There are many ways of engaging with and using research. All practitioners are encouraged to develop their judgement about what works in their practice to ensure the best outcomes for all learners – research is key to this process.
Why engage in practitioner-led research?
Taking part in practitioner-led research:
- can directly benefit learners, by improving teaching, learning and assessment
- can lead to learners having a deeper understanding of, and shaping their own learning journeys
- is a powerful form of CPD for practitioners as they are more likely to commit to changes to teaching, learning and assessment when they have confidence in the potential impacts of doing so from their own experience
- you can meet with other practitioners to plan changes and then return to discuss how they worked in practice.
We can therefore consider practitioner research as a core aspect of professional practice.
How can you get involved in research opportunities?
The ETF offer lots of opportunities to get involved in research, including:
- by working on a collaborative research project on the Outstanding Teaching and Learning programme
- applying to the Practitioner Research programme
- Centres for Excellence in Maths
There are also research resources available for members of the Society in Education and Training (SET).
Featured resources:
PRACTITIONER-LED 'HOW TO':
This section provides you with a ‘how to’ for undertaking practitioner-led research.
PRACTITIONER AND RESEARCH EVIDENCE PORTAL
This site brings together resources generated by practitioner researchers who have been involved in several of the programmes funded by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF).
ACADEMIC RESEARCH:
The research findings in this section are the results of professional research, led by academics, which is either directly relevant or closely related to the work of the education and training sector.