1. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Research and Further Education A practitioner’s perspective

2. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Introduction Objectives Why research in FE? Becoming a researcher in FE The meaning of research Ethical issues Data collection Engaging with theory – data analysis Writing Conclusion

3. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Objectives Demonstrate and explain the importance of research in FE. Illustrate practice, procedure and problems – from a personal perspective Promote discussion on selected topics Answer questions and discuss participants’ experiences.

4. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Why research in FE? To tell our ‘own story’ The micro understanding of teachers To get closer to the ‘truth’ The process is as important as the outcome To understand teaching and learning as a ‘socio-cultural’ phenomenon.

5. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Biography or Baggage? Is biography a significant factor in the learning process? Can biography be ignored? How can teachers address issues of biography? Where are the boundaries? What research methods can be used to discover biography?

6. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Becoming a researcher in FE TLC – team of 30 four English partnerships..\Miscellaneous\TLCFE Project aims.doc Managerial culture - autonomy Security and management perspectives Colleagues – role identity Training - RCBN ‘The Restless College’

7. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) The meaning of research Finding information not previously known Connected to ‘theory’ – sociology, psychology, management science Democratic – open to critiquing Reflections on paper – seeing myself in print

8. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Dissemination – positives/negatives In the situation you know would the dissemination of knowledge (research findings) pose any threats? What opportunities emerge from dissemination? What do practitioners want from research?

9. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Ethical issues Explanations Informed consent Ring fencing Defended subjects Emotional data Feedback Closure

10. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Data collection Questionnaires Interviews Focus groups Photographs Reflective journals College policy, other documents

11. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Engaging with theory – data analysis New territory New language – ‘post-Fordism’, ‘modernism’ and ‘post-modernism’ Reading

12. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Writing Site case studies Specific themes – developing research capacity Instruments of analysis Publications

13. G.Anderson TLCFE (CCC/Uni of Warwick) Conclusion Demonstrate and explain the importance of research in FE. Illustrate practice, procedure and problems – from a personal perspective Answer questions and discuss participants experiences.