case studies - lsrn.files.wordpress.com · web viewpaul kessel-holland of the education and...
TRANSCRIPT
NEWSLETTERJune 2018
The LSRN newsletter is a channel for all interested in research and use of evidence in the Learning & Skills sector. Items for the next issue should be sent by 1st September to Andrew Morris [email protected]
LSRN Task Group - updateAs reported in the March Newsletter, plans to develop an overarching structure for Research
Networks in the sector are being taken forward by a Task Group of volunteers set up following the last LSRN Workshop in November 2017. The aim is to get better value out of existing networks concerned with research and evidence in the sector. The initiative, called Networking the Networks, uses the sharing symbol to indicate its primary purpose. The Task Group has taken the following initial steps, based on the original consultation.
Social mediaA twitter account has been set up by Sam Jones and Jo Fletcher-Saxon, as a start on improving communications between networks. @LSRNetwork has proved instantly popular with 240 followers at the time of writing; 139 tweets had been sent.
NewsletterPaula Jones has joined Andrew Morris as co-editor, to enhance this LSRN Newsletter as a means of communicating within the initiative. As you will see a new Spotlight series features the work of participating networks and people. Plans for an enhanced format are being discussed in the Task Group.
Web presenceProposals to create a web presence that provides introductions to, and links to, participating networks are being developed by the Task Group. Watch this space.
Workshop Plans are afoot for an October workshop on practitioner networks, based on these proposals.
Further updates will be given in future issues of this Newsletter. To get in touch, contact: Norman Crowther: [email protected]
1
Networking the Networks
Events
East Midlands LSRN Relaunch
The relaunched East Midlands Learning and Skills Research Network event takes place on Tuesday 3rd July 2018 13:00 – 16:30 at New College Nottingham (free). It will be very much the start of building a research network in the region. The focus will be on how Further Education practitioners and institutions engage with research. The presentations will reflect emerging priorities for the sector and showcase innovation.
Key note speakers include: Professor Liz Atkins, Professor of Education at Northumbria University whose recent work concerns the way colleges shape disadvantaged young peoples’ transitions into employment. Mike Tyler, sport lecturer at Birmingham Metropolitan College who is interested in the crucial role of teacher research engagement in improving students’ educational experience and outcomes.
Contact Bill Esmond [email protected] for further information and book via Eventbrite.
Greater Manchester LSRNLaunch event
The new local LSRN network for Greater Manchester will be holding a #FEResearchMeet on Thursday 21st June 2018 (free) at Ashton Sixth Form College in Greater Manchester. Jo Fletcher-Saxon, the convenor, writes:
Are you a lecturer in a further education setting? Join us to share or present your research or to hear from others. This event is aimed at celebrating and highlighting the research activities of FE staff about FE. We are looking for staff from further education settings to share their research or to be a participant and discuss with others. Full event details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feresearchmeet-greater-manchester-tickets-38331717198
2
Key note speakers are Professor Kevin Orr of Huddersfield University and Bill Watkin, CEO of the Sixth Form Colleges Association. Attendance is free and the event is being supported by LSRN, NEU and SFCA. Contact for the event is Jo Fletcher-Saxon [email protected]
London and South East LSRNNext meeting
The forthcoming LSRN event will be held at the King William Building (Room KW003), University of Greenwich on the 20th July 2018 from 2.30 to 5.30 pm. As usual, we invite colleagues to present and/or attend the event. We already have some speakers, and as always, it is on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are interested in presenting, please send us a title, name and institution (if relevant). Rania Hafez and Sai Loo look forward to welcoming you. Contact Sai Loo at [email protected]
Beds, Bucks and Herts LSRN #FEResearchmeet
A reminder of the ‘researchmeet’ on Tuesday 4th July 10.00 - 16.00 (free) at The Bedford Sixth Form, Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2BS
There will be a keynote speech from professor Jean McNiff, and two 'strands' of workshops. The first will be the research strand that was so successful last year. To present in this strand you need to be a researcher working within the sector. The second strand is the 'development' strand. This strand is to support others on their research journey with workshops on everything from action research to masters, PhDs to publication. This strand is open to ex-FE staff as well as present staff as we recognise that many ex-colleagues want to continue to support those working within the sector.
The day will culminate in a panel made up of key 'leaders' from around the sector who will address some of the issues that arise from the workshops. For tickets, visit
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/feresearchmeet-bedford-tickets-43527474849
CVER (Centre for Vocational Education Research)Conference 2018
The Centre for Vocational Education Research (CVER) at the London School of Economics (LSE) will hold its third annual conference on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September 2018. Keynote speakers include:
• Professor Jeffrey Smith (University of Wisconsin)• Professor Alexandra Spitz-Oener (Humboldt University of Berlin)
To register, please contact [email protected]. For all CVER events, please visit http://cver.lse.ac.uk/events/default.asp
3
BELMAS conference LSRN workshop
A workshop based on the LSRN experience will take place at the BELMAS conference on 6th -8th July 2018 at Beaumont Estate Hotel, Windsor
Led by Dr Colin Forrest of the Policy Consortium it is entitled:
'The evolution of the Learning and Skills Research Network: 20 years of fostering the interplay of research evidence between policy makers, administrators, sector leaders and other practitioners.'
The workshop will focus on defining the key features and values of LSRN that have underpinned its sustainability and critically reviewing these against a suitable theoretical framework.
The British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS) is an independent voice supporting quality education through effective leadership and
management. For conference details see: https://www.belmasannualconference.org.uk/. The LSRN workshop will take place at 9.00 am on Sunday 8th July.
Teacher Education in Lifelong Learning (TELL) Research Network Two meetings
TELL @ University of Bolton
On Thursday 21st June 2018 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm- FREE. Keynote speakers are:
Robin Simmons, University of Huddersfield: ‘Whatever happened to the teacher-training colleges?’
Howard Scott, Wolverhampton University, ‘How social networks are used to support classroom based practices situated literacy and the views of 'legitimate peripheral participants’
Colin Waugh, Independent and Editor on ‘The Liberal and General Studies Project’
Amanda Turner, University of Bolton on ‘Incidental Learning for trainee teachers
TELL @ Brighton Metropolitan College
On Wednesday 11th July 11.00 to 3.00pm – FREE at Central Brighton campus. Items already on the agenda:
Paul Tully, Brighton Metropolitan College - research which features capital (cultural, social, economic, symbolic) and its association with power in connection with professionalism in the FE and Skills sector.
4
Jim Crawley, Bath Spa University - new research into undergraduate academic skills and how students access and use feedback.
Paul Demetriou-Crane, Havering College - practitioner research into peer mentoring amongst adult learners on a Foundation Degree in Supporting Learning.
Colin Waugh, Independent and Editor, Post-16 Educator - The Liberal and General Studies Project -
It's a very supportive atmosphere to share your research and ideas whatever field you are researching, or at whatever level. There is no theme or topic which will be irrelevant. It is even possible to contribute to more than one meeting, subject to the overall amount of offers received. Room for more! email Jim Crawley at [email protected] with your proposed contribution or book a FREE place.
‘Reimagining FE’ conference (reminder)
This conference takes place on 27th June 2018 at Birmingham City University. Details on the conference website: https://reimaginefe.wordpress.com/
Rob Smith, LSRN convenor in the West Midlands writes:
This unique “unconference” brings together FE practitioners, leaders and researchers in working groups to tackle key issues facing the further education and skills sector in the UK. The theme for this year’s conference is Making teaching and learning the first priority and will include keynote speaker Professor Emeritus Frank Coffield to open the event. Further keynote addresses will be delivered by Ali Hadawi CBE, and Jo Fletcher-Saxon & Brian Copper. The conference organisation has evolved to create stronger working groups centred around key areas of FE provision, with group outputs being published in BCU’s Open Access CSPACE Journal.
Please direct queries to Suzanne Savage.
BERA- British Educational Research Association Leadership and Management SIG event
A whole day event on The impact of policy on leadership practice: growing a research agenda is being organised by the BERA Leadership and Management SIG on Friday 14th September 9.00 – 3.00. The event starts with a TeachMeet on Thursday 13th September evening to feed into a day of lightning presentations and workshops which bring together national perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of contemporary policy for educational leadership. Further details about the event are available from the BERA website: https://www.bera.ac.uk/event/ed-lead18.
The event is convened to bring together practitioners, researchers and policy makers across the five nations of the United Kingdom and Ireland to discuss the impact of educational
5
policy on leadership practice. The aim of the event is to gain a clearer direction regarding a timely, relevant and collaborative research agenda for educational leadership.
BERA Bursaries are available. See the website link for more information
ARPCE (Association for Research in Post-Compulsory Education)3rd International Conference
This international conference takes place on Friday 13 July – Sunday 15 July 2018 at Harris
Manchester College, University of Oxford. The conference theme is: Research in Post-Compulsory Education.
The conference aims to bring together researchers and practitioners in post-compulsory education from many different countries. It provides an opportunity for participants to spend 3 days in inspirational surroundings sharing ideas and projects with like-minded people. The ARPCE committee is keen to attract early career researchers, those with teaching or professional roles in post-compulsory education, as well as established researchers and journal contributors. For details see http://arpce.org.uk/conference-2018/
BERA Post-Compulsory Special Interest Group (SIG)Researcher support
To support early career researchers and those new to research in Post-Compulsory and Lifelong Learning (PCLL), the BERA SIG is holding two events:
Wednesday 18 July 2018 at Birmingham City University Thursday 19 July 2018 at Bedford College
Keynote lectures and workshops aim to target key concerns and develop the capabilities of early career and new researchers. This day provides networking and discussion opportunities for those researching PCLL.
Birmingham City University - 18 July 2018 Register here Bedford College - 19 July 2018 Register here
Education and Training Foundation Annual Research Conference 2nd July 2018
The ETF - SUNCETT 2018 Annual Research Conference will be held at Mary Ward House, 5-7 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, on Monday the 2nd July. This Conference is an important event for the research community in the Further, Adult and Vocational Education sector.
6
The Conference welcomes sector practitioners, researchers and education leaders interested in improving educational practice through educational research. At the Conference, practitioner-researchers supported by the Foundation and the University of Sunderland’s Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT) in 2017-18, will share insights and findings from their research with delegates from across the UK.
Details on how to book will shortly be available on the ETF web site. http://www.et-foundation.co.uk/research/
ResearchSUNCETTETF National Practitioner Research Programme
The University of Sunderland Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT) has been awarded the contract to deliver the National Practitioner Research Programme by the Education and Training Foundation. The programme will support the work of 50 researchers throughout England at Master of Philosophy/Master of Arts level. The aim of the programme is to improve educational practice through educational research. Employers and practitioners in the Further, Adult and Vocational Education sector in England interested in joining the programme in 2018-2019 should contact [email protected].
Paul Kessel-Holland of the Education and Training Foundation writes “The Practitioner Research Programme funded by ETF has had a profound impact on a growing number of teaching practitioners and leaders. The powerful and inclusive approach of the SUNCETT programme for the past few years is one of the main factors in its success”.
EDT (Education Development Trust)Two studies
Observing effective mathematics teaching: a review of the literature by Dr Jenni Ingram, Prof. Pam Sammons and Dr Ariel Lindorff
This review examines a range of lesson observation frameworks designed for and used in the observation of teaching in mathematics. This includes frameworks specifically designed for international comparisons of teaching practices and teacher effectiveness, as well as those used for teaching development. The report can be downloaded free: https://www.educationdevelopmenttrust.com/~/media/EDT/Reports/Research/2018/r-observing-mathematics-2018.pdf
7
England’s approach to school performance data – lessons learned by Martin Kaliszewski, Astrid Fieldsend and Tony McAleavy
This report distils what others can learn from three decades of England’s approach to school performance data. It highlights some of the lessons learned and the successes of the England national pupil data story. By sharing England’s story we hope that policymakers in other countries where a national pupil-level data system is being developed or refined may be able to avoid some of the mistakes and unexpected consequences that England encountered. Down load the report free: https://www.educationdevelopmenttrust.com/~/media/EDT/Reports/Research/2018/r-school-performance-data-2018.pdf
Contact: Dr Anna Riggall Head of Research at EDT.
Greater London Authority Adult Education in London
Chris Minter, Senior Policy Officer (Skills and Employment) at GLA is interested in developing an outcomes-based approach for Adult Education in London and is looking for research on the issue. Chris writes:
In the Skills Strategy recently launched by the Mayor of London (6th June) there is a commitment to moving to an outcome-based model. This will involve the measurement not just of economic outcomes as with the current destination data but also of social outcomes which link across to other mayoral strategies such as for Social Integration, Culture and Health Inequalities. The intention is to build upon existing good practice and work with adult education providers to produce a systematic way of measuring these outcomes that is both evidence-led and cost-efficient to introduce and maintain. Although there is an intention to ultimately move to a Payment-By-Results system much of this measurement of outcomes will begin to value the work that is already being done and to explore ways of expanding ‘what works’ in a strategic way across London and its West, East, Central and South sub-regions. If anyone is carrying out research that might inform this work please contact [email protected]
AELP Research update
AELP, the representative body for training providers, has final reports and interim findings available on the following, available from Cath Gladding, AELP Research Manager ([email protected]):
8
Spotlight
Paul Warner Director of Research
AELP has grown rapidly in recent years as a
T level work placements – Learning and applying lessons from the past, and employers’ and providers’ views on policy for T level extended work placements. (link on Spotlight left)
Excellence in ITP Governance – Evidence-based analysis of what excellent governance in ITPs looks like and how it can be shared more widely, written by governance expert Sue Pember. To be published online and launched at AELP National Conference, 25/26 June 2018, funded by FETL.
Employers in the Driving Seat? New thinking for FE leadership – The series of semi-structured roundtable discussions amongst sector leaders continues through to July 2018, with dissemination throughout the Autumn. FETL funded.
Publications & communications
The FE & Skills System: a study by the Policy Consortium Launch event
The report The FE & Skills System: Consequences of policy decisions, lessons for policymakers and stakeholders by the Policy Consortium was launched, in conjunction with TES, in April. Based on a survey of people working in post -16 education, it considers the conditions needed for excellence in Further Education and how far the current system achieves them. The report addresses the consequences of policy decisions and makes recommendations for policymakers & other stakeholders. For flipbook and pdf versions of the report and comments from leading commentators see the Policy Consortium website. See also TES coverage.
Building on the strong support for the report, the Policy Consortium is inviting organisations and individuals to associate with its analysis and proposals and to join together with them to campaign for reform. For further information contact: [email protected]
9
Spotlight
Paul Warner Director of Research
AELP has grown rapidly in recent years as a
Centre for Vocational Education Research (CVER) Research Papers and Briefing Notes
The following publications have been produced by CVER in recent months and are available to download via their website http://cver.lse.ac.uk/ :
Research PapersMissing the mark at GCSE English: the costly consequences of just failing to get a grade C. School students who narrowly fail to achieve a grade C in their GCSE English exam pay a high price, according to new research by Stephen Machin, Sandra McNally and Jenifer Ruiz-Valenzuela. Read the blog in full: http://cver-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/missing-mark-at-gcse-english-costly.html
Entry Through the Narrow Door: The Costs of Just Failing High Stakes ExamsStephen Machin, Sandra McNally and Jenifer Ruiz-Valenzuela. April 2018
Settling the counterfactual debate: Is there a preferable counterfactual when estimating the returns to vocational qualifications? Gavan Conlon, Sophie Hedges and Pietro Patrignani. April 2018
Briefing Notes
Investing in People: The Case for Human Capital Tax CreditsRui Costa, Nikhil Datta, Stephen Machin and Sandra McNally. March 2018
Further analysis of the earnings differentials associated with BTECsGavan Conlon, Sophie Hedges and Pietro Patrignani. February 2018
AOC Scholarship project Case studies and blogs
The Scholarship Project will launch its main output, the Scholarship Framework on 26th June. It will include around 50 quality assured resources that have been developed throughout the project. The resources are aimed at enhancing the profile of college HE and students' learning
10
Spotlight
The Association of Colleges Scholarship Project
Engaging with Employers
As a Development Manager, working for the Scholarship Project, I realised that although colleges do engage with employers, there remain significant gaps when evaluating whether employer/college partnerships have real meaning and impact. A work placement doesn’t guarantee a positive
Anne CliffordScholarship Development ManagerWest Nottinghamshire College
experience. For more information about how to use the framework when it is available, please contact the project.
The final newsletter explores some of the main outputs and dissemination activities which have emerged over the three years: conference proceedings, think pieces and case studies. The Project has produced 58 think pieces on a broad range of topics and 66 case studies which focus on innovative practice related to scholarship.To receive updates and newsletters on the Scholarship Framework, you will need to opt in.
EEF report on evidence about metacognition Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning
The Education Endowment Foundation has evaluated a number of programmes that seek to improve ‘learning to learn’ skills. The majority have found positive impacts, some were particularly beneficial for pupils from low income families. The EEF has published guidance on applying the evidence on metacognition and self-regulation in the classroom; i.e. helping students think about their own learning more explicitly, often by teaching them specific strategies for planning, monitoring and evaluating their learning. The guidance report can be found here .
TELL (Teacher Education in Lifelong Learning) Recent member publications
The professional learning of further education lecturers: effects of initial lecturer education programmes on continuing professional learning in Scotland and Wales in Research in Post-Compulsory Education 23, 159–180. Husband, G., 2018 https://doi.org/10.1080/13596748.2018.1444384
Trust into mistrust: the uncertain marriage between public and private sector practice for middle managers in education in Research in Post-Compulsory Education 23, 213–230. Thompson, C., Wolstencroft, P., 2018 https://doi.org/10.1080/13596748.2018.1444372
RAPAL (Research and Practice in Adult Literacy) 11
Spotlight
The Association of Colleges Scholarship Project
Engaging with Employers
As a Development Manager, working for the Scholarship Project, I realised that although colleges do engage with employers, there remain significant gaps when evaluating whether employer/college partnerships have real meaning and impact. A work placement doesn’t guarantee a positive
Next journal – invitation to contribute
Building on February's conference hosted at the University of Bolton, the theme for RaPAL’s next edition, Journal 96, is Collaboration and Connections. A 'makers faire' celebrating our teaching and learning practices, Collaboration and Connections looks at how we use our English and maths to negotiate and build lives, and the role of educator research in making sense of managing it all. This edition showcases English and maths andragogy and the research practices which underpin our work.
We encourage contributions from teachers, learners, researchers and anyone else involved in literacies, from both new and experienced writers. We welcome a variety of formats with possibilities including:
An extended academic discussion (this will be peer-reviewed) A reflective piece in text, audio or visual form on your experience of teaching or
learning of literacies in different contexts. An innovative idea you have tried in the classroom or beyond communicated
through text, audio, or video. A poem, narrative, or other visually creative piece to represent or demonstrate the
meaning of literacies to a specific audience.
If you require further information on writing for the journal, please see the RaPAL journal (https://rapal.org.uk/journal/write-for-us/) or contact one of us to discuss your ideas.
Please send first drafts by Sunday 30th September 2018 at the latest (ideally earlier, particularly when they are peer reviewed pieces) to our editors at [email protected]. More here https://rapal.org.uk/journal/write-for-us/call-for-articles/. Contact: Tara Furlong at [email protected]
Education Media Centreweekly news about education
CEBE’s Education Media Centre now provides links to research evidence behind topical stories on both a daily and weekly basis. You can follow this live on twitter @EMCUK or by subscribing to the weekly update. Contact [email protected]
12
LSRN informationLSRN website http://lsrn.wordpress.com
LSRN regional and local area contacts
North East Maggie Gregson [email protected]
North West Joel Petrie vacancy
Greater Manchester area Jo Fletcher-Saxon [email protected]
Yorkshire & Humberside Kevin Orr [email protected]
East Midlands Bill Esmond [email protected]
West Midlands Rob Smith [email protected]
Beds, Bucks and Herts Sam Jones [email protected]
London & the South East Sai Loo [email protected]
South Coast Martyn Howe [email protected]
Bristol area Amy Woodrow [email protected]
13