Why engage in School-based Research?

Undertaking school-based research provides significant benefits to schools in areas of professional learning and teacher capacity building. Engaging in research allows educators to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning practices, leading to improved instructional strategies and curriculum development. At a time when curriculum renewal is ever-present, supporting educators in this way is critical.

School-based research encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing within your school community, enhancing professional dialogue and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Ultimately, engaging in school-based research can empower teachers to take ownership of their professional learning, resulting in enhanced teacher capacity and improved student outcomes.

School-based Research Projects
The Evidence Institute

What is School-based Research?

School-based research can take many forms, ranging from individual teachers researching a particular class to whole-school studies. Research varies according to context, but always involves collecting data and analysing findings to generate knowledge and insights.
School-based research can relate to specific teaching and learning practices, curriculum development, student and staff wellbeing, school and government policies, and many other areas.
Depending on the focus, research can also involve collaboration between professional researchers, educators, and students to explore and address specific educational challenges.

How can The Evidence Institute help?

To support your staff to undertake and use research effectively in your school, The Evidence Institute provides customised consultancy services to meet your specific needs.
We work closely with you to understand your desired outcomes and design a personalised approach to deliver targeted solutions. This takes into consideration the unique circumstances, goals, and requirements of your school community.

Professional Learning Pathway example

The Evidence Institute can support your team of educators and leaders in embarking on or advancing your school-based research endeavours. We offer tailored consultations, spanning half-day, full-day, or extended multi-day formats, all designed to meet your specific needs. The following is an outline of the Teacher Inquiry for Teaching Practice course which can also be run on site at your school across the year.

Session 1: Developing the Research Focus

  • Creating the research question(s)
  • Undertaking a literature 
    review

Session 2: Creating the 
Research Design

  • Choosing the research method(s)
  • Planning for data collection and analysis

Session 3: Turning Data 
into Evidence

  • Undertaking analysis and generating insights
  • Determining action to be taken as a result

Session 4: Sharing the Research

  • Writing up the research
  • Knowledge translation (effective and efficient sharing of research findings and evidence)

Courses

AISNSW Education Research Symposium

30 - 31 October 2025


Join us at the 2025 AISNSW Education Research Symposium, the premier event for educators committed to advancing innovation and excellence through evidence-informed practices. Building on the success of the 2024 Symposium, this year's event promises to elevate the conversation on contextual school-based research and its applications.


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Growing Evidence Informed Practice

31 July – 21 October 2025

Growing Evidence Informed Practice is a 12 week (20 hour) blended learning initiative involving a mixture of live virtual sessions with self-paced learning.

Open to individuals and teams, the blended learning approach enables everyone, irrespective of circumstance and location, to participate and learn with and from each other. Participants will identify and audit knowledge and skills, review and refine professional thinking and practice and explore leading change in context.

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Designing Surveys that Work

Self-paced Learning Experience

Surveys are flexible tools for gathering context-specific information in a way that is accessible to those of all ages and circumstances. They are a tool often used with all members of a school community for different purposes.

This includes understanding the impact of initiatives, but often more powerfully to gathering and understanding preferences in relation to student learning. It is also a tool used by students, with teachers and leaders regularly guiding them in this collaborative practice.

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Getting Ready for Robust Research

Self-paced Learning Experience

Have you ever identified an important opportunity to undertake research in support of students and your school, but not known how or where to start? At the heart of an educator’s practice is the ability to understand and gather evidence about how students learn to improve outcomes. 

School-based inquiry research is recognised as an important tool for supporting teachers to meet this goal. It involves teachers reflecting on their own practice, gathering evidence about how students learn, and understanding the story data and external research is telling them.

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Conducting Interviews and Focus Groups

Self-paced Learning Experience

Capturing authentic voices provides you with an alternative way to understand the experiences of your students and broader school community.

Whether you are a school leader, head of department or a classroom practitioner, conducting interviews and focus groups is a powerful way to collect valuable and in-depth data. 

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Resources

Data for Education

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Data Informed Decision Making Cycle

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Top Tips for Good Survey Questions

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Conducting Interviews and Focus Groups

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