BERA wishes to commission a small scale research study examining the dimensions of quality in close-to-practice educational research.

For the purposes of this project, close-to-practice research refers to educational research that is based on problems in practice, may involve researchers working in partnership with practitioners, addresses issues defined by the latter as relevant or useful, and will support the application of critical thinking, and the use of evidence in practice (Cooke, 2005).

BERA has identified close-to-practice research as an area of interest for the Association for several reasons. In the context of the last REF, the panel commented on the value of close-to-practice research and highlighted the contribution that it could make to the development of research informed professionalism (Leach 2015; Pollard 2015).   We know that many BERA members value and are committed to such work in the context of teacher education and professional development.  However, there has been relatively little explicit discussion within the literature on the dimensions of quality in close-to-practice research.  This project will address this.

For full details and the tender requirements, please see the attached document. The provisional amount allocated to this project over 2017 and 2018 is £30,000 and the closing date for pr0psoals is Thursday 9^th March, 12pm.