The dataset presented in this report comprises the recorded perceptions of approximately 4,000 students in Irish higher education regarding the characteristics, behaviours and skills associated with exceptional teachers; it also provides evidence of the impact of exceptional teachers on their students. The report includes a dialogue between insights from the student data and insights from the teachers they view as exceptional.
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Recording of the Higher Education Authority’s webinar held on 10 September 2026 to introduce its Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Framework for Higher Education. The session explains the Framework’s five strategic enablers and the Self-Evaluation Tool for institutions reviewing their ESD work. A sector panel discusses opportunities, challenges and practical approaches to embedding ESD. Contributions include HEA and DFHERIS perspectives and speakers from ATU, UCC, SETU, University of Galway, AMLÉ and TU Dublin. Published by National Forum T&L.
A short animation about barriers to student success in Irish higher education, including financial pressures, travel, workload, isolation, confidence and communication. It considers how these challenges can overlap, and how accessible support, approachable lecturers, counselling, careers guidance, financial assistance, student representation and flexible institutional practices can help.
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Credits
Director — Dylan Drea
Producer — Ciara O’Brien
Animation — Robin Bennett, Jack Cahill, Talitha Cole, Dylan Drea, Lumiere Lomingo, Ciara O’Brien, Daniel Ofracio, Tobias Zhang
Compositing — Robin Bennett, Jack Cahill, Dylan Drea, Ciara O’Brien
Sound — Robin Bennett, Dylan Drea
Script — Jack Cahill, Ciara O’Brien, Daniel Ofracio
Voice acting — David Carter, Es McLean
Editing — Jack Cahill, Dylan Drea
Special thanks — Rachel Fitzgerald, Eimhin McNamara, Rebecca Roper, Laura Venables
