Research

GTC Scotland recognises the importance of research to Scottish teachers and Scottish education. Our research strategy aims to:

• encourage teachers to use and take part in research as part of their CPD
• build a strong evidence base to inform policy
• share research findings with teachers and with the wider community in Scotland

Current Research

We are currently involved in the following research projects:

Probation Profile Analysis

While on the Teacher Induction Scheme, every probationer must complete an interim and final profile recording aspects of their probation experience.

Each year we analyse these profiles which allows us to monitor patterns of experience across Scotland and to make recommendations to local authority probation managers.

Models of support in the Teacher Induction Scheme

Following a major survey on the views of head teachers and supporters on the operation of the Teacher Induction Scheme, published in four reports in 2006, we conducted a series of focus groups with head teachers, school probation managers and supporters in 7 local authorities across Scotland.

These focus groups asked those interviewed for their perspectives on a range of issues. Among these were:

• criteria for the selection of supporters
• balancing the role of being a supporter with other responsibilities
• issues for schools in supporting probationers over a period of time
• supporting the struggling probationer
• the contribution of newly qualified teachers to the school
• continuing professional development for probationers

Evaluating Accomplished Teaching

In partnership with the Scottish Government, the Council has commissioned researchers from Glasgow and Stirling Universities to explore issues following on from the previously published work on the views of Chartered Teachers on the impact of the programme in Scotland. The new research will include two projects:

• Measuring and Evaluating Impact - a case study on the role and influence of Chartered Teachers
• Investigating the Impact of Accomplished Teaching on Pupils' Learning

An innovative feature of this research is the secondment of two Chartered Teachers as Research Fellows to conduct some of the field work. The researchers expect to report by the end of 2009.

We also support the Teacher Researcher Programme, offering teachers the opportunity to carry out research aiming to improve learning and teaching.

All Commissioned, Conference and Occasional research papers can be found in the Published Research area of the site.