This course creates a time, space and community through which educators curious about research can support one-another and discuss important elements of the research process, with support from GA Research Engagement Leads. The course will be suitable for geography educators at any phase or key stage, and at any point in their careers.

Delegates have the opportunity to attend four one-hour sessions, designed to support:

• Thinking about what education research entails in regard to school geography
• Considering research methodologies and ethics in education research
• Explore ideas for incorporating education research into your own professional development
• Develop strategies for doing and disseminating your research

Meet your course leaders Dan and Chris

Supporting research/references

In Leading Primary Geography, Paula Owens notes that action research can be ‘a powerful way for educators to drive improvements in their own practice’ (Owens, 2019: 152).

In his review of geography education research in the UK, Graham Butt argues that there is an increased need to acknowledge ‘the considerable input to geography education research made by those classroom-based practitioners who are also researchers’ (2020, p.61).

Key learning aims

• To increase geography teacher knowledge, confidence and understanding of how to carry out education research.
• To support critical reflection by geography teachers through education research and enquiry.
• To empower geography teachers to engage with research evidence as they improve professional practice.

Expected impact on teachers

• Delegates gain confidence in seeing themselves as researchers.
• Delegates know how to reflect critically on education research.
• Delegates develop their thinking, skills and practice as part of a small research-focused community.

Course programme

Session 1: 03 October – What value(s) does education research have for geography educators?

Session 2: 05 December– Research methods and ethics for geography educators

Session 3: 06 February – How can action research support our professional development as geography educators?

Session 4: 18 June – Dissemination and impacts of geography education research

All sessions run from 16.00 – 17.00 and recordings are provided as standard. 
Please arrive promptly and advise us of any non-attendance.