Universal Design in Teaching and Learning’ from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Claire has also undertaken a range of other professional development opportunities over recent years. Examples include: 

• ‘Advanced Professional Training in the Therapeutic use of Mindfulness’ through the Irish Mindfulness Institute, Dublin. 
• Video Interaction Guidance: initial training course facilitated by Cathy Byron, trainer and supervisor with AVIGuk and Fiona Gould, accredited VIG practitioner and trainee supervisor.
• Assessment for Intervention (AfI): A contemporary practice framework for Educational Psychologists facilitated by Noëlle Pameijer

Since 2012, Claire has worked across a range of programmes at MIC. This includes the design, coordination and delivery of a range of initial teacher education modules in Educational and Developmental Psychology, inclusive and special education on the BEd programme, Professional Master's of Education programme and BEd in Education & Psychology programme. Claire has also worked as both Acting Programme Leader and Placement co-ordinator on the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology programme and Placement co-ordinator on the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme. 

In addition to teaching, Claire is committed to engaging in high-quality research. Claire has worked on a number of national research projects and has disseminated research findings through national and international conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Claire has also worked on a consultative basis with a range of national bodies including the ‘National Council for Special Education’, the ‘Joint Managerial Body Secretariat of Secondary Schools’ and the ‘National Educational Psychological Service’. Further research information below. 

Over the course of Claire’s studies, research and applied work, Claire has been recipient of a range of awards and grants. Samples include:

• Sabbatical Leave Award 2021/2022, Faculty of Education, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
• Teaching Hero Award 2021, The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and the Union of Students in Ireland
• Government of Ireland International Academic Mobility Programme grant (2017-2018): Funding to travel to Australia Catholic University, Sydney and University of Auckland, New Zealand as a guest lecturer
• Certificate of Best Presentation Award 2016, Paper presentation at ICBEP 2016: 18th International Conference on Behavioral and Educational Psychology, Barcelona, Spain. 
• Shannon Consortium Teaching Excellence Award 2014 (shortlisted)

Since 2013, Claire has supervised a range of undergraduate and postgraduate students who have been awarded nationally and internationally for the quality of their research and/or academic writing. Sample student awards include:

• PSI Student Congress Award (2020, 2019, 2018), overall winner and highly commended 
• The IATSE Student Award (2019) 
• The Global Undergraduate Awards competition (2017, 2015, 2014 & 2013, highly commended). 

In more recent years, Claire has liaised with a range of schools and parents to support positive child/student development, particularly for children with special and additional needs. Claire has engaged in various face-to-face and virtual training events and professional development workshops with teachers, principals, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and parents, aiming to support evidence-based practices to support children’s holistic development. Claire is passionate about her work as a lecturer and Educational Psychologist.