Research in Teacher Education in Wales UCET Research and
International Committee 19.5.15 Dan Davies Dean of Cardiff School
of Education
Slide 2
Context Furlong Report (2006) led to establishment of three
regional university-led centres for ITET from 2008: South East
Wales Centre for Teacher Education and Training (SEWCTET):
University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University South
West Wales Centre of Teacher Education (SWWCTE): University of
Wales Trinity St David North & Mid Wales Centre for Teacher
Education (NMWCTE): Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities
Slide 3
Slide 4
Challenges Tabberer Review of Initial Teacher Training in Wales
(2013): Recommendation 8: That ITT Centres take urgent steps to
strengthen research engagement among tutors and trainees so that
teaching and teacher training are strongly influenced by practical,
scientific inquiry methods. No Welsh ITE Provider entered for
REF2014 Furlong Review (March 2015) Recommendation 9: That the
Welsh Government agrees to resolve future provision of initial
teacher education through a process of competitive tendering with
the Teacher Education Accreditation Board making the final decision
as to how many universities should become accredited
providers.
Slide 5
Schools of Education in Wales Department of ITE Staff on
temporary or teaching only contracts Few with doctoral
qualifications High teaching loads Little emphasis on research or
publication Other departments, e.g. Education Studies Teaching and
research contracts Most staff recruited with PhDs, some with
existing research profile Lower teaching loads No Estyn inspection
Many involved in pedagogic research
Slide 6
BERA-RSA Inquiry (2014) The position of research in teacher
education in Wales is more ambiguous than in Scotland and Northern
Ireland (Beauchamp 2014: 14) Good teaching/training should be well
informed by research (Estyn 2012: 25) (Estyn) will consider the ITT
providers ability to be at the cutting edge of ITT through horizon
scanning, collaborative ventures and educational research
(p.32)
Slide 7
Initiatives to develop ITE research capacity in Wales Welsh
Educational Research Network (WERN): ESRC/HEFCW-funded 2007-2010
Goal to bring on board new and/or inexperienced staff to work
alongside experienced researchers Inter-institutional research
bursaries, training events, virtual research environment Wales
Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods
(WISERD) 2008-present. Based at Cardiff University: staff
placements, training events, research mentoring.
Slide 8
Example of a Regional ITET Centre Research Strategy: SEWCTET
1.To carry out high-quality research into effective models of ITE
2.To build on current strengths in order to develop sustained
programmes of inquiry into selected research themes: Developing
effective pedagogic practice New technologies in the curriculum
Outdoor learning 3.To develop a strategy for increasing both the
capacity and capability of ITE staff to undertake and use research.
4.To develop a research concordat with schools so that school staff
are integral to the research strategy. 5.To develop research
outputs that add value to pedagogy and to the learning of children,
pupils and students 6.To become a local and national centre of
excellence in innovative pedagogic research into ITE undertaken in
partnership with schools.
Slide 9
Examples of pedagogic research: SEWCTET Joined UK-wide Routes
into Teaching ITET research project, led by University of
Birmingham (2015-17) Research for Sport Wales: Primary Post
Graduate Certificate of Education students confidence and
motivation to teach PE: Implications for pupils physical literacy
(2014) EU-funded iTILT project (2011-13 with extension to 2016)
researching use of interactive whiteboard in language teaching in 6
European Countries Evaluation of introduction of iPads in six
primary schools with varied catchment areas across Cardiff (2013)
Evaluation of efficacy of animal-assisted activities in improving
self- esteem and social and communication skills in children with
additional learning needs (Big Lottery Fund) Teacher Assessment in
Primary Science (TAPS) Project (2013-16) with Bath Spa University
(funded by Primary Science Teaching Trust).
Slide 10
Examples of pedagogic research: SWWCTE An investigation into
KS3 teachers perceptions of ICT: using a case study approach and
Cultural Historical Activity Theory to determine the relationship
between classroom practice personal constructs of ICT capability.
The development of algebraic thinking in Y5/6: This project
involves observation and intervention in primary school classrooms
in Y5/6 to explore effective strategies to encourage the
development of algebraic thinking. Student choices in mathematics
at school, college and university: This project aims to explore the
reasons for student choice of A level mathematics, further
mathematics and STEM subjects at university in Wales and England.
Attitudes and perceptions of teachers of Art & Design in Key
Stage 3 towards Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig and the opportunities provided
by the study of contemporary artists in Wales to fulfil this
curriculum requirement. Developing Literacy and Numeracy Thinking
Skills in Secondary Schools
Slide 11
Examples of pedaogic research: NMWCTE Involved in two European
networks on health and health literacy: comparative study on Health
Promoting Schools/Healthy Schools. Projects on bilingualism and
language acquisition, with particular regard to Welsh, e.g.:
Development of the Prawf Geirfa Cymraeg: Fersiwn 7-11, (Vocabulary
Test 7-11): the first receptive vocabulary test designed
specifically for Welsh-speaking bilingual children. Dyslexia,
assessment, code-switching and language maintenance Access to the
curriculum for young children with special needs in mainstream
classrooms
Slide 12
The future Furlong Review (2015) recommendation 8: That Wiserd
Education be extended to include a pedagogical dimension linked to
a network of five centres of pedagogical excellence across Wales.
UCET Cymru new Research Working Group: meta-analysis of
school-based research in Wales. Possible joint submissions to
REF2020
