Run by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), the fund will pay for a series of pilot projects to “test out the most effective ways of translating research findings into changes in the classroom”.
Schools minister David Laws announced last week that the government is to contribute
£1 million to the fund, with £300,000 coming from the London Schools Excellence Fund and £200,000 from the EEF itself.
Announcing the new fund, Mr Laws said: “It is essential that we do more to promote evidence-based teaching.
“For that reason, we have invested an additional £1 million in the Education Endowment Foundation to fund pilot projects to test out the most effective ways of translating research findings into changes in the classroom.
“At the same time, we are providing additional support for 20 Teaching Schools to develop their expertise to support evidence-based teaching across their alliances. As a result, teachers and school leaders will get a much better idea of how to put discoveries from research into practice.”
Schools, providers and researchers will be able to bid for funding to test ways to increase teachers’ and school leaders’ engagement in evidence, the most effective ways to communicate research, as well as how links between schools and researchers can improve the practical application of research in classrooms.
An EEF statement said: “Millions of pounds are spent in the UK each year researching teaching and learning, and investigating how to improve outcomes for young people.
“However, although polling suggests that a growing number of school leaders say that they consult research, current evidence suggests that the impact of this evidence on practice is often limited.”
Dr Kevan Collins, chief executive of the EEF, added: “We know that it can take decades before new research has an impact on outcomes in the classroom. This funding round is about ensuring that high-quality research gets into the hands of teachers, to inform their practice and support their decision-making.”
Welcoming the news, Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The research carried out by EEF is proving extremely useful. The additional funding will enable them to extend the range of worthwhile projects they initiate and disseminate.”
Applications for funding opened on Monday (January 20) and will close on February 28. For more information on how to apply, visit http://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-funding/