My Biography

Michael is passionate about the scholarship of teaching mathematics, particularly to those whose former experiences may have been negatively impacted via traditional schooling, or for other reasons.  A former mature student himself, Michael readily identifies with adults returning to education after perhaps prolonged periods away from formal educational situations and the anxiety that can entail, especially those whose previous experiences of mathematics may be negative.

Michael brings a fresh and innovative way of connecting with adult learners in the mathematics class room and his methods are typically non-traditional.  He encourages active participation in his classes and sees dialogue as a necessary means by which mathematical learning is mediated.  His Masters degree thesis (linked below) investigated the link between mathematical confidence (self-efficacy) and competency (mathematical ability) and showed that mathematical confidence can be increased, even in adult learners in higher education, thereby decreasing mathematical anxiety or mathephobia.

Lanigan, M., (2007), The Effects of Learner Self-Confidence on Competence in Mathematics, Unpublished thesis (M.A.), Waterford Institute of Technology, available https://repository.wit.ie/3400/1/Dissertation%20FINAL.pdf

Michael had the priviledge of leading the WIT Certificate in Foundation Studies programme for over a decade before its conclusion - a programme that provided a vehicle for would-be mature students to access mainstream higher education and change their lives forever.  Many of its graduates went onto further success at third level and can count a number of doctoral and masters scholars amongst its alumni. 

Michael continues to work with non-traditional students and adult learners and has managed to bring his unique approach to learning mathematics into local second level schools via targeted SLL programmes for 1st, 3rd and 6th year students.

Research Interests:

• Dialogic teaching and learning paradigm
• Metacognitive control
• Reciprocity in learning mathematics
• Thinking mathematically, developing mathematical thinking and mathematical confidence
• Education Psychology - the nature of mathematical confidence
• Pedagogy and Andragogy of Mathematics Education

Research

Most recently, Michael has been investigating the teaching and learning of mathematics, with particular emphasis on adult learners, as seen through the following lenses:

• Impediments to engagement in mathematics, communicating and learning mathematically
• Metacognition and reflection in mathematics learning
• Dialogic teaching (and learning) of mathematics
• Developing mathematical thinking

 

Publications: Peer-reviewed Journals; Conference Papers; Posters etc.

• Lanigan, M. (2021) ‘Impediments to Adult Learner Engagement in Higher Education Mathematics Learning: Obstacles to Creating a Classroom Culture of Enquiry’, in Kingston, M. and Grimes P., (Eds.), Proceedings of the Eight Conference on Research in Mathematics Education in Ireland (MEI 8),  Accessing Mathematics: Inspiring Engaged Communities, DCU Institute of Education, Dublin City University: https://sites.google.com/dcu.ie/meiconference/mei-8/proceedings

 

• Lanigan M. and McKenzie Brown F., (2011) 'Reflective Learning in Mathematics? - A Resource for Adult Learners of Mathematics', Joint Presentation at Inaugural Waterford Institute of Technology Research Colloquium, WIT, Waterford, Ireland

 

• Lanigan M., (2009) Presentation on Master Degree findings to Eureka Centre for Mathematical Confidence, March 2009, Sigma-CETL, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, England.

 

• Lanigan M., (2008), 'Findings and Results from a Master of Arts Investigation and Research into the Effects of Learner Self-Confidence on Competence in Mathematics', Conference Presentation ICME 11 - TSG 8 (International Congress on Mathematics Education, Topic Study Group 8), Monterrey, Mexico, July 6-13 2008, (presented in absentia by Dr. Maurice O'Reilly, St. Patrick's Drumcondra)

 

• Lanigan, M., (2007), The Effects of Learner Self-Confidence on Competence in Mathematics, Unpublished thesis (M.A.), Waterford Institute of Technology, available https://repository.wit.ie/3400/1/Dissertation%20FINAL.pdf

 

• Lanigan M., (2007), 'Where are the examinations?' Using Learning Journals in Mathematics Assessment, Case Studies of Good Practices in Assessment of Student Learning in Higher Education, AISHE (All Ireland Society for Higher Education), Dublin, Ireland.

 

• Lanigan M., (2007) 'Assisting Adult Learners Develop Confidence In Mathematics - A Contemporary Approach To A Traditional Problem', ALM-14 (Adults Learning Mathematics), Presentation at University of Limerick, Ireland.

 

• Lanigan M. and Reid M., (2007), 'Case Study, Chapter 6' in Jones E., and Brown S., 'Internationalising Higher Education: Enhancing Learning, Teaching and Curriculum', Routledge Chapman & Hall, Oxon, UK

 

• Lanigan M. (2006), Case Study: Utilising Learning Journals in Mathematics Assessment, MSOR Connections, Vol 6, No.4, pp38-42, DOI:10.11120/MSOR.2006.06040038. Corpus ID: 62113390

 

• Lanigan M. (2005), 'Why Positive Access Policies in Higher Education can Contribute to Active Citizenship', in The Adult Learner: The Journal of Adult and Community Education in Ireland 2005: Citizenship & Participation, Aontas, Dublin, pp78-84.

Teaching

School and Organisational Roles:

2015-date Lecturer in School of Education, servicing School of Engineering, School of Science; SLL Library Access Programme for Leaving & Junior Cycle students.

2012-2015 Course/Programme Leader WIT Certificate in Career Development & Skills Enhancement Programme.

2002-2012 Course/Programme Leader WIT Certificate in Foundation Studies (FETAC Certificate in General Studies).

2001-2003 Part-time lecturer.

Professional

2002-date Full-time Lecturer, WIT

1999-2001 Design Engineer, Carten Controls Ltd.

1994-1999 Design Engineer, D Design Services Ltd.

Qualifications

2020 Epigeum Certificate in Research Integrity

2015 Bachelor of Science (Honours), Open University, [Mathematics major]

2012 Certificate in Mathematics, Open University

2009 Certificate in Life Coaching, Coaching Development London

2007 Master of Arts (Honours) in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, [Thesis distinction], WIT

1999 Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Computer-Aided Manufacturing, WIT

1998 National Diploma in Manufacturing Technology, WIT

1997 National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, WIT

Awards

1995 Winner of The City & Guilds Medal for Excellence in the field of Industrial Robotic Technology (2300 Level 3). Presented by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, President of the City & Guilds of London Institute, at a ceremony held in Buckingham Palace, 6th June 1996.

Educational Collaborator: Mr. Harold Beaver, Waterford College of Further Education (formerly Central Technical Institute).

Industrial Collaborator: John O'Leary on behalf of Waterford Crystal Ltd.

The Medal for Excellence if awarded, is awarded only once per year, world-wide.

http://www.city and guilds.com

My Publications