How to undertake research in your own classroom and school
There is a long tradition in the UK of teachers undertaking research in their own classroom and schools. Various approaches to the collection of data, or evidence, analysis and reporting are used. Data is usually collected in one or more of the following ways:
- Observation
- Interviewing,
- Surveys
- Analysis of documents
Methods
The methods you use depend on the issue being researched. When that issue is defined, together with any time and financial limitations to the work you wish to undertake, you are in a position to design the research. You will try to identify where to find the answers to your questions and what the best methods are for collecting the data which may reveal those answers.
Teaching as a research-informed profession
Frequently asked questions help you to define teacher-research and establish its goals.
Teacher research organisations
The following organisations provide a teacher perspective on how teachers are involved with and use research :
- The National Teacher Research Panel
- The General Teaching Council for England
- The General Teaching Council for Scotland
- The British Educational Research Association
Ethical considerations
Ethical considerations (see for example those guiding the work of members of the British Educational Research Association and British Psychological Society) are highly important in educational research. This can mean that some otherwise very interesting research simply cannot take place or must be modified. Sometimes it is hard for a teacher-researcher acting in good faith to see the ethical problems. Here is where a discussion with a friend and working with others is invaluable. Questions to consider are those such as who has access to the data you collect, can or should you promise anonymity to those giving the data? What rights do children, teachers and parents have to ensure that the information they give is used appropriately and not in a way which can damage them?
