Liam Maquet

Technology Educator & PhD Student 

Overview

I am a qualified teacher of engineering, technology, and graphics from Co. Donegal. I graduated from the University of Limerick in 2021 with a 1.1 degree  in technology education (LM095). Through this degree I developed subject specific knowledge and competencies in the areas of engineering, technology, and graphics as well as pedagogical content knowledge and skills to accompany these. 

In August 2021 I began as a teaching assistant in technology education in the University of Limerick, and in August 2023 started my new position as a University Teacher in technology education in the university also. In this role I lead modules in core subject areas as well as subject-specific pedagogies on both undergraduate and postgraduate initial teacher education courses (LM094 and LM095). During my two years of teaching, I have engaged with the SET feedback process each year, and have received highly positive reports of my teaching. My teaching style is very student centered, and the use of continuous feedback and student discussion is used to help my develop my practice.

In October 2021 I began my PhD studies under the supervision  of Dr Rónán Dunbar, Dr Jeffrey Buckley, Dr Niall Seery (Technological University of the Shannon), and Prof Sheryl Sorby (University of Cincinnati).  My PhD research investigates the development of spatial skills within technology education and aims to support the ongoing development of the technology subjects at both junior and senior cycle levels. As part of my research, I have worked closely with Oide (formerly know as the Professional Development Service for Teachers - PDST) to develop and deliver teacher professional development in the area of spatial skills development, as well as roll out a national spatial skills pilot program across 26 schools around Ireland.  I am a current member of the Technology Education Research Group (TERG), where we engage in regular discourse around contemporary research in the area.