• Professional Master of Education

The Change Lab

Beth Toner

In my design practice, I draw on my sense of place at home on a sheep farm in North Louth. I use photography to investigate the legacy of the land and to create a dialogue with past generations, in order to make sense of my identity. As a result, I implement storytelling as a methodology in the classroom whereby I facilitate projects that enable students to better understand their own identities.

I teach visual art holistically, whereby student wellbeing informs my planning. My pedagogy is shaped by wellness practices, student centered learning and critical thinking. I facilitate a safe space through the practice of mutual respect and empathy. I ensure students are provided with opportunities to respond to themes that are culturally relevant and meaningful. Recently, I delivered a project promoting the Sustainable Development Goals and ecofeminism, which was inspired by research on Development Education as part of the Change Lab experience.