Research studies are carried out for various reasons. Some are conducted in an academic setting, either for publication in an academic journal or as part of a PhD.
However, research can also be commissioned by third parties, such as the government, a company, a charity or other non-governmental organisation.
Where can I see research commissioning in action?Ěý
There are many examples of commissioned research studies; here are two that have recently been covered by Tes.
In June 2018, the Department for Education commissioned and published a review of the pilot programme.ĚýĚý
Researchers from the , Jack Tattersall, Ruanne Fensham, Kathryn Hurd and Neelam Basi were commissioned to run the study. The project also received funding and assistance from the National College for Teaching and Leadership, which provided data, encouraged participation, and commented on research instruments and reports.Ěý
In 2019, Now Teach, a charity that supports career changers into teaching, commissioned Timewise (a social consultancy aimed at creating a fairer workplace for all) to conduct research into the viability of flexible-working practices in education. Timewise interviewed members of staff in two academies to identify the benefits and barriers to flexible working, and analysed their responses to provide practical advice on how schools can make these practices work.Ěý
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement.
To achieve this, it summarises the best available evidence for teachers; its Teaching and Learning Toolkit, for example, is used by 70 per cent of secondary schools.
The charity also generates new evidenceĚýof âwhat worksâ to improve teaching and learning, by funding independent evaluations of high-potential projects, and supports teachers and senior leaders to use the evidence to achieve the maximum possible benefit for young people.
