Teacher Researcher Programme

The Teacher Researcher Programme gives teachers the opportunity to carry out research with the aim of improving learning and teaching, whilst also supporting teacher professionalism.

The Programme is open to all fully registered teachers working in Scottish schools who wish to research a topic linked to our research priorities.

What can I research?

Our research priorities change depending on what issues are current in teaching but our current priorities include:

Curriculum for Excellence 3-18: flexibility and pupil choice
Teaching strategies to deal with Discipline and Behaviour Management
5-14 literacy and numeracy
The impact of formal education on 3 and 4 year olds
The effects of accelerated learning techniques
Positive effects of managing adults working in the classroom
Specialist teachers
The impact of inclusion on attainment and classroom ethos
Assessment across the curriculum, especially themes related to Assessment is for Learning
Secondary school/college partnerships
The Skills for Work programme
Primary teachers in the early years of Secondary Education
Challenges and opportunities facing refugee teachers in Scottish schools
Effective transition arrangements
Parental involvement in schools

We will also consider applications from teachers with other innovative practice-led research ideas.

Am I eligible?

If you are a fully registered teacher working in a Scottish school you are eligible to apply for support through the Programme.

Please note:

  • These awards are not normally given to teachers undertaking postgraduate study
  • Your research should normally take place within the United Kingdom.

How to apply 

Teachers can apply at any time and successful applicants are funded for up to ten days' release from school to conduct their research and for approved expenses. In return they are asked to provide a report on their findings for sharing with others through this website.

Complete our Teacher Researcher Programme - online application form 

Recent teachers researchers have explored the use of learning journals to support probationer teachers, digital media in the classroom and improving parental involvement in a primary school.

What's next?  If you have an idea for a project, contact Gillian Hamilton on +44 (0)131 314 6046 or Email gillian.hamilton@gtcs.org.uk

CONTACTS

To speak to us about taking part in the Teacher Researcher Programme contact:

Gillian Hamilton, Head of Educational Services

T: +44 (0)131 314 6046

E: gillian.hamilton@gtcs.org.uk

PODCASTS

Rosa Murray has talked to two teachers about the research they have carried out, listen to the podcast:

Raising Awareness of Hidden Disabilities, Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder

CASE STUDY

Find out what participants think about the programme:
Teacher Researcher Programme - Case Study

NOTES

Interested? Fill in our:

Teacher Researcher Programme - Online application form

(You should consider issues of equality and diversity when preparing proposals).

If you prefer you can download and post us a paper copy of the application form:

Ethical guidelines for researchers