Support from mentors, researchers and the local authority

published:January 2006

It can be very useful to have someone to help you make sense of the process of research.  All researchers need help and support from others, particularly as the process can be both intellectually and emotionally challenging. A good mentor or 'critical friend' is invaluable in helping you make progress. Several of the schools involved in the NFER programme involved school leaders (especially headteachers and deputies) in the role of mentors to the research teams.

Having support from a professional researcher and/or a local authority adviser can be very helpful, particularly at crucial stages of the project like the development of research question and planning the methodology. Professional researchers (such as university lecturers) have a good understanding of research planning, methods and analysis. They are used to thinking critically, weighing evidence and taking an impartial view. They can also provide links to a wider evidence-base of theory and research. Local authority advisers have an overview of what is going on in your area and can help link school priorities with local and national policy-making. They are particularly helpful for networking and helping schools to share the results of their research.

The following example, taken from a conversation between an NFER researcher and two teachers at Blue Coat Church of England School in Oldham, shows how discussion between the team and support partners can move a project forward. In this case the researcher (Kathryn) is discussing the school's  research question with two teachers (Caroline and Stephanie).

Blue Coat CE Secondary School: refining research questions with a professional researcher

Kathryn: What is your research question?
Stephanie: How can e-learning in geography enhance the quality of teaching and learning?'
Kathryn: this is assuming it can enhance…
Caroline: So should it be "does…"?
Kathryn: It could be, but if you state your assumptions to start with…
Stephanie: So "what are the most effective ways…"?

After further discussion they decided on the following wording to make their question more specific: 'What are the most effective ways of using ICT to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in geography at key stage 3?'

• Could your project benefit from help from a professional researcher?
• Does your school or local authority already have links with a university?
• Could your school improvement partner help?
• Who else could you contact to find out more?

Connecting with the local authority

Practitioners engaged in research can benefit from networking with local authority advisers. For example, Oldham LEA organises a School Improvement Programme which invites participating schools to hear presentations by influential researchers, work on a development activity and share their findings with other schools. Through talking to their local authority advisers in Oldham, school staff became aware of local networks and sources of support.

The authority organised meetings for the three Oldham schools taking part in the NFER programme, which resulted in a primary and secondary school deciding to work in partnership on another project. The authority also made sure all three schools were invited to present their work to other schools throughout Oldham. Staff at Mayfield Primary School explained: 'There was an initial meeting with Maggie (the LA adviser) and the other schools. We travelled to the NFER seminar as a group and all three schools are doing presentations at the Oldham SIP conference.

They have gathered us together and we have been able to ask each other questions. One of the high points has been its high status – people in the LEA know that Mayfield is a school that does research.'

• Could your local authority help to support your research project?
• Could your local authority adviser suggest links, networks and resources for your research?
• Are there opportunities for working in partnership with other schools?
• Which local networks could you use to share the results of your work?
• Would it benefit your school to be recognised for being research engaged?