Engaging in and with research

One of the most useful forms of professional development is engaging in or with educational research. Evidence shows that engaging in research, whether in connection with study further professional qualifications or with smaller-scale 'insider' projects, encourages reflection on the part of the individual and leads to professional learning. The same is true of engagement with research; reflection on other contexts, whether similar to one's own or not, offers practitioners possibilities in terms of adapting tried and tested techniques and interventions for use in the classroom. In the interests of sharing good practice the IPD Research Directory will be publishing an interesting range of colleague's work covering aspects of our four portfolios. The first selection of work includes pieces on the value of staff interactions in sharing professional knowledge by Dr Simon Letman, the links between school democracy and school improvement by Dr Bernard Trafford, the links between autonomy and school effectiveness in junior schools by Dr Colin Diggory and fascinating and ground-breaking research on preparation for headship and concepts of leadership by Oliver Delany. Work will be regularly updated. IPD is also developing important links with the National Teacher Research Panel (NTRP). Since 1999 the Panel has been developing its work in relation to encouraging practitioner research. Click on the NTRP link to find out more about the range of the Panel's activities and the 2006 National Teacher Research Conference at NEC Birmingham: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ntrp