Research

This research theme focuses on learner experiences within a range of education settings, e.g. schools and universities. This includes learner experiences of discipline-specific pedagogy (maths, science and literacy). Our work also explores the formation of young people’s ‘choices’ about post-compulsory subjects and future careers.

Current and recent projects:

• Foundational Number Sense (FoNS), with Stockholm University, Swedish Research Council, 2016-21
• 1-2-1 Academically Asymmetrical Paired Mentoring in Science (ASCENTS), EEF-Wellcome, 2019-2020
• Interests and Recruitment in Science (IRIS), EU, 2009-2012
• Improving children’s narrative writing through film clubs, IEE

Our research explores the development and impact of education policy. We are particularly interested in how education policy is interpreted and experienced by teachers and students. These studies include use of national datasets (e.g. the national pupil database) together with in-depth, longitudinal case studies using interviews in which teachers, school leaders and students talk about their experiences of education policy.

Recent projects have focused on curriculum policy in secondary science and mathematics education.

• Core Maths, Nuffield Foundation, 2017-2020
• Science teachers’ experiences of educational reform in Sweden: Enacting national tests and grading at Y6, Swedish Research Council, 2013-2018
• EISER project, The Enactment and Impact of Science Education Reform, ESRC, 2008-2011

Teachers are at the heart of attempts to improve educational experiences for young people. The Centre has staff with extensive experience in school teaching and teacher education. Research within this theme is supported through strong links with local schools.

Current and recent projects:

• Maths Mastery Project – in partnership with Red Kite School Alliance, DfE, 2018-19
• Leeds Teacher Wellbeing Project – in partnership with NEU and NASUWT, funded by the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account, 2019-2021