We talk to three experienced and research-engaged educators about what kind of research it is best for schools to use – and how we can know that any particular piece of research is valid and trustworthy.
We then consider how we can balance external research studies and findings with our own evidence collected internally in our schools.
Our panel advise how we can help teachers to engage with academic research, including via in-school CPD as well as further study such as doctorates.
We also discuss how we can use research evidence in decision-making processes and school improvement planning.
This episode is hosted by Matt Bromley, an education journalist, author, and advisor with 25 years’ experience in teaching and leadership including as a secondary school headteacher. He remains a practising teacher. Matt is the author of numerous books on education. His guests for this discussion are:
- Stacey Jordan is research lead at the Staffordshire Research School, which is based at John Taylor High School, an outstanding secondary school, near Burton on Trent. Stacey has worked across four senior leadership teams in the last 20 years, most recently serving as headteacher in a large secondary school in the West Midlands. Stacey is also a leadership coach and school improvement advisor.
- Sean Harris is a doctoral researcher with Teesside University investigating the ways in which teachers and leaders can help to address educational inequality in schools. He is director of people, learning and community engagement (PLACE) at Tees Valley Education, an all-through multi-academy trust serving communities in the North East of England. Find Sean’s previous articles and podcast appearances for SecEd via www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/sean-harris
- Andrew Jones is assistant headteacher at The Reach Free School in Hertfordshire and a regular contributor to SecEd. He has been a teacher for 22 years. Andrew is also a doctoral researcher investigating early career teachers’ perceptions of evidence-based practice. Find Andrew’s previous articles and podcast appearances for SecEd via www.sec-ed.co.uk/authors/andrew-jones
To hear other SecEd podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The SecEd Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/podcasts. For details about The SecEd Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at editor@sec-ed.co.uk