Kickstart your educational research journey

For some educators, the thought of conducting research might seem worlds away from the everyday demands of teaching. Yet, educational research is fundamental to improving teaching and learning methods through evidence-based practice. It is an approach that can empower you with tools to help you teach and lead more strategically and effectively. Here, we will share some practical tips to kickstart your foray into educational research. 

Begin with your own classroom

Consider picking something that complements what you are doing in your current teaching. This could aid in generating ideas for your research. What are some challenges you face in your class? Is there a particular teaching strategy that you are curious about exploring? Or is there a learning outcome that you would like your students to improve on? 

Design your research

Once you have identified a potential area of focus, the next step is to design your research. This process begins with a clear articulation of your research question(s) or the problem(s) you aim to address. This question should not be overly broad, but rather focused enough to allow for insightful investigation.

Following from the research question and/or problem identified, think about how you want to address them. What specific intervention or change will you implement in your classroom? A new teaching method, a specific technology, a revised curriculum?

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Consider how you might evaluate the effectiveness of the specific intervention or change introduced. You could begin with thinking about what you want to measure, what data collection methods you could employ, the types of data you want to collect and how you could analyse the data. 

Finally, think about what the results tell you and the practical implications they have for your teaching practice. For example, if pre-post-test student cognitive engagement scores showed a significant increase over time, it could suggest that students have become more cognitively engaged as a result of the intervention or change. The active learning strategies (eg, problem-based learning, collaborative tasks, Socratic questioning) might have engaged students more deeply in the learning materials, reinforcing the importance of designing lessons that require thinking, reflection and problem-solving rather than passive learning. 

Seek support from your institution or organisation

Many universities have research centres or departments that offer assistance in areas such as research design, data analysis and methodology. Some also help with identifying appropriate funding agencies for your project. Take advantage of these valuable resources to refine your research focus and enhance your research capabilities. Do also share your research ideas with colleagues, mentors and faculty to gain insights and advice. 

For example, at our Teaching and Learning Academy, our educational research team collaborates with faculty members on their research projects, some assuming the role of co-investigator or key collaborators. This engagement allows us to contribute our expertise in research design, data collection and analysis, academic writing and mentorship. Additionally, we organise workshops for our faculty staff, such as those on grant writing and research design with the intention of sharpening their educational research skills. 

Your institution can play a crucial role in supporting your research by providing access to essential tools and resources, such as research databases, libraries and specialised software. By leveraging these resources effectively, you can streamline your research process and achieve greater research impact.

Immerse yourself in an educational research community

Attending conferences, workshops, seminars, or even joining online communities, offers invaluable opportunities to learn from experts, connect with like-minded researchers and explore potential collaborations. By sharing your ideas, your work and seeking feedback, you can rapidly expand your research expertise and gain valuable insights to inform your future projects. 

Collaborating with colleagues to interpret research findings fosters an environment where knowledge is shared and applied. Not only can you benefit from your own research, but others may discover valuable insights to enhance their teaching or research. This open exchange of ideas stimulates critical dialogue and inspires innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

As your research evolves, consider expanding its scope. Perhaps your research project has uncovered a larger question or issue. This could be the foundation for a more extensive study. Look beyond your own field and see input from other experts or stakeholders. This will help you broaden horizons and uncover opportunities for external funding to support your research. 

‘What’s next?’ 

Bridging the gap between research and practice means asking the question: “How can I bring research into my class?” Don’t forget to go back to the initial idea of why you started the research and how it will value-add to the existing literature and your current teaching practice. Try incorporating your research findings into your curriculum or current pedagogy. Help students understand the “why” behind your research by showing them how it impacts their learning experience and connecting it to their everyday learning activities and goals.

By observing and reflecting on your teaching practice, you are already taking the first steps. Seeking support from your institution and opportunities for collaboration can provide resources to elevate efforts. The ultimate goal isn’t just to conduct research, but to bridge the gap between theory and practice. As educators, you hold the key to advancing educational research right in your own classrooms.

Oran Devilly is an assistant professor and lead learning analyst, Ching Yee Pua is a learning analyst, Kenan Kok Xiao-Feng is a senior learning analyst and Shermain Puah is a learning analyst, all at the Singapore Institute of Technology.

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