How I… have engaged with research

For many years now I have engaged with research as this is something that has transformed, enriched and enhanced my teaching. Indeed, it empowers me as a professional and has greatly improved my practise. However, the ways in which I have done this have been varied.

One way has been to read short summaries of work produced on sites like RE:ONLINE or in magazines such as Professional Reflections in RE today. These have been particularly useful in enabling me to have an overall grasp of an area so that I can work out what I am interested in. I then investigate this further by downloading full journal papers, contacting those involved in the work or attending feedback sessions if these have been provided.

Another way that I have engaged with research has been through enrolling on free courses delivered by various universities (Open Learn, Future Learn and HarvardEx). These have been invaluable for increasing my subject knowledge within RE. For example, I have completed courses on exploring Buddhism through their sacred texts, Shariah law and Religious Literacy. In addition, I have also enrolled on ones which focus on pedagogical research such as how the brain works and effective assessment. These courses vary in length and require different levels of engagement but they all fit easily around the busy life of a teacher. However, if you prefer to submit work and gain individual feedback, I would recommend the courses offered by Teach:RE from Culham St Gabriel’s.

Participating in funded projects led by various universities is a third way I have been involved in research. Some of the projects I have enjoyed include: the relationship between Science and Religion; using a hermeneutical approach in RE; and fostering better community relations in the classroom. There tends to be a lot of support when you participate in these projects from those working in academia and also from the other teachers involved. I would advise though that you select one which you and your school are interested in as this will make it a more rewarding exercise and also it means you will have support from senior leadership if you need to have time out of work.

A final way that I have been involved in research is through enrolling on paid courses at university. In particular, undertaking and completing a doctorate has been by far the most time consuming and nerve-wracking but also the most rewarding of all of the initiatives I have engaged in. I cannot recommend this enough if it is an area you wish to explore. Indeed, it has provided me with the means of being able to navigate the research community more effectively and also to have the tools to critically analyse and evaluate my own practise. It has shaped me into the teacher that I am today and contributes to the sheer fascination and joy I have in my subject.