Pedagogic Research in HLST

1
Pedagogic Research in HLST

• Research in HLST - different stages of theory
  development
• Lack of credibility of HLT not established
  disciplines in HE (exception of sport)
• Subject Review raised the profile of LTA in
  subjects
• SC has done much to enhance activity in PedRD -
  research funding, journal, networks, workshops,
  newsletter, opportunities for collaboration
• Recognise much is development work
• Research in HLST and Education is
  multi/interdisciplinary, so confusing (eg.
  sociology, psychology, management etc)
• Motivator is an interest in student learning

2
Pedagogic Research in HLST

• PedR is a good way to introduce academics to
  research
• Without conceptualisation or working with
  established theory it is difficult to move PedR
  and D forward
• Undoubtedly re-invention and replication
• HLST is a hotbed for innovation in LTA
• Interest in applying HLST research theory to PedR
  and D (eg. self efficacy, theory of flow,
  particularly in sport)
• Tradition of PedR in Sport through curriculum
  links with PE
• Teaching today is different to 20 years ago
  PedR and D must be a priority

3
Types of research questions, methods and outcomes

• HLST SC Activity concerned with
• Generation of resources and providing
  opportunities for dissemination (eg. Case
  studies, journal, newsletter, workshops and
  seminars)
• Research undertaken by the HLST SC is normally
• part of HEA activities with additional funding
  (eg. employability, linking teaching and
  research)
• A service to the subject community (eg. Student
  experience survey and assessment benchmarking)

4
Types of project

• Network funded projects can be categorised into
  those which
• Research the experience of staff and students
  (latter predominant)
• Research current practice in TLA
• Provide materials for the enhancement of student
  experience and/or curriculum development (eg. the
  research gateway and progression guidelines)
• Test and develop TLA approaches
• Apply sport-related theory to student learning
• Key outputs of the projects for the network are
  development of TLA practice, enhancement of the
  student experience, and dissemination of findings
  and recommendations for practice

5
Research Methods

• Research approaches range from basic to applied
  research, and include primary, action,
  evaluative, exploratory and descriptive
  approaches, and adopt both quantitative and
  qualitative approaches (although the latter would
  be predominant)
• Range of research methods predominantly
  surveys, case studies, reviews and interviews
• Not at the cutting edge, but this is inevitable

6
Challenges and barriers in conducting and
disseminating pedagogic research

• Time challenges for academics departmental
  priorities
• Level of engagement of departments with
  educational units
• Knowledge (academics have subject knowledge,
  but not knowledge of educational theory)
• Design of the research vast range of methods in
  education and no easy introduction
• RAE although HLT is predominantly in new
  universities and many not contenders in the RAE

7
How the Academy may support or develop pedagogic
research activity

• Reality teaching today demands research to cope
  with the different contexts of HE
• Maintain a reference source (published and
  unpublished). Much of what is done is not
  synthesised
• Provide information
• Work with Educational Development Units and
  education departments within universities
• Lead discussion regarding engagement with
  educational theory
• Consider place of pedagogic research within CPD
• Work through the SCs into the disciplines (impact
  and success) SCs need to work with the
  disciplines (identify what is transferable to
  educational research and what new knowledge is
  needed)

8
Academy Support

• Capitalise on the opportunity - the work being
  done is generating a considerable amount of
  empirical data
• Reward and recognition
• Investigate implications of the HEFCE split of
  funding to universities - research what happens
  elsewhere in the world