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Psychology

Dr Aoife Maria Mc Tiernan

B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Contact Details

Lecturer Above The Bar
School of Psychology
University of Galway
E: aoifemaria.mctiernan@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Aoife is the Director of the MSc and PhD in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Lecturer in Psychology (Behaviour Analysis).  She is a Chartered Psychologist and Board Certified Behaviour Analyst - Doctoral (BCBA-D) who has worked for a number of years in educational settings and disability services that provide early and positive behaviour supports to children and adolescents with autism and intellectual disabilities.  She was previously a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of South Wales before returning to the University of Galway, School of Psychology.  She is the past president of the European Association for Behaviour Analysis.  

Research Interests

  • Evidence-informed approaches in education.
  • Accelerating learning for students at risk and in areas of socio-economic disadvantage.
  • Behaviour support strategies in schools.
  • Efficacy, feasibility, and social validity of interventions and supports.
  • Ethical, evidence-informed teaching approaches and behaviour support for children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Precision teaching and academic interventions for reading, writing, and mathematics.

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2024) 'The evolution of values in the science of behaviour analysis: a discussion paper'
Mc Tiernan, A. & Bowring, D. (2024) 'The evolution of values in the science of behaviour analysis: a discussion paper'. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, [Details]
(2023) 'An evaluation of Headsprout early reading as an online parent¿mediated intervention for primary school children'
Gillespie, E., Markham, V., & Tiernan, A. M. (2023) 'An evaluation of Headsprout early reading as an online parent¿mediated intervention for primary school children'. Behavioral Interventions, [Details]
(2022) 'Developing the parent-coaching assessment, individualization, and response to stressors (PAIRS) tool for behavior analysts'
Pacia, C., Gunning, C., McTiernan, A., & Holloway, J. (2022) 'Developing the parent-coaching assessment, individualization, and response to stressors (PAIRS) tool for behavior analysts'. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders, [Details]
(2022) 'The implementation of Precision Teaching for the improvement of academic skills: A systematic review of the literature over thirty years'
Tiernan, A. M., McCoy, A., Mendonca, J., Lydon, H., & Diffley, S. (2022) 'The implementation of Precision Teaching for the improvement of academic skills: A systematic review of the literature over thirty years'. Behavioral Interventions, [Details]
(2022) 'The impact of the SMART program on cognitive and academic skills: A systematic review and meta¿analysis'
May, R. J., Tyndall, I., McTiernan, A., Roderique¿Davies, G., & McLoughlin, S (2022) 'The impact of the SMART program on cognitive and academic skills: A systematic review and meta¿analysis'. British Journal Of Educational Technology, [Details]
(2021) 'Comparing the Minimum Celeration Line and the Beat Your Personal Best Goal-Setting Approaches During the Mathematical Practice of Students Diagnosed with Autism'
Vostanis, A., Padden, C., McTiernan, A., & Langdon, P. E. (2021) 'Comparing the Minimum Celeration Line and the Beat Your Personal Best Goal-Setting Approaches During the Mathematical Practice of Students Diagnosed with Autism'. Journal of Behavioral Education, [Details]
(2020) 'An Investigation of Moderators of a Precision Teaching and Frequency Building Intervention'
Mc Tiernan, Holloway, Healy, & Kubina (2020) 'An Investigation of Moderators of a Precision Teaching and Frequency Building Intervention'. European Journal Of Behaviour Analysis, [Details]
(2019) 'A systematic review of peer-mediated interventions for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive settings'
Gunning, C., Breathnach, Ó., Holloway, J., McTiernan, A., & Malone, B. (2019) 'A systematic review of peer-mediated interventions for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder in inclusive settings'. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, [Details]
(2018) 'Cross-Age Peer Tutoring and Fluency-Based Instruction to Achieve Fluency with Mathematics Computation Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial'
Greene, I., Mc Tiernan, A., & Holloway, J. (2018) 'Cross-Age Peer Tutoring and Fluency-Based Instruction to Achieve Fluency with Mathematics Computation Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial'. Journal of Behavioral Education, [Details]
(2018) 'Employing precision teaching, frequency-building, and the Morningside Math facts curriculum to increase fluency with addition and subtraction computation: A randomised-controlled trial'
Mc Tiernan, A., Holloway, J., Leonard, C., & Healy, O. (2018) 'Employing precision teaching, frequency-building, and the Morningside Math facts curriculum to increase fluency with addition and subtraction computation: A randomised-controlled trial'. European Journal Of Behavior Analysis, [Details]
(2018) 'Teaching Phonics to Preschool Children with Autism Using Frequency-Building and Computer-Assisted Instruction'
O’Brien, M., Mc Tiernan, A., & Holloway, J. (2018) 'Teaching Phonics to Preschool Children with Autism Using Frequency-Building and Computer-Assisted Instruction'. Journal Of Developmental And Physical Disabilities, [Details]
(2016) 'A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance and Application Outcomes'
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway, Olive Healy, Michael Hogan (2016) 'A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance and Application Outcomes'. Journal of Behavioral Education, [Details]
(2011) 'Analysis of risk factors and early predictors of challenging behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder'
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Geraldine Leader, Olive Healy, Arlene Mannion (2011) 'Analysis of risk factors and early predictors of challenging behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder'. Research In Autism Spectrum Disorders, [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2023) 'No More ¿Train and Train More¿'
Pacia, C., Gunning, C., Mc Tiernan, A., & Holloway, J. (2023) 'No More ¿Train and Train More¿' In: People Skills for Behavior Analysts. NA: Routledge. [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2023) Assistive Technology for Supplementary Reading Instruction for Children with Disabilities: Current Status & Potential for Application in Practice.
Mc Tiernan, A., Diffley, S., Ryan, A., Quinlivan, S., Neufeld, J., O¿Regan, D., & Healy, O. (2023) Assistive Technology for Supplementary Reading Instruction for Children with Disabilities: Current Status & Potential for Application in Practice. National Disability Authority, https://nda.ie/publications/assistive-technology-for-supplementary-reading-instruction-for-children-. [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2021) 'Towards qualification for health and social care professionals in the field of digital technologies: the European project ¿DDSkills¿'
Weiland, M., Klein, B., Riccio, A., Lydon, H., Paschou, F., Panzironi, M., ... & Gunning, C. (2021) 'Towards qualification for health and social care professionals in the field of digital technologies: the European project ¿DDSkills¿' Connected Living: international and interdisciplinary conference, . [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
7th Annual Conference of the Association for Behaviour Analysis, Sydney, Australia, 2022,
Mc Tiernan, A. Invited speaker: Future Directions for Research in Precision Teaching. [Invited Oral Presentation], 7th Annual Conference of the Association for Behaviour Analysis, Sydney, Australia, 2022, Sydney . [Details]
50th Annual Convention for the Association of Behaviour Analysis International, 2024,
Mc Tiernan, A. Invited speaker: Future Directions for Research in Precision Teaching. [Invited Oral Presentation], 50th Annual Convention for the Association of Behaviour Analysis International, 2024, Philadelphia . [Details]
10th Conference of the European Association for Behaviour Analysis, 2022,
Mc Tiernan, A. Invited speaker: Future Directions for Research in Precision Teaching. [Invited Oral Presentation], 10th Conference of the European Association for Behaviour Analysis, 2022, Tampere, Finland . [Details]
Invited Workshop with Emirates College for Advanced Education,
Mc Tiernan, A. (2020) Precision Teaching and Frequency Building in the Classroom. [Invited Oral Presentation], Invited Workshop with Emirates College for Advanced Education, Online . [Details]
12th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
Mc Tiernan, A. & Mc Dowell, C. (2018, April) Invited Speaker. An Introduction to Precision Teaching in Practice. [Invited Oral Presentation], 12th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Galway, Ireland . [Details]
10th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
O’Brien, M., Mc Tiernan, A., & Holloway Teaching Phonics to Preschool Children with Autism Using Frequency-Building and Computer-Assisted Instruction. [Oral Presentation], 10th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Ireland . [Details]
FLSE Learning, Teaching and Research Conference 2019: Making an impact on the Community, University of South Wales,
Mc Tiernan, A. & Markham, V. Behaviour Analysis Clinic Research Internship: Providing Students with Applied Research Experience and Making a Local Impact. [Poster Presentation], FLSE Learning, Teaching and Research Conference 2019: Making an impact on the Community, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, Wales . [Details]
Association for Behavior Analysis International, 45th Annual Convention,
Mc Tiernan, A. & Austin, J. The University of South Wales Academics Intervention Service (AIS): A Description and Evaluation of a University-Based Intervention Service for Teaching Academic Skills. [Oral Presentation], Association for Behavior Analysis International, 45th Annual Convention, Chicago . [Details]
Association for Behavior Analysis International, 45th Annual Convention,
Mc Tiernan, A., Holloway, J., Healy, O., Kubina, R.M. Moderators of Fluency-based Instruction: The Impact of Individual Differences on Outcomes of Intervention. [Oral Presentation], Association for Behavior Analysis International, 45th Annual Convention, Chicago . [Details]
28th International Precision Teaching Conference, Florida,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway, Olive Healy, Michael Hogan A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance, and Application Outcomes. [Oral Presentation], 28th International Precision Teaching Conference, Florida, Florida . [Details]
Association for Behavior Analysis International, 41st Annual Convention, San Antonio,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway, Olive Healy, Michael Hogan A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance, and Application Outcomes. [Oral Presentation], Association for Behavior Analysis International, 41st Annual Convention, San Antonio, San Antonio . [Details]
9th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway & Olive Healy An Evaluation of Moderators of Fluency-based Instruction. [Oral Presentation], 9th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Galway . [Details]
9th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
Keane, K., Mc Tiernan, A., & Holloway, J Fluency-based Instruction to Teach Word Identification Skills with Children with Specific Reading Disorders. [Oral Presentation], 9th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Galway . [Details]
Data Science for Behaviour Analysts, Teachers, and Parents,
Dr. Richard Kubina Precision Teaching: Reach every learner by adapting to how they each learn best!. [Organising Chair], Data Science for Behaviour Analysts, Teachers, and Parents, National University of Ireland, Galway; Trinity College Dublin . [Details]
8th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway, Olive Healy, Michael Hogan A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance, and Application Outcomes. [Oral Presentation], 8th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Galway . [Details]
7th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaiour Analysis, Ireland,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway & Olive Healy Efficacy of Frequency-building Component Mathematics Skills with Children in Disadvantaged Mainstream Settings. [Oral Presentation], 7th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaiour Analysis, Ireland, Athlone . [Details]
7th Conference of the European Association for Behaviour Analysis, Stolkholm,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Jennifer Holloway, Olive Healy, Michael Hogan A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Morningside Math Facts Curriculum on Fluency, Stability, Endurance, and Application Outcomes. [Poster Presentation], 7th Conference of the European Association for Behaviour Analysis, Stolkholm, Stolkholm . [Details]
(2011) 5th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland,
Aoife Mc Tiernan, Geraldine Leader, Olive Healy, Arlene Mannion (2011) Analysis of risk factors and early predictors of challenging behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder. [Oral Presentation], 5th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis, Ireland, Galway , 03-JUN-11 - 03-JUN-11. [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Standard Celeration Society VP International Relations /
European Association for Behaviour Analysis Member /
Applied Behaviour Analysis International Member /
Behavior Analysis Certification Board Certificant /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Standard Celeration Society VP International Relations /
Standard Celeration Society Committee member (Science and Academic Affairs) 01-NOV-15 / 01-NOV-16

Employment

  Employer Position From / To
NUI Galway Lecturer in Psychology /
University of South Wales, Pontypridd Lecturer in Applied Behaviour Analysis 06-JAN-17 / 20-DEC-19

Reviews

  Journal Role
Journal of Behavioral Education Editoral Board
Journal Of Applied Behavior Analysis Reviewer
Journal Of Applied Research In Intellectual Disabilities Reviewer
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Reviewer
Journal Of Developmental And Physical Disabilities Reviewer

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2020 Paediatric Clinical Behavioural Interventions PS343 UG Year 3 (Psychology)
2020 Behaviour Assessment PS6155 MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis
2020 Applied Project I PS508 MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis
2020 Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Clinical Practice PS6121/2 Supervision and co-ordination of students on clinical placements. Students accrue supervised fieldwork hours to pursue a professional credential with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
2020 Advanced Behaviour Systems PS6123 Contributing lectures on Precision Teaching
2016/2017 Principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis PS512
2016 Ethics, Professional Conduct and Clinical Practice 2 PS6122
2015/2016 Professional Skills and Ethical Practice PS7102
2015/2016 Behaviour Change Procedures PS7101
2015/2016 Measurement and Assessment PS7100