Research Engagement for School Development
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Research Engagement for School Development
Raphael Wilkins
"This wide-ranging book should be of particular interest to those wishing to understand more about how teachers can get involved in research, to the benefit of their pupils, their schools and themselves."
Caroline Sharp, Research Director, National Foundation for Educational Research
"This is a rare publication that brings together practice, policy and research with the authority of a writer who has been professionally engaged in all three faces of the educational enterprise."
Helen Wildy, Winthrop Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Education, The University of Western Australia
This thought-provoking book examines the new and growing phenomenon of the "research-engaged school" - schools that not only encourage their staff to carry out their own research, but also use published research to inform practice and improve the quality of education.
The author draws upon his scholarship and practice in local authorities, schools and higher education, and gives a balanced account of the practitioner research movement and its relationship with policy and practice. He reflects on current debates and thinking in this arena and argues for new ways for schools to understand and practise research engagement as part of school development. In-depth case studies are featured throughout and illustrate how individual school leaders and schools have used it for a variety of motivations and benefits.
Research Engagement for School Development gives authoritative guidance that will help current and aspiring school leaders towards a deeper understanding of research engagement. It gives advice about its practice and management; pointers towards providing effective and sustainable support; an overview of recent developments and initiatives that schools can draw upon; and shows different standpoints towards "evidence-based reform". Equally importantly, it should help to generate new ideas on how to support the growth of effective practice in this vitally important field.
This book will be of value to everyone in schools, universities or local authorities who are affiliated with, or interested in, the practitioner research movement. It will also inform school staff studying for a higher degree as well as policy-makers.
"This thorough, 360 degree exploration of the existing and potential contribution of research engagement to school development is both welcome and timely for those who work in this drastically changing landscape."
Philippa Cordingley, Chief Executive, Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education Ltd (CUREE)
"...a very valuable publication that I believe will prove to be a significant contribution to the literature and thinking about practitioner research and school research engagement."
Graham Handscomb, former Senior Manager, Strategic Development, Essex Local Authority; now Managing Director of Graham Handscomb Management Services
Dr Raphael Wilkins is Pro Director (International Consultancy and Knowledge Transfer) at the Institute of Education, University of London, and President of the College of Teachers.
November 2011 • 978-0-85473-900-4 • 212pp • £23.99