Information Sheet

IRAACE

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IRAACE – The Irish Research Association of Adult & CommunityEducation

What is IRAACE?

IRAACE is a network for those engaged in or interested in research in the adult and community education fields. This includes those working in adult basic education, vocational and community education, further and higher education.

IRAACE will support interested people to:

• Explore common issues in adult and community education research

• Share knowledge, experiences and research resources with one another

• Identify major challenges in adult and community education research

• Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to address these challenges

• Identify and publicise funding opportunities for research projects

• Situate the research in the broader context of education policy in Ireland

• Develop links with researchers in other countries

History of IRAACE

In 2003 a small number of researchers in adult education were seeking to develop closer links. Difficulties in locating existing research, identifying relevant data sources and accessing funding opportunities for research projects created an impetus to start building a network of researchers. A Development Committee was formed in 2004.Members of the committee include representatives from the

• National Adult Literacy agency (NALA),

• AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organization,

• UCD Adult Education Centre,

• Department of Adult & Community Education, NUI Maynooth,

• Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)

• School of Education, Queen’s University Belfast.

Information Sheet

IRAACE

As part of a short feasibility study undertaken in 2005 a research report was developed, along with a research database containing a bibliography of research work with contact details for the researchers. A potential membership database was also developed. The findings of the study continue to inform the future direction of the Development Committee’s work. Following the completion of the study IRAACE was formed and a constitution drawn up. In 2006, IRAACE was officially launched by Professor John Field, University of Stirling, in the National Library, Dublin.

What Happens Next?

From 2008 onwards the Development Committee of IRAACE aims to: • Host two research events a year to facilitate networking among delegates, provide delegates with opportunities to discuss their current projects and to offer a platform for delegates to showcase their research

• Maintain detailed information lists on researchers in the field of adult and community education and to disseminate these lists widely among interested parties

• Identify potential sources of funding to employ a part-time manager of IRAACE to build on the work of the Development Committee in moving IRAACE forward

• Establish, host and maintain a website, as an information resource and to promote the work of IRAACE.

How Do I Get Involved?

You may contact the IRAACE development committee if you: • Have any comments or ideas after reading this information leaflet

• Would like us to inform you how IRAACE is developing

• Know anyone else who would be interested in IRAACE

• Are a researcher and would like your contact details circulated to interested parties

• Would like further information on IRAACE events

Contact Details for IRAACE Development Committee

E-mail: iraace@gmail.com

Telephone: Adele McKenna, Policy & Research Officer,

AONTAS (01) 406 8220

amckenna@aontas.com

Tina Byrne, Research Officer,

NALA (01) 809 9183

tbyrne@nala.ie