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Education Research Month 2025

Event Overview

The Institute for Education (IfE) organised its 4th Education Research Month dedicated to dissertations carried out by its graduates during academic year 2023/2024 or research projects undertaken by IfE staff. The IfE wishes to celebrate their achievement and give their research the visibility it deserves. We hope that the recommendations emanating from the research will prove fruitful in instilling a constructive debate on the further development of the education sector in Malta.

Programme

The Education Research We​ek was held throughout February 2025 during LIVE chats on the Institute for Education’s Facebook page with each day being dedicated to a different theme to give the diversity of research conducted by our IfE graduates and staff adequate visibility. These live chats were held on specific dates during February from 18:00 to 19:30. To access the Institute for Education’s Facebook page click here.

The dates, themes, and guests this year were:

GUESTS:  

Prof Alexei Dingli – Professor of AI, University of Malta 

Ms Joanne Grima – CEO, Institute for Education 

Moderator: Janice Darmanin 
This live discussion explored the integration of AI in education. The conversation focused on understanding AI’s role, its ethical use, and its potential to reshape teaching, learning, and research. 

Angele Pulis – Lecturer IfE 

Alexia Tanti – Alumni MAEL & Deputy Head of School 

Claudia Vella  – Education Officer – Education Resources – People Management Department

Moderator: Mario Mallia 

This live discussion delved into the critical competencies school leaders need to effectively manage educational change, with a particular focus on the challenges of teacher deployment and adaptability.

GUESTS:  

Ms Naomi Attard Borg - Alumni & Deputy Head of School  

Dr Michelle Panzavecchia – Lecturer IfE 

Dr Loredana Muscat – Lecturer IfE

Moderator: Mr Oswald Tanti Rigos 

This live discussion explored the opportunities and challenges of teaching and learning in bilingual and multilingual classrooms. The discussion focused on how language is used not only in specific language lessons but across various subjects and educational contexts.

GUESTS:  

Ms Susanne Azzopardi – Lecturer IfE  

Mr Elton Vella – Head of School Bishop’s Conservatory Junior School

Moderator: Mr Oswald Tanti Rigos 

This live discussion explored the importance of play-based learning in early childhood education, highlighting different approaches to implementing play as a foundation for learning. The discussion featured insights from both academic research and practical classroom implementation, showcasing various ways educators can integrate play into learning environments.

GUESTS:  

Ms Christine Fenech – Researcher IfE & Senior Manager Research and Development  

Mr Mario Mallia– Lecturer IfE

Moderator: Mr Oswald Tanti Rigos 

This live discussion explored social diversification in Malta, with a focus on multicultural and intercultural education. The discussion delved into how schools can foster cultures of encounter and intercultural dialogue to create more inclusive and cohesive learning communities.

GUESTS:  

Ms Fiona Vassallo Medici – Senior Manager Course Coordination and School Professional Development

Ms Janice Darmanin – Senior Manager School of Research

Moderator: Mr Mario Mallia 

This live discussion explored the importance of professional development for educators, focusing on how continuous learning, reflective practice, collaborative opportunities and research contribute to professional growth. 

GUESTS:  

Dr Amanda Bezzina – Lecturer IfE

Mr Oswald Tanti Rigos – Lecturer IfE

Ms Janice Darmanin – Senior Manager School of Research

Moderator: Mr Mario Mallia 

This live discussion explored the role of educators as researchers, examining how research informs teaching practice, fosters professional development, and strengthens critical thinking. The discussion highlighted the importance of embedding research into teaching at all stages of an educator’s career, from initial teacher training to lifelong professional growth. 

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