Research

The research behind The WellSchools Network is primarily driven by its founder, David Cashman and his PhD at University College Cork. His research focuses on the design and evaluation of a Systems Informed model of Positive Education. This model is centered on integrating well-being practices into school environments to create inclusive and supportive educational settings that prioritize both academic achievement and student well-being.

RESEARCH

Practical Experience & Dedicated Research

David's research draws on his extensive experience in education, particularly in schools that address educational disadvantage. His systems-informed approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of various factors in education, such as student mental health, teacher support, community involvement, and overall school culture, aiming to create holistic environments that foster student success on multiple levels.

Innovation

Through his PhD and the development of The WellSchools Network, David aims to provide evidence-based solutions for schools to promote a more balanced and enriching education that meets both the academic and emotional needs of students. His research has been featured in conferences like the EERA European Conference on Education Research and the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference, highlighting its relevance and impact within the field of education.The WellSchools Network was recognised in 2023 at the UCC Research & Innovation Awards 2023.

Research & Presentations

Oral Presentations

1. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (January 2021). Reconceptualising Well- being to develop an Ecological Framework of organisation of a new Irish Primary School. College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) Postgraduate Research Conference, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

2. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (August 2021). Reconceptualising Wellbeing to develop an Ecological Framework for organisation for a new Irish Primary School. European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Geneva, Switzerland. (Online)

3. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (April 2022). Reconceptualising Wellbeing: A Framework for New Schools. The Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference 2022, Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, Ireland.

4. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (April 2022). New School Principals' Perspective of Wellbeing. The Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference 2022, Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, Ireland.

5. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (February 2022). Reconceptualising Wellbeing: An Ecological Framework For New Irish Primary Schools. College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) Postgraduate Research Conference, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

6. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (August 2022). Developing School Principals' Experience of Wellbeing: An Actor Network Analysis European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Yerevan, Armenia. (Online)

7. Cashman, D. (November 2022). Implementing Trauma Aware Practices in Educate Together Schools. The Trauma Informed Practice Conference Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.

8. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (February 2023). Developing School Teachers’ Experiences of Wellbeing: An Actor Network Analysis. College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS) Postgraduate Research Conference, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

9. Cashman, D. (February 2023). Embedding a Systems Informed Model of Positive Education. The Educate Together Principals Conference Principals Conference, Galway, Ireland

10. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (August 2023). Developing School Teachers’ Experiences of Wellbeing: An Actor Network Analysis. European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Glasgow, Scotland.

11. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (April 2024). An Actor Network Analysis of Teachers Experience of Wellbeing in the Context of a Developing School. The Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Research Conference 2024, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.

12. Cashman, D, O’Brien, W & Chambers, F. (April 2024). Empowering Young Voices: Integrating Photovoice in Positive Education Research to Explore Well-being in Irish Primary Schools. The Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Research Conference 2024, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.

Workshops

1. Cashman, D. (March 2023). Embedding a Systems Informed Model of Positive Education. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) Principals Conference, Portlaoise, Laois, Ireland.

2. Cashman, D. (October 2022). Embedding a Systems Informed Model of Positive Education. Early Childhood Studies 3rd Year Cohort, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

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