Educational Research - Centre for Academic Practice, Trinity Teaching & Learning

The Centre for Academic Practice is a national leader in learning innovation and pedagogical research in higher education. Through collaborative scholarship we aim to advance, and build capacity for research—informed teaching and learning enhancement aligned to Trinity’s strategic educational priorities.

CAP Research Projects

CAP staff are actively involved in scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), modelling the evidence-based inquiry that we promote through our practice. We have cutting-edge expertise across critically important research areas including generative AI, digital education, STEM pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment and feedback. Our SoTL research informs our work with academic staff across the university and supports the delivery of Trinity’s strategic educational priorities, while contributing to broader conversations in higher education through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Explore our projects below.

Using GenAI in teaching, learning and assessment across the disciplines

Cross-sectoral research which aims to get an insight into practices across Irish universities.

Curriculum analytics - GenAl tool to scalemapping of ESD across TCD curricula

Development of a GenAl tool to analyse and map ESD themes, competencies and pedagogies across Trinity curricula.

A Curriculum Design Framework for ESD

Phased research to review and analyse best practice in the adoption of ESD in higher education curricula and develop a curriculum framework for Trinity.

Developing sustainable futures together

A students-as-partners approach to evaluating experiences of ESD across Trinity undergraduate curricula.

Evaluating professional development for teaching excellence and impact

Longitudinal research with SpCert participants and alumni.

Teaching Space Strategy

Collaboration with Estates and Facilities to research changing needs, challenges, and uses of on-campus spaces with a focus on the enhancement of teaching space and the student experience.

Learning Innovation & Research Hub Projects

The Centre for Academic Practice hosts Trinity’s newly established Learning Innovation & Research Hub. This pilot initiative is underpinned by a partnership model where CAP experts partner with Trinity colleagues across the disciplines to implement high-impact learning innovation research projects that address critical challenges in education.

MethodMentor (School of Education/CHARM-EU)

Developing an AI chatbot to support postgraduate student evaluation, reflection, comparison, and selection of Research Methods.

AI Teaching Assistant (AITA) Tool (School of Engineering)

Rolling out AI-based teaching and learning aids to modules in Civil/Mechanical Engineering.

SPEAK (School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Co-designing (with diverse students) a simulation hub hosting a suite of realistic GenAI-driven patients for safe, independent practice of pharmacy consultation skills, with automated assessment and feedback.

New Horizons in Learning (School of Nursing & Midwifery)

Creating a forward-thinking, student-centred Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery curriculum that fosters professional readiness, inclusivity, and adaptability.

To learn more about the Centre for Academic Practice’s staff research interests and publications, please visit our About Us pages.