My 'why' - EdResMatters by Chartered College of Teaching

Marcus

charteredcollege — 2019-08-14 15:30:00 UTC

I'd like to use research evidence to enhance my classroom practice, especially around aspects of assessment.

I enjoy reading and thinking about my practice, something I haven't done that well since I graduated.

Iesha

charteredcollege — 2019-08-14 15:31:21 UTC

I'd like to be more research-informed so that when senior leaders introduce something new, I have some good knowledge I can use to challenge their thinking or inform myself about the new approaches.

Heidi

2019-09-16 01:21:06 UTC

I have benefitted so much in recent years from some excellent CPD that has improved my teaching and confidence. I was trained many years ago and a lot has changed and developed since then. Some of the schools I worked in, I now realise, were a little static, and / or- to be honest- I was at a time in my life (young kids) when 'survival' was about all I could manage. Now I want to be up to date and as effective as I can be in the classroom.

Peter

2019-09-16 06:34:44 UTC

We want to benefit from the wisdom of others! We've been too good at working in isolation in our school, trying to solve all our own problems - and we ought to be better at drawing on the wisdom of others - we need to sieve and weigh up and adapt what we're reading to fix our local context - but we're missing out by not knowing...

karen_taylorburge — 2019-09-16 06:46:31 UTC

Karen TB

Teaching and learning are complex activities. Each learner is unique and a teacher has assess each group or class of learners to decide the best way forward for them. Knowing what works well in different contexts, as revealed in research studies, is an important factor in making decisions which will lead to effective learning which is both enjoyable and memorable. So that’s why I think teachers should be suitably qualified and engage in research. Also in this way, teachers can model lifelong learning which benefit them and sets an example to others (their peers and their students in particular).

Nicole

nicolewilliamsworld — 2019-09-16 06:58:04 UTC

Schools are complex adaptive systems with a multitude of factors affecting the response of each individual student to our teaching and our responses to them, too. I think techniques that are not thoroughly grounded in research have the potential to be detrimental to some of our students, so, just as I wouldn't expect a doctor to prescribe something that has not been tested for adverse side effects, so, too, I believe teachers should be wary of adopting new trends in practice that have not been thoroughly researched and in similar contexts. An example that comes to mind is that one of the schools where I worked served a community with multiple factors of deprivation, where children were known to have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences. The school adopted a "No hands up" policy. Based on my understanding of the impact of trauma on learning, this seemed inappropriate, as it seemed likely to me that the students with complex trauma could perceive being singled out to answer a question before the class at any moment as a threat, and they may be in a constant state of high alert - their amygdala on a hair-trigger with likely freeze fight or flight behaviour mitigating against learning. Classrooms must feel safe, especially for students with this conditioning, and the no hands up policy seemed inappropriate in that context.

Alex C

2019-09-16 07:15:12 UTC

Since my PGCE, I really hadn't looked at any research. I focussed on my practice, doing what "felt right", with no real rhyme or reason to it other than it *seemed to work*.

Then I went on two bits of research-led CPD, one a middle leader course led by a professor of education, another subject specific led by a researcher into second language acquisition.

These really opened my eyes - some of what I was doing was just plain *wrong*... so I started to look specifically at how I teach and have really developed my practice by using research-based evidence.

Now I find research really really interesting - it gives my brain a bit of a workout and opens my eyes to new ways of doing things. And by me doing the heavy lifting of finding relevant things and then talking to my team how to apply them in the classroom, and why, it's starting to have an impact in other classrooms too.

Why engage with research?

2019-09-16 07:43:18 UTC

Because, as professionals, we should always be learning. How can we do the best for our individual learners if we are not at the "top of our game" in learning and understanding what the evidence-based research from experts say?
I love learning and want my students to love learning too, and be successful.
I've been in education long enough to see "fads" come and go, and sometimes come round again and would rather see the profession take itself seriously and make use of practices that really work to challenge ourselves, our students and the policymakers.

Why research?

2019-09-16 08:00:36 UTC

My time on my undergraduate psychology really hammered home just how much learning is a scientific process that we can understand with models and theories and find scientific evidence for. One lecturer in particular made the case for using evidence in his teaching, giving us retrieval practice questions as homework and as lecture starters. This stayed with me, dormant somewhere in my mind, until my first PGDE assignment.

What is surprising in initial teacher training - at least in my case - was that there was not much learning about cognitive science. There was more focus on activities than there was on any learning theory, which is odd when you consider what teachers actually do: they get students to learn things. Surely a scientific understanding of the learning process would support this?

My current context is a school in a disadvantaged area, so this understanding is very important. We play an aggressive game of catch-up with some of our children. The best way to do this is with evidence-informed approaches - best bets that have a good chance of working, perhaps better than what we believe should work.

Why Research

2019-09-16 08:18:43 UTC

If we are going to improve as teachers then we need to try different things, but what things should we try? A good place to start i by trying things that have been proved to work with other children in classrooms similar to yours. If other research has shown a positive benefit then it would be in the best interest of our children to see if it would work for them too. Obviously we need to critical evaluate the research first - who was involved in the study, for how long did it take place, how big were the benefits, what was the cost.

Motivations to engage with research evidence

2019-09-16 08:49:04 UTC

- Gives an idea of what others have already discovered
- Helps give direction to own research
- Research evidence can serve as a possible explanation for a social phenomenon and allows for theoretisation
- Helps in feeding back research findings into theoretical framework

My 'why' by Vicky

2019-09-16 09:08:56 UTC

When studying at University for my PGCE and then my Masters the importance of research was always at the forefront of my mind. My main points I'd like to consider are:

-As you get swept up into the day to day life of school, research often becomes forgotten. Its more a case of survival and making your way through to-do lists. How can we change this?

- Through my leadership role I was always encouraging staff to share new ideas and practice, but sometimes there are too many options and it all becomes too much. How do we know which research to use? How long should we engage with a particular practice/research?

Anna C.

2019-09-16 09:56:43 UTC

Why engage with research? Though I’m away of theory in education practice I feel it is important to update that knowledge for contemporary context, and to bring new ideas to bear on my work.

Claire Willott

2019-09-16 10:06:19 UTC

to solve your own problems in the classroom

James McArthur

2019-09-16 10:21:37 UTC

Why should teachers engage with education research? The main reason why for me is to check my own biases. My beliefs and understanding of what works well in the classroom needs to be challenged. Some of the things I have learnt about cognitive load theory have made me rethink ideas that I believed were common sense.

why

2019-09-16 11:10:28 UTC

To address misconceptions in the past e.g. teacher talk, learning styles (VAK) and look at research that is fully supported and provides strong validation. Time is precious and we want to spend it engaging with the most effective and reliable research only.

Alex

2019-09-16 12:51:18 UTC

To engage with and learn from quality research, not the latest opinion doing the rounds on Twitter

Why? - Katharine

katharine5 — 2019-09-16 12:55:26 UTC

I work in a field of education which is the "new kid on the block" of subjects. There are opportunities to identify cross- disciplinary pedagogy, as well as to develop a strong body of research to inform classroom teaching and learning. But challenges also exist - how do we critically evaluate to determine what is 'good' research in order to build robust foundations in the subject.

My ‘why’

2019-09-16 14:00:06 UTC

I enjoy engaging with research as it can help improve my practice, but it can also help me get out of a rut. Having been teaching for 13 years it is easy to get set in my ways or to miss out on new theories or pedagogy as I don’t have easy access to it like I did when I was training. I know there are many articles, blogs & ed events out there, but sometimes it can be hard to see the wood for the trees or know which are more reliable than others.
I’m hopeful that this course will help me feel confident in the reliability of research that I will find in the future as well as allowing me to be up to date with current pedagogical thinking / practise.

Why research? Lucie

2019-09-16 15:12:35 UTC

I believe in a balance between intuitive development and research. However, as James said, I also want to be sure of my own biases.
The sharing of knowledge and ideas is central to me as a teacher. I like to see which ideas and strategies have stood the test of time. After 18 years in teaching, you start to see that what you did originally returns! My role in school revolves around ensuring staff are up to date with pedagogy, and at the very least understand it. I work with an amazingly competent staff body and have had many conversations about 'new fads' that have surfaced and I like to have all the knowledge available to me.
It's the reliability of the research that I need to consider more closely. As is said by 'My Why?' it's the confidence to know the research is correct and not just a new idea.

Why Research?

nickyspyderpyg — 2019-09-16 15:38:32 UTC

As a teacher of 20 years I have been through the mill of trends - many that seemed completely counterproductive and requiring far more effort from me then the children - In the last few years I have seen some really excellent research with easy application in the classroom that have impact.

Why research?

2019-09-16 16:17:07 UTC

Researching means learning new things, thinking, connecting, drawing up conclusions. It opens a world of knowledge and encouraging students to be curious and do research leads them to discover how
much they can do on their own.

Why?

2019-09-16 16:18:02 UTC

As teachers we want our students to achieve their full potential and, if reading new research and trying new ideas helps to unlock the full extent of that potential, then that's what I want to do. I know what strategies work for me when I'm learning new topics, but I recognise that everyone is different and it might take different approaches to unlock talent, skills and confidence in others. It's not about reading research for the sake of it; it's about how we can use it to inform our practice and deliver real benefits to the students in front of us.

Why engage with research

2019-09-16 17:20:07 UTC

Engaging with research has helped me to understand why things work that I have been doing in the classroom (or why they didn't work!)
It has also helped me to recognise that you can't pick and choose the research you engage with because it fits how you think.
It has really helped me to identify the key aspects I need to share with a staff as a subject leader and develop a more robust development plan for our school.

kairosbutterfly — 2019-09-16 18:04:22 UTC

I’m very keen to translate some of the great educational research out there into the world of RE. It hasn’t always been regarded as an ‘academic subject’ and I think this is a good opportunity to show the rigour of the subject. There is also some great RE-based research being done and shared and I want to help get those messages out into schools, so finding a way of sharing research effectively for teachers who have very little spare time for reading is key. It would be wonderful if staff meeting time could be dedicated to teachers reading the latest research for education generally and subject-specifically.

Why

chris_shore — 2019-09-16 18:27:23 UTC

To have a better view of “what works” or at least optimise this.
To think more deeply about what I do and why (self-reflection).
To experience views outside my own echo-chamber - to be able to “know what I don’t know”.

Why research?

2019-09-16 18:29:51 UTC

For me, the use of research to inform a range of school improvement strategies, from staff professional learning to pedagogy is essential. It gives a legitimacy to changes and developments we might undertake, enabling us to make all stakeholders confident in our, sometimes difficult, choices. By drawing on research evidence and combining it with professional wisdom and knowledge of our own particular setting, the hope is that we can maximise the outcomes for all students.

Why engage with research evidence?

2019-09-16 18:35:00 UTC

We need to use our professional expertise and judgement when teaching, but this should be alongside the evidence avilable, to ensure that our practice is evidence informed. We have to avoid teachers just using 'best bets' or being influenced by 'fads' but instead be influenced by the research that has been carried out which will reflect a larger majority. Research can support in finding out which strategies and interventions will work best overall, and which should be tried first, to support everyone in achieving the best outcome.

WHY RESEARCH?

2019-09-16 18:38:31 UTC

For me, research is exciting as it always helps me to consider my teaching and leadership practice and what could be changed for the better. I feel like there is so much to learn from other and research allows the space to think and reflect upon what does this mean for me? What does this mean for my practice?

Why RESEARCH?

2019-09-16 19:21:17 UTC

I think sometimes in schools, we tend to work in an isolated manner, with little time for professional development. I think research is such an important part of developing and giving staff the time to engage with it. I think this has to be done in conjunction with professional judgement and that research needs to be robust. In education, we have wasted so much time focusing on fads rather than solid evidence. Other professions use this approach (e.g healthcare) and I feel education can benefit in a similar way.

Why research?

2019-09-16 19:23:30 UTC

I would like to read in a more focused way, to discern 'good' evidence and research from the fad and then be clear on how and why to disseminate it

Why?

kerry_jordan_daus — 2019-09-16 19:55:19 UTC

I would like to engage in critical thinking about the nature of research evidence that can support teaching and learning, the appropriate and judicious use of evidence to problematise teaching and learning.

My why

2019-09-16 20:17:00 UTC

As teaching professionals and leaders we all constantly strive to improve our practice to improve outcomes for our pupils. Engaging with research helps me to discern what is likely to work and to understand why, and to make sure I am approaching my practice and supporting others in a considered and professional way. There are so many new ideas out there all the time it is easy to get sucked into trying the latest thing without taking a thoughtful approach. Research can back up both what you do and don't want to be doing and helps to make your case to others where needed.

My 'Why' - Lee D

2019-09-16 20:32:26 UTC

As a professional, I think research is critical order for us to us fully understanding what we do and why we do it. We know the best teachers have the ability to reflect upon their practice and adjust it accordingly- I feel this can only be enhanced when there is high quality research to 'back up' what they have found themselves.

Why research?

2019-09-16 20:32:33 UTC

I want to feel more confident in my practice and not feel that we have to take up every new fad that seems to appear from time to time in schools, without knowing where it came from or how it can actually impact on our children. I want to learn more about the profession I love!

Why research?

2019-09-16 21:16:12 UTC

To be the best version of a teacher I can be - pulling from various sources and critically thinking about application in the classroom. It’s all too easy to copy others, or what you read online without quality evidence to back up. I want to learn more to be better!

My Why AA

2019-09-16 21:36:53 UTC

I love learning and sharing it so the chance of finding out good, relevant research that can help and support my colleagues and my job is a great opportunity to carry on feeling the buzz of the teaching and learning cycle.

2019-09-16 21:40:44 UTC

I don't have much experience as a teacher yet, so I'm painfully aware how little I know. A lot of the times I have to trust the judgement of my more exprienced colleagues, but I know that their knowledge and experience is not without bounds (and might be out of date). Research evidence helps me go beyond these limitiations.

Why research

2019-09-17 06:08:37 UTC

- Evidence to identify starting points for teaching and learning
- Evidence to inform teaching strategies and interventions
- Evidence to evaluate student progress and teaching effectiveness

Doing the right thing

2019-09-17 08:12:47 UTC

In a world where lies are told as facts, it is important to hold on to what we really know. There is value in our personal stories, our experience, what others say and in knowing what works. But it's important to do the right thing and find the right evidence to do what the best for our students and to get others on board. There is a challenge in that working with scientists, there is often a demand for 'hard evidence' and a cynicism that this does not exist in the field of education. I am keen to find robust studies to help me work with them.

Why research reliable evidence

2019-09-17 08:20:54 UTC

So much is written that takes part of a study and highlights it, but ignores the riders or other questions raised. I want to develop better skills in seeking out reliable evidence to further build and improve the classroom experience.

Finding Evidence

2019-09-17 09:36:47 UTC

I'm tired of dredging through he internet for hours and hours trying to find some valid information, how can we check the validity of this evidence, what can we trust or not trust.
I want to learn, engage, reflect and to create that same experience for my students in the classroom.

Why

2019-09-17 11:00:22 UTC

Engaging with research evidence to learn more about best practices for 21st Century teaching and learning.

Why...

2019-09-17 11:00:22 UTC

Evidence based research is important to me so that I'm not wasting my time. I want to employ the most effective strategies to bring about the best progress.

Research

2019-09-17 12:54:15 UTC

Research plays such an important method of finding new ideas and improving your teaching. The impact on learning shouldn’t be underestimated.

Empowerment

2019-09-17 13:15:01 UTC

2019-09-17 13:59:42 UTC

My Motivation

I am motivated to engage with research evidence in order to be efficient in my claims of facts and figures. I love it when I am right and I he myself when what I claim to bet the best actually falls short when brought side by side with a claim from another person; and imagine I had gone ahead to teach or write about that with such a confidence. I would lose my integrity and feel inadequate in what I call my own field. Therefore I see the ed to engage with research evidence to broaden my understanding on a subject matter.

2019-09-17 14:30:59 UTC

Research has a role as an evidence of our track record.

2019-09-17 14:34:58 UTC

Research gives a range of innovative ideas and teaching strategies that I can use to challenge and motivate my students. It also provides opportunities for authentic learning and assessments.

2019-09-17 15:48:31 UTC

I think research findings can help us solve problem or develop our teaching methods. Understand about research evidence will be useful for teachers. My motivation is to be good at doing reaserch.

karenyambay — 2019-09-17 16:15:29 UTC

I think that getting data and reflecting on what we do in class will help us to discover new strategies and methods to help our students. I enjoy trying new ways in my classes and I like to reflect on the usefulness of each new process. I really think that evidence based research will be of significant help in our country.

My why

2019-09-17 20:17:45 UTC

In a job where we don’t have much time, I want to make sure that all my efforts have impact on our students. This means using strategies that have been shown, by evidence, to work. I want to become confident with using research.

Cognitive Science

2019-09-17 21:12:39 UTC

After only a few years, I quickly became fed up of fads and the overuse of buzz-words. I wanted to know, at its core, what learning is. And, how I can use tried and tested approaches, backed by qualitative research, to support learning (and knowledge retention) in the classroom. I'm hoping the course will give me the ability to support my own understanding and that of my colleagues.

To be the best we can be

2019-09-17 22:07:23 UTC

Schools and Teachers have a huge responsibility. We need to have confidence that we are doing our best for the young people passing through our care.

Why research?

2019-09-17 23:02:53 UTC

As teachers we have the need and also the curiosity to "know" something "new" Not only to be updated and make progress in our careers but also to share this knowedge with others.

Why?

2019-09-18 04:13:03 UTC

The teaching and learning environment here in the Middle East is so different from my previous experiences in Spain and the US. I am hoping to find new ways to motivate and support my students and I believe evidence from research will help me to do this.

Why

2019-09-18 04:16:00 UTC

Searching knowledge is a lifelong task. Learning how to learn is essential for any modern one.

Not to be the best of all teachers but to be the best teacher I can be...

2019-09-18 06:27:07 UTC

This has always been my aim and engaging with the latest research and thinking allows me the freedom to try new things in the classroom

Nara

2019-09-18 07:59:14 UTC

Strengthen the body of Knowledge in Education through quality research
To provided the best to the learners
To keep abreast

Why

2019-09-18 08:36:40 UTC

Because teachers have to facilitate learning and can only do that if they have a love of learning themselves.

Why?

2019-09-18 09:36:12 UTC

So that my teaching is informed by research rather than what Ofsted wants.

Why research is necessary

2019-09-18 11:12:55 UTC

reading about research helps up to look outside our own 'bubble', whether that is local or national. We get to see what is done elsewhere and what the impact can be on teaching and learning. It also helps to validate ideas and activities by providing hard evidence about results

Why

2019-09-18 11:27:32 UTC

Research helps to expand the breadth and depth of knowledge about subjects of interest.

Why incorporate research findings into my practice?

2019-09-18 11:27:33 UTC

I would like to have a 'direct line' to the best research myself, and have the tools to evaluate how it would work in my context. I would rather not wait years until the meaning has been squeezed out of a buzz word, and have it presented to me by an education consultant - I'd rather hear it from the source and be able to reflect on the nuanced findings, weighing up effectiveness. I believe teachers should feed in to research as well - it should be a two-way process. Lab findings have their value, and classroom findings have value too.

2019-09-18 11:53:27 UTC

It will help to see more or new solutions to class room challenges.

Finding out what works

2019-09-18 13:04:12 UTC

Teachers intuitively have an understanding of what works (effective learning) in the classroom and this comes from experience.
At the same time, there is a collective body of knowledge about education that can further inform our teaching and make it even more effective.
What makes me a better teacher?
What makes my team better?
How can I contribute to the leaning culture in my school?
This is why I want to engage with research evidence.

Keep up and be better informed

susan_pope_sodermalm — 2019-09-18 13:21:40 UTC

Educational trends come and go. Policies are sometimes tentatively linked to effective teaching practice and learning outcomes. It is no easy task to navigate these waters and make informed decisions, so my colleagues and I would benefit from being better informed as to where to access current research, what this research is focusing on and how it can best be applied in the classroom.

Why do I need to engage with research?

2019-09-18 13:48:05 UTC

In my previous career I learnt pretty fast that it's pointless to try and invent your own "bicycle" but it is really fruitful to move forward based on other people's knowledge and experience. Research means that somebody else has asked same or similar questions and even if you don't find the answers you are looking for, you might actually get closer to them. Or you might be able to look at your questions from a different point. And that sometimes is really important.

Why research?

2019-09-18 14:35:09 UTC

I agree with the comment that we are on a quest and our learning is never over. After many years in the classroom I believe we come to a point where it would be easy to stagnate as a teacher. Research and teacher training develops apace and while an experienced teacher may intuitively know what works in a classroom, it is wise to consider that which may work better. This quest is what keeps the job interesting and may hold the key to retaining teachers.

Why research?

rkendall1 — 2019-09-18 15:56:49 UTC

When at university, I was fortunate enough to do a Masters in Research (albeit in a different subject area), which held me in good stead for seeking supporting evidence for justifying why we do what we do as teachers and how we can do it better! Due to the ever evolving findings from cognitive science and beyond, we have a professional responsibility to ensure we are giving our children the best deal. In my current role as a teacher educator, I feel privileged to influence trainees thinking and practice from an evidence informed stand point, hence ensuring they are prepared for a successful career in teaching.

Why research?

2019-09-18 23:50:05 UTC

I am always a bit weary of fads in education. Some ideas sound amazing (take learning styles as an example). They shoot off in popularity and have a direct impact on teaching practice and we all go crazy to apply them. But do they help learning? As educators we need to be constantly learning, growing and changing, but too much change can be tiring and ineffective. For me, exploring research evidence from a critical mindset is vital for determining where to invest our energies to maximize impact in our teaching contexts. This applies to every aspect from teaching strategies and curriculum development to how we approach our own action research as teachers.

2019-09-19 01:51:47 UTC

THE TEACHING FIELD IS A LIFELONG. EXCITING ENDEAVOUR.
LEARNING NEW IDEAS, NEW ACTIVITY PROJECTS, PEER SUPPORT, NEW HISTORICAL FINDINGS, TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES HAS HELP THE FIELD OF RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES OF MANY DOMAINS.

Research is a motivation?

2019-09-19 05:46:46 UTC

yes, research is a great motivation. Students are always different from one another. Same rules of teaching and even assessment cannot be applied to all students, I believe so. In every class, few/some students are slow learners. Extensive research is required to cope with this issue; How to enable the struggling students achieve their goals? Should we only focus syllabus or we should give our learners freedom of expression.
Research is likely to help us explore various mindsets about the same topic and this thing leads to further research.

Kenapa 'why'

asep9ustom — 2019-09-19 06:12:36 UTC

I love this job, make us more curious about everything

The time is right!

kathrynpreston — 2019-09-19 08:49:58 UTC

I have been a primary school teacher all my adult life and within that time I have felt like I have been driven by whole school policies and subject leaders to teach in particular ways. I have rarely looked into research to confirm or challenge the direction of these new 'fads' and feel now; in a position where I am going to be supporting others, I want research to guide and confirm my thoughts and recommendations.

Why

2019-09-19 08:50:50 UTC

Engaging with Educational Research provides you with updated information and can provide more effective ways of teaching.

Why...

2019-09-19 08:50:51 UTC

Research is becoming something which is used widely in all aspects of life and it is something which will never cease.

Engaging with research and the evidence it produces will help us to teach in ways that are most effective for our pupils to learn.

2019-09-19 13:42:14 UTC

To stop me falling for the latest fad and t+l craze. To give me professional courage to know what I am doing is right.

2019-09-19 17:19:41 UTC

Motivation

2019-09-19 19:30:33 UTC

I would like to find ways to help my students to learn more effectively - and given the huge number of solutions that have been proposed, I'd like to find the most solid evidence for tactics that I think could work with my own students. I know that not everything will suit everyone!

Professional interest

tony_duffy1 — 2019-09-19 23:03:08 UTC

It is not enough to just do things as we always have, we want to improve and research may point us in the right direction. But there is research and research, we must not be lead astray by poor research which fits are prejudges or ignore solid research which challenges our belief systems.

Professional interest

jboyd34 — 2019-09-20 12:19:38 UTC

Very interested in evidence based learning, something my school has introduced. Our CPD has been transformed using this model.

To be a better professional, to help our students make the most of our courses, to share findings with other teachers and to improve the assessment we conduct, based on informed evidence.

2019-09-20 17:42:26 UTC

2019-09-20 20:20:16 UTC

I initially began engaging in research to broaden and deepen my understanding of what was likely to help my students learn. Since then, however, I've found it's evolved into a solid foundation for everything I do and my students get a much better 'deal' than they would were I not engaged in research.

Мой профессиональный стаж достаточно большой, но исследованиями в области преподавания я начала заниматься недавно, так как поняла, что это улучшит мою практику и позволит лучше развить практические навыки у моих студентов.

23sveta73 — 2019-09-21 09:42:53 UTC

My professional experience is quite large, but I began to study research in the field of teaching recently, as I realized that this will improve my practice and will allow me to better develop practical skills in my students.

Personal growth and thirst of knowledge

l_cabanne — 2019-09-22 08:51:51 UTC

before I became a teacher I had that preconceived idea that teaching was not rocket science and then I stepped into a classroom for the first time as a future educator and it was a shock. I remember feeling so overwhelmed after that very first lesson (I was doing my PGCE then) that I wanted to know more. Since then I have never stopped reading, comparing, questioning.. To the point that sometimes I lose sleep (crazy I know).

2019-09-22 11:20:08 UTC

Our school has a focus on research led-learning, and developing teachers' evidence based practice. I have also enjoyed reading articles in the Impact magazines, and TES. I enjoy learning and reading about my subject and pedagogy. I often find myself without time to do this, so I'd like to try to get into good habits and make time for research and consciously considering how/what I'm teaching and why. I feel I owe it to my students to try to do this.

Why engage with research evidence

2019-09-22 12:12:51 UTC

To help me ensure that my individual practice and that which I share with my teams is backed be evidence.
Also, 12 years in to teaching I want to refresh my own knowledge and understanding. As a teacher, it is good to remember what it is like to be a learner.

To Inform Decision-Making

2019-09-22 13:05:35 UTC

Lots of decision are made on an individual, departmental and whole-school basis every day that affect the future of a student or students. Yet my experience has shown that these decisions are not always as carefully considered as they could or should be. As such, engaging with current theory and research can, I hope, provide a good basis for collating evidence to inform the decision-making process, resulting in better decisions being made and influencing whole-school strategies.

To remain a credible source of learning

2019-09-22 14:04:53 UTC

I have been a teacher for 14 years and it is becoming harder and harder to remain a credible source of information and a useful resource to the students, that I teach. I feel that my learning must continue if I am to 'futureproof' myself and activities inside and outside of the classroom in order to keep up with the ever changing world around us.

2019-09-22 14:59:47 UTC

I find it really interesting but i am very new to taching so i would like to brosden my horizons. My motivation is giving my students the best experiance of teaching that i can. I am hoping this will help me in my teaching role.

I really want to keep up to date with my current practice and engage with what's new. When working with others having concrete evidence to use to back up what you're saying is really important and will help others to want to find out more.

2019-09-22 15:32:55 UTC

Continuing to engage

2019-09-22 15:53:31 UTC

I recently finished my PGCE and I want my teaching practice to reflect frontline advancements in educational theory and pedagogy.

Quality assurance

2019-09-22 17:32:43 UTC

Using research evidence for me is about looking beyond what I know or think I know already about education and seeking new or revised theories to apply in the classroom. It is one way of assuring that I am engaged with the latest trends within my profession and helps keep me motivated. I am also leading an Action Research focus group, so it will help me feel more confident with this.

School improvement

2019-09-22 17:36:42 UTC

As Teaching and Learning lead, I feel it's my responsibility to keep up to date with the latest research that can drive school improvement. As teachers' time is precious, I want to be able to 'filter through' the research and to be able to present teachers with the most helpful and practical ideas.

Why?

2019-09-22 18:48:10 UTC

Everything we do throughout our lives forms a library of evidence for personal use. We apply this learning everyday of our lives, often without thinking. We create success stories and make mistakes, but ultimately we use our own and others experiences in order to survive. Formal evidence based material enables us to interweave our own professional knowledge and understanding (which is often born of many years experience), with the latest findings in neuroscience, different pedagogies etc. I love applying evidence to my practice, always with my own style. As unique individuals no one size fits all and therefore change is essential if we are to successfully teach highly complex and creative individuals. Evidence based thinking encourages analysis, reflection, movement, dialogue, change and creativilty. It enables collaboration and a raising of standards. I am excited to learn as much as I can and share this with colleagues in school and other teachers who form a Research and Development Hub that I facilitate. Professional Enquiry is at the heart of this Hub and it will be enormously beneficial if I can support members of the group in their enquiry based practice.

My Why

julie_matthias — 2019-09-22 18:55:58 UTC

As a Nurse and a Teacher it is vital that I am able to provide up to date and evidence based education.

Modeling

2019-09-22 18:57:15 UTC

I feel that if we stop wanting to learn in whatever career we have it is time to stop. I don’t think children deserve a teacher who thinks she/ he knows everything. The model I want to give my students is that of someone who is not always right but willing to “ find out” . In essence willing to continue learning. Nothing I have ever done well was done right the first time it was a continued process so I feel like we all must keep learning and showing our students it’s ok to “ not know something” but it’s not ok to give up. We must all keep trying to learn!

Reinvigorating my teaching

2019-09-22 20:44:47 UTC

When I trained VAK was the Holy Grail, as was accelerated learning, discovery learning, brain gym etc. I realise that although I no longer do these, what I do is often based on what I think works rather than on what research might help to be more effective. So I am hoping this will bring back a spark to my teaching, to make it more effective and have bigger impact for the children I teach.

My thoughts

cjhampton0710 — 2019-09-23 09:26:29 UTC

During career, I have always wanted to continually develop my practice as I know teaching has never stood still. The expectations I wish to share with my pupils is that of someone who is willing to make mistakes and that we can from them. I am willing to try and willing to explore further. Therefore I am willing to continue my learning further. What I do is sometimes based on what I have heard works rather than on what research might inform me. Hence I wish to do this course and see how I develop further in my practice.

My why(s)

2019-09-23 10:55:14 UTC

Because I want to keep up to date with the new ways of teaching and to have a deeper impact on my students' learning.

My Why...

2019-09-23 12:50:17 UTC

As a teacher and advanced practitioner I want to understand more about the world of educational research and how I can use it intelligently and efficiently in my work.

My WHY

2019-09-23 13:42:08 UTC

I love to read and began more seriously around 18 months ago looking at EEF and articles within the charted college. For me, it isn’t just the reading it is how teachers use this and enact it in their own way within the classroom. They think about their context and come together and discuss and share. The power is in sharing what works and what doesn’t work

My why

2019-09-23 14:27:12 UTC

My motivation for using research evidence is with the aim of improving the effectiveness of my own teaching and to ultimately improve the results which our pupils are getting when they leave in Year 11. In a new content heavy course with challenging exams I am very keen to use research based methods to get our pupils to retain information effectively in the long term rather than just for a few weeks when the topics are being studied.

My

2019-09-23 15:28:14 UTC

My why

2019-09-23 15:28:14 UTC

My first motivation is to learn how to investigate so I can create solutions to an existing problem. Of course, research with evidence will prove something that will be helpful for others.

My Why

2019-09-23 18:24:32 UTC

As a PhD student, I have had the opportunity to read and discuss about some fundamental issues related to science teaching. My main concern has always been how to improve as a professional. And I think that, in order to achieve the high level of expertise and excellence I aspire to, practice is necessary; but practice without a sound basis is lame. Research in Education can provide the theories that may help us teachers make the best of their profession.

My Why

2019-09-24 07:34:31 UTC

I have been teaching for over 14 years now and in that time have completed other educational research activities, including an MSc in Science and Education. However, I feel I've 'dried-up' in terms of my accessing up-to-date research and want to make sure that I'm following all of the rich research in education at the moment and keep myself abreast of the developing approaches. I am keen to ensure my students continue to learn and improve and feel I need to be a role model for that and ensure I'm equipping myself with the most recent research in order to ensure students are learning and achieving in the best way possible.

My Why

2019-09-24 08:17:12 UTC

I feel that over the past couple of years I have lost some of the passion behind my teaching, and got 'stuck in a rut', reusing old lessons rather than experimenting new things. Although this is not always a problem, I want to reignite some of the excitement.

My Why

2019-09-24 08:52:33 UTC

The main reason for me is to be able to distinguish between the good and the bad practices in order to ultimately apply some of the good practices to improve my own.

My Why

2019-09-24 12:46:39 UTC

I really believe in the importance of moving away from fads like Dame Alison stated. There are so many demands and pressures on teachers time, so I feel that it is really important to introduce strategies and approaches in schools that are evidence based, supported by sound and valid research. This is where it can become difficult - finding and accessing the best research out there and ensuring that the validity of the research has been questioned and considered. I am continually focused on improving my own knowledge and continuing my own professional development.

WHY

2019-09-24 14:28:14 UTC

I am beginning my journey into research informed practice and in doing so, have lit the fire once more. I have found new motivation and my drive to be a learner again.

From a leadership perspective I am keen to develop the use of research within the school and help other staff to engage with it.

My Why

jopayton400 — 2019-09-24 15:09:53 UTC

Research to me implies inquiry, in this case into professional practice. Since teaching is such a complex endeavour, there is no unified technique or even "best practice' that can tell someone how to do it. So I suppose for any complex activity, inquiry is crucial and perhaps IS best practice.

My Why

jopayton400 — 2019-09-24 15:09:55 UTC

I am always curious and keen to improve my practice and engaging effectively with research is a way of supporting this. Due to the ever changing needs of children and young people along with the changing educational climate means that there are always new areas to find out more about and new challenges facing us in schools. This often leads me to look into research to find out more about possible ways of supporting children with their learning and well-being.

READING IS A POWERFUL TOOL

2019-09-24 19:47:44 UTC

Basically, The best tool to research is reading as a second hand information. It helps you discover and open new doors in your profesional life as well as a person. Have fun everyone.

Why?

2019-09-25 07:34:39 UTC

Through my background in Art I have always been drawn to research and reading to stimulate my practice and this is something that has continued into my career as a teacher. It’s been a real pleasure to be able to have access to excellent educational research being released by places like EEF and the Chartered College to name just two places. My understanding of Teaching and Learning is constantly improving and I want to share that with my peers. Therefore, through my interest in the research I have been more involved in CPD in my school and recently joined the SLT. In this role I aim to help create a culture of continued learning for everyone through reading and engaging in research and sharing best practice.

Why ?

2019-09-25 09:09:31 UTC

I have realised that my motivation in teaching comes from the possibility of improving continually. Secondary, and perhaps primary research seems the ideal vehicle for this journey.

Why?

2019-09-25 17:41:19 UTC

By learning new things I am more motivated and excited. Also by trying out different methodologies I can develop my pedagogy.

2019-09-25 21:42:19 UTC

I would like to back myself more and basing my practice on research can help with this.

Why?

2019-09-26 09:24:46 UTC

Having qualified as a teacher through the GTP scheme, I never studied for a formal postgraduate qualification. I therefore think this type of CPD is ideal for me.
Having been teaching for a number of years, I have started to enjoy reading about the practice of teaching. As I continue to think about my own personal development and mobility, I realise that by engaging with research and broadening my understanding of teaching, I can have an impact on colleagues as well as improving the experience for my pupils.

Why?

2019-09-26 11:50:32 UTC

I have a genuine passion for T&L, and recognise that alone, I can only get so far; research (and sharing good practice) is the necessary tool for development.

My ‘why’

kerryscattergood7 — 2019-09-26 17:00:57 UTC

Because I am fascinated by people and by learning, but also because a lot of the current policy is reductive in views of curriculum, which affects pedagogy, so I wish to take a deeper & more thoughtful (& more creative) approach.

My 'why'

2019-09-26 19:17:40 UTC

I'm interested in looking beyond the walls of my classroom, staffroom and school; to learn from good practice and research; to continue my lifelong learning...

Why?

2019-09-26 20:58:26 UTC

I find T&L fascinating. I want to make my practice as it good as it can be. Taking over research lead at my school has motivated me to understand research better.

My why

2019-09-27 02:03:55 UTC

I always think that I can improve my practice. So, learning how to read, interpret and hopefully carry out a research will certainly help me in this endeavour. I've recently read about action research and I am very much interested in it. But as I've never done a reseach before, I don't feel well-equiped to dive into it.

My 'why'

2019-09-27 14:31:01 UTC

I want to improve my practice and support my colleagues to improve as well. I've been teaching for over 25 years so more than long enough to have lived through a number of 'fads'. My research to date has been RE specific and was a while ago. I want to update my knowledge of research and gain more tools to enable me to evaluate what I read.

My 'why'

2019-09-27 18:14:03 UTC

I've been teaching for a long time now and have engaged in lots of different research activities during that time - it still really motivates and inspires me and I love exploring the opportunities it opens up.

My "WHY"

2019-09-28 12:30:26 UTC

I’ve been in the world of teaching for almost nine years, and I believe that it is my mission not to stop learning not only for myself but also for the future of my students. With this, I believe that conducting research is one way of improving the four corners of the classroom and the teacher as well. It enables us to discover more insights which can be used in the learning process and gives us the venue to improve as an educator.

2019-09-28 12:54:10 UTC

My 'why'
I have been teaching for 14 years and have recently moved in to the Pastoral and Inclusion team. I am at stage in my career that I am learning new skills and processes. This has set a light in me to want to learn new ideas and apply them to my current process. Research is essential to continue our understanding within the world of education, I would like to research new concepts within special education, this is my passion; especially in the field of autism.

Why?

2019-09-28 18:21:08 UTC

Because I think professional growth aligned with student progress is the key to tackling the retention crisis.

WHY?

2019-09-29 17:36:00 UTC

Because i believe the only way to not stagnate is to move forward. but that movement has to be purposeful and have the best chance of impact on our student' s learning. Research and communication with other professionals offers a powerful way to support that aim. It is also really interesting!

WHY?

2019-09-29 20:33:42 UTC

To read around how to get the best out of my job for the children I teach. We give them life chances as teachers and research supports my own professional development to be the best teacher I can be.

Indra....Why.....

2019-09-30 05:31:33 UTC

engage with research? Because much of what we do in practice is a result of many years of experience which can be shared through research, helping others to understand how practice leads to theories of practice, which, in turn, deepen our knowledge of education

WHY AND WHAT

jedevoy — 2019-09-30 05:47:15 UTC

I want to benefit the children I teach by having a high standard of knowledge that I myself have critically engaged with instead of being told to teach in a certain way and not understanding why.
I love learning and have completed the Cteach programme with the Chartered College-It was amazing.

I want the profession to stop... take a pause and really think. I want us to slow down and really consider what the best actions to take are in school improvement and understand the implications for these fully before running along the endless treadmill of interventions or initiatives...

gail_peyton — 2019-09-30 06:08:27 UTC

WHy?

2019-09-30 10:48:58 UTC

Research gives a starting point to ask questions. I often look for research as a starig pint when looking at a particular need or question. For example, I've recently been tasked with reducing exclusions. Research can provide some pointers and evidence of what has worked in other places.

WHY?

2019-09-30 11:19:52 UTC

One of the main challenges encountered by educational practitioners is to decide what and how students should learn. When it comes to curriculum design, performance assessment, and other pedagogical and curricular issues, things get even intricate. I have been puzzled by these topics especially after several years of teaching. Research might be one of the ways to provide answers.

My why

2019-09-30 18:18:28 UTC

After spending a very successful year promoting evidence based learning I now want to further improve my own & support others in embracing a willingness to continue to try new approaches and push boundaries

My why

2019-10-01 18:11:39 UTC

My last 3 years of teaching have been in a school that focussed on research and implemented it well. This meant lots of the research that benefitted me was at my fingertips in an easily manageable way. Now I am shifting careers I want to continue using research that I find myself as I have seen the benefit to my teaching practice.

Why?

2019-10-01 22:22:24 UTC

I find that many staff are skeptical of research preferring to trust their instinct. I hope that completing this course can support staff to engage productively with research.

Why?

2019-10-02 05:12:43 UTC

Research is essential to continue my teaching practise. I would like to provide pointers and evidence of what I am worked.new concepts within special education, this is my passion

Completely agree with Alison: research enables us to be professionally brave and have an informed level of confidence in what we do. I hope to take away strategies that can help me to share how to utilise and reflect upon research in a school setting so I can equip others with the capability to do so.

2019-10-02 12:00:10 UTC

Why?

2019-10-02 12:01:04 UTC

I think engaging with research is very important. It is NOT how I started my teaching career, however I view myself as a lifelong learner and am seeing changes....for the good. I recently completed an MA in Education and I think this really piqued my interest and has made me want to find out more. My interests lie currently in helping students become more effective learners (lifelong!) - this is proving challenging at times as students will naturally default to what they feel most comfortable doing e.g. reading and highlighting notes.....it is trying to motivate them to struggle that is difficult. I will persist though as what I am reading is making so much sense!

Why?

2019-10-02 14:40:35 UTC

I am currently working as a teacher educator supporting new teachers achieve QTS and NQT status. Being research informed is an important principle of our programme. The programme itself is rooted in research, but I want to ensure I am consistently engaging with the most up to date evidence to support my trainees put theory into practice. My trainees are also under a huge amount of pressure so I see it as part of my role to do some of the leg work in finding research they may be of benefit to them in their contexts.

Why?

2019-10-04 09:52:56 UTC

I'm currently curious about the advantages of m-learning so that I'm reading about innovative teaching applications in this sphere. Research evidence concerning preferences of young learners helps me decide what mobile apps I can choose for my students taking into account psychological particularities of their age.

2019-10-05 14:30:28 UTC

I want to be able to evaluate my own teaching methods and techniques in a professional manner. I would also like to be able to lead some changes in the emphasis of education in my school where the teachers can, through solid and recognized methods of evaluation based on their own research, build confidence in a new way of structuring and thinking about what really is important when it comes to educating the children of today.

Why?

karinazbutler — 2019-10-06 09:20:03 UTC

To become a more confident teacher, primarily.

In order to substantiate our 'teacher intuition' we need to support it with the rigour of research. I also believe in critical thinking that is supported by evidence. However, I do have issues with the divide between qualitative and quantitative research and I hope I can find out more about it,

Why?

2019-10-06 21:31:10 UTC

To be better, to improve, to engage, to learn, to be more motivated, to share, to be more knowledgeable, to be more confident, to be more critical, to be more effective, to achieve and deliver high quality education that motivates learners beyond the classroom.

My why

2019-10-07 06:39:35 UTC

To improve as a teacher. To have a more well-rounded overview of education research. To be able to support others in finding education research relevant to their needs.

My Why?

2019-10-07 09:47:43 UTC

Since I am an education manager as well as a teacher trainer hence i want to understand that how can I help my teachers and trainees in education research. How can education research help me in differentiating between qualitative and quantitative research. How can evidences help in achieving your research goal?

Why?

jreece6 — 2019-10-08 14:08:55 UTC

To enhance and strengthen my knowledge, to continually refine and develop my craft, just as an artist would view other artists work and develop their ideas and skills.
Understanding of the world can be enhanced and improved by sharing and building on knowledge and experience of others.

Why?

2019-10-08 15:44:16 UTC

I believe it's essential that we engage with research and use the most reliable evidence to enhance our teaching. It's difficult to judge sometimes what is research and what is opinion. In the era of the blog, vlog and twitter there are numerous platforms for individuals to post research or advocate a particular way of teaching - I want to be able to learn more about how I discern for myself what is useful and will add value or is just as you say, a fad.

Why?

2019-10-08 19:09:59 UTC

I think it is important to engage with research so that our practice is supported by methodologies that are relevant and backed by ample evidence.

Research driving Practice

2019-10-12 09:15:56 UTC

Why continue to stumble in the dark when research can illuminate what works, what doesn't, and what needs further development.
I don't have time or energy to try out "good ideas" that have no evidence base. Michelle

My why?

2019-10-14 09:23:26 UTC

I teach nutrition which is an area which needs to be updated regularly to be relevant.

2019-10-16 21:21:39 UTC

My 'Why'
To keep track of trends in education. To contribute to universe of knowledge.

My why?

2019-10-18 10:17:52 UTC

I firmly believe we should always be questioning our practice and never resting on our laurels. Good research can help us question our teaching in our quest to provide the best education for our students.

2019-10-20 07:21:34 UTC

Il est capital que les pratiques pédagogiques soient informées par les résultats de la recherche en particulier des sciences cognitives et que les enseignants apprennent à observer leurs élèves.

2019-10-20 09:54:39 UTC

I have, over the past 26 years, experienced a journey that includes everything from a real, glowing/burning passion for my profession to a total burnout that resulted in absence from teaching for a year while recovering physically and emotionally.

Since being back to work again I feel the "spark" coming back and I'm keen to rekindle the flame I had, and passion for my profession. I'm hoping that through (amongst other things, of course!) the participation in this course and active communication with other teachers from all corners of the world I'll feel the passion again.

I'm happy to say that I feel positive about this, and am looking forward to the journey of completing this course and putting to use my learnings from it.

Why?

LouSmith — 2019-10-21 08:13:07 UTC

Throughout my career I have always found my passion being re-kindled when I have engaged in my own learning - in the last few years this has certainly been true : I have become more interested in educational research rather than just ideas, and discovered the world of ResearchED....this has been thoroughly stimulating, but has also challenged me to read behind the headlines and to take part in my own action research

My Why

2019-10-22 12:50:59 UTC

I teach PGCE and I would like to introduce the idea of ongoing research to new teachers.

Why?

2019-10-27 07:58:05 UTC

I am applying for my PGCE and I would like to keep track of trends in Education as well as contributing universe of knowledge. I believe it will help me to identify starting points for teaching and learning, evidence to evaluate students progress and teaching effectiveness

My Why

2019-10-27 08:19:08 UTC

Teaching as a practice is often based on emotions and on experience. In my new role as Director of Teaching and Learning, I want to ensure that the teachers are engaging with why they teach in the ways that they do as well as ensuring that school-wide systems are providing greatest impact. Sharing research and evidence from across the system enables opportunities to support and challenge current systems and pedagogy.

2019-10-28 10:15:33 UTC

My why?
I work as an chemistry teacher. In my teaching, I always come across some problems, such as how to make chemistry class more interesting except experiment. How to immerse China course with UK or USA course. I think, for each question, it is worth to take a deeper thinking. Sometimes we even do not know how to solve these problems. So we need to do researches and surveys. To give best answers for these questions, to leave some valuable information.So research is necessary.

2019-11-02 18:09:29 UTC

I firmly believe everyone can keep learning. In recent years I have become more engaged with educational research.
Selecting the right research is sometimes difficult and how to implement this into both my work and my team development is sometimes challenging but when done right thoroughly rewarding.

2019-11-03 17:12:34 UTC

I believe doing research can help us to understand the situation, eliviate the problems and initiate new ways to enhance our teaching capacity..

fahmi_irhamsyah — 2019-11-04 14:55:19 UTC

My Why

I am Teacher, specially Teacher in history. In my country we have a problem. AS a Developing country Indonesia must have a big effort and spirit for develop my country.
I think, my subject (History) can give special impact for make a big spirit.
However, I don't know, how to make it. So, I think I must learn again and again. Specially about research evidence. So, I hope after I learn about it, I can be a good teacher and develop my country.

My Why

2019-11-11 22:04:18 UTC

As a SEN teacher and working with pupils with autism, I would like to do research on autism and learning. I believe that there are still lots of areas in their life that we are not aware of them and needed to find out.

My Why

2019-11-15 09:25:37 UTC

I love learning and I believe doing research can help me to improve and develop my own practice. I want to, in particular, explore the use of play and continuous provision in KS1.

My Why

2019-11-26 17:56:42 UTC

There is so much more to know about education. As educators embrace the research of philosophers and psychologists we learn more about the human mind and how best to educate those who have not viewed formal education favourably in the past. I want to make my classes better, give the learner another chance to reach their aspirations