Inquiry is a process of finding out, it is what we do to resolve a question or
a problem. We may believe an answer is obvious, but often research throws up some
surprising results.
Some approaches that people are convinced do work, prove not to work when researched;
other approaches that people think will not work, prove very effective.
So the purpose of research may often be to test whether an approach 'stands up' to
examination.
Research may be seen as a more formalised and structured version of activities we
already carry out in our practice - for example, collecting data and reporting on
pupil attendance.
- Empowerment.
- Evidence to change class practice.
- Evidence to support or challenge teaching approaches.
- Evidence to affect school policy.
- Continuing professional development.
- Professional interest.
What role does inquiry/research play in your work now? What role could or should
it play?
Research has often been seen as something done by specialists. However, this is changing.
Practitioners increasingly have to justify their approaches and show that they use
'evidence-based practice'.
Listen to this audio clip of Jen Angelini (Head of Complex Needs, Brookfield School)
talking about school-focused research.
Talk to colleagues about the impact research has within your school. Find out what research been undertaken by other staff.
Listen to this teacher talking about the impact that research has had on one of her pupils.
Class-based research is generated by the questions educators ask every day in their classrooms and staffrooms:
- How do you manage when...?
- What do you think about...?
- Have you ever seen...?
- Have you got any ideas about...?
- Do you know if this is any good...?
Evidence collected every day in the classroom can, with attention to focus, accuracy, consistency, detail and interpretation, support classroom research.
One or more of these publications may support you as you work through Level B.
Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers
in Education, Health and Social Science. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Carpenter, B. and Egerton, J. (eds) (2007) New Horizons in Special Education: Evidence-based
practice in action. Clent: Sunfield Publications.
Cryer, P. (2006) The Research Student's Guide to Success (3rd edn). Buckingham:
Open University Press.
Denscombe, M. (2002) Ground Rules for Good Research. Maidenhead: Open University
Press.
Denscombe, M. (2010) The Good Research Guide for Small Scale Social Research
Projects (4th edn). Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Jones, P., Whitehurst, T. and Egerton, J. (eds) (2012) Creating Meaningful Inquiry
in Inclusive Classrooms: Practitioners' stories of research. London: Routledge.
Roberts-Holmes, G. (2011) Doing Your Early Years Action Research Project: A
step by step guide (2nd edn). London: Sage.
Rose, R. and Grosvenor, I. (2001) Doing Research in Special Education: Ideas into
Practice. London: David Fulton.
Porter, J. and Lacey, P. (2005) Researching Learning Difficulties: A guide for practitioners. London: Paul Chapman.