Pedagogical Research Consultation Service

What is pedagogic research (PedRes)?

Pedagogic research, sometimes referred to as educational research or teaching and learning research, is a scientific and systematic examination of “the processes and relationships of learning and teaching” (Stierer & Antoniou, 2004, p.277). Some pedagogic researchers focus on teaching methods and practice, while others explore the impact of curriculum, course design, assessment, and the student learning experience (Cotton & Kneale, 2018). The ultimate goals of pedagogic research are to understand how students learn and how to improve instructional practice and outcomes.
How can we help?

We facilitate teachers’ engagement with pedagogic research through three key strategies. First, we provide timely and iterative pedagogical research consultations, meaning that we support teachers throughout the research cycle, whether they are at the research planning stage, implementation, or dissemination. Second, we conduct and create a range of professional development workshops and resources. Third, we actively construct dissemination and networking opportunities for teachers.

You can find out more by clicking on the three areas of our work below.
(1) Pedagogical research consultations
(2) Professional development workshops
(3) Dissemination and networking opportunities
What is our work in progress?

In addition to the three area of work mentioned above, we have three ongoing undertakings.
1. A study on pedagogic research engagement at CUHK
The objectives of this study are to investigate the factors that promote or impede the engagement of academic staff in pedagogic research, as well as to identify the types of support that effectively facilitate such engagement. This research has undergone review and received ethics clearance through CUHK Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics (Reference No. SBRE-23-0201).

The survey is currently accepting responses. If you would like to share your thoughts, kindly fill out this form: https://cuhk.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5A4LrW8cNVaO60e.

2. Creating a knowledge base
2.1 Pedagogic research methods/methodologies
We are currently developing 10 professional development resource writings that center around research approaches. These short writings encompass fundamental concepts in research, data collection, and data analysis, which are applicable to a wide range of research domains, including pedagogic research. Some selected topics include: validity and reliability, reflexivity, case study, participatory action research, autoethnography, quasi-experimental design, surveys, interviews, thematic analysis, and document analysis.

2.2 Teaching and learning good practice
We have curated 13 exemplary work and success stories from across disciplines. By highlighting these cross-disciplinary endeavours, we aim to foster knowledge sharing, encourage collaboration, and inspire teachers to explore new possibilities in their own fields. You can find out more by clicking here.

3. A blog special issue
We have gathered five teachers who are interested in contributing their work to a special issue of the blog on pedagogical research and practice as we actively create dissemination opportunities for our teachers. We have received positive feedback from the reviewers at the British Educational Research Association and are currently addressing some of their comments. Through this blog special issue, we aim to promote cross-disciplinary dialogue, encourage professional growth, and ultimately enhance the quality of education at CUHK and beyond.
What are some frequently asked questions in pedagogical research consultations?

Q1. What are some of the scholarly organisations or educational research networks?
Q2. What are some of the scholarly journals for pedagogic research?
Q3. My pedagogic research involves students as participants. Are there any ethical guidelines provided by CUHK?

In accordance with the University’s guidelines, any research studies involving human participants in the fields of survey and behavioural research, including activities such as administering questionnaires, conducting interviews, performing case studies, or observing human behaviour, require ethical approval from the Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics (SBRE) Committee prior to their commencement. Conversely, research involving physiological measurements on human subjects will be subject to review by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREC). For further information, please refer to the SBRE guidelines at https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/download/VII-C.pdf and visit the CREC website at https://www.crec.cuhk.edu.hk/.
How can you get involved?

You may like to sign up for our Educational Research Special Interest (SIG) group which operates within the Teaching and Learning Community of Practice (T&L CoP). To learn more about our work, please go to https://www.cuhk-tlcop.net.

To register, please visit: https://cuhk.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4AWAI2LHoQ6PSm.

If you are interested in finding out more about pedagogical research consultation, please contact viennelin@cuhk.edu.hk.

References
Cotton, D. R. E., Miller, W., & Kneale, P. (2018). The Cinderella of academia: Is higher education pedagogic research undervalued in UK research assessment? Studies in Higher Education, 43(9), 1625–1636. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2016.1276549
Stierer, B., & Antoniou, M. (2004). Are there distinctive methodologies for pedagogic research in higher education? Teaching in Higher Education, 9(3), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/1356251042000216606

Pedagogical Research Consultation Service

Pedagogical Research Consultation Service

What is pedagogic research (PedRes)?

How can we help?

What is our work in progress?

What are some frequently asked questions in pedagogical research consultations?

How can you get involved?