Research Associate programme
The National College’s Research Associate Programme was established in 2001 to offer an opportunity for senior school leaders to engage in enquiry and undertake research that will impact on practice. Through this, they will embark on an experience that provides both personal and professional development. Research associates contribute a unique practitioner perspective to the College’s portfolio of research and knowledge regarding leadership in schools and children’s centres.
Engagement
To date, more than 200 school leaders have been involved in the programme. Headteachers, deputy and assistant headteachers, and leaders of children centres have undertaken a broad range of research projects which can be found in the leadership library.
Many school leaders continue their engagement with the college after undertaking a research associateship and contribute to subsequent training of new research associates.
Outputs and impact
All research associates write summary and full research reports, which are published on the College website twice a year. The summaries are also published as hard copies and are disseminated to schools, as well as being available to download from the website. The summary papers are popular publications and represent a practitioner voice in research.
A recent survey (spring 2008) of 545 school leaders found that:
- 89 per cent of respondents generally read research associate reports
- 80 per cent generally find them interesting
- 87 per cent find them accessible and easy to read
The survey also demonstrated the impact of the reports.
- 86 per cent believe the findings make them reflect on their leadership practice
- 57 per cent have changed their practice as a result of something they read in an associate's report
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