How to Use Research Evidence Well in Education

Mark Rickinson, Professor, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Lucas Walsh, Professor, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Joanne Gleeson, Researcher, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Blake Cutler, Researcher and PhD Candidate, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Bernice Plant, Research Fellow, BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University, Australia.Mark Boulet, Senior Research Fellow, BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University, Australia.Genevieve Hall, PhD Graduate, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Connie Cirkony, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.Mandy Salisbury, Researcher and PhD Candidate, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia.

• 1. Introduction – Using Research Well2. Identifying a Clear Purpose3. Selecting Appropriate Research4. Engaging with Research Thoughtfully5. Implementing Research Thoughtfully6. Modelling Quality Research Use7. Supporting Quality Research Use8. Conclusion – Continuing the Journey

“I have had continuous educational research funding from a few thousand to many millions of dollars for almost 40 years, and I learned a huge amount from this excellent collaboration between educators in schools and members of the university academy. Unlike many other books on evidence use in education, this highly readable and usable book is not doctrinaire about promoting some kinds of research over others, it is not driven by political agendas or commercial interests, and its authors do not blow their own trumpets. It’s a beautifully humble book with depth, integrity, credibility, and practicality. Read it. Use it. You’ll love it as much as I did.” Andy Hargreaves, Research Professor, Boston College“The days of evidence are over. The days of interpreting and making wise use of evidence are upon us. This is the must-read book for educators striving to make informed, impactful evidence-based decisions. Following the great success of the Q Project, this book is rich in practical strategies, real-school examples, and actionable insights. It heralds a new, fresh, and powerful way of using and interpreting the myriads of evidence claims that permeate our schools.”John Hattie, Laureate Professor Emeritus, University of Melbourne“Using research evidence to inform teaching is a goal of education systems across the world - but there is often little or no guidance about how to do it well. This book changes that. It is an accessible, hands-on guide based on years of work in the field that brings together an actionable framework for educators and decision-makers with concrete examples and tools. The goal: nothing less than helping improve teaching quality and, ultimately, student outcomes.”Tracey Burns, Chief of Global Strategy and Research, US National Center on Education and the Economy“At its best, research can empower educators, allowing them to combine their own professional expertise with the insights, experiences and outcomes of many others across education systems. This book tackles the hardest challenge in educational research – how to move from accessing research to using it effectively. The practical examples and thoughtful discussion make this an indispensable resource in ensuring that research actually changes lives.”Jon Kay, Head of Evidence Synthesis, UK Education Endowment Foundation“Too often evidence-informed practice is presented as a top-down process in which teachers merely implement research findings without recognising the importance of critical engagement and context-specific application. This book is vastly different in that it puts educational professionals at the heart of evidence-informed practice, truly empowers them to engage critically with research evidence and challenges them to apply it appropriately to their contexts. An essential guide for anyone who wants to start using evidence well in their settings.”Lisa-Maria Müller, Head of Research and Policy, UK Chartered College of Teaching“This book is an essential resource for educators and leaders committed to using research effectively to enhance their professionalism and their practice. Each chapter expertly guides readers through critical elements of how to use research well, from implementation to continuous improvement, and equips them with practical tools to sustain and model this essential work. It will be an invaluable asset for all educators seeking to leverage research and their own expertise to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements in practice.”Barbara Waterston, CEO, Australian Council for Educational Leaders“As school leaders, it is imperative that we quarantine time to consider research evidence before developing new initiatives that we think might improve student outcomes. Spending time as a leadership team to better understand the barriers, and using research well to inform school improvement work is critical to achieving sustained outcomes. This book helps to ensure that the time school leaders spend engaging with evidence is time well spent. Its practical guidance and rich examples support school improvement teams to get on the same page about the relevance of evidence to their work, and develop smart and efficient ways of working with it.” Carrie Wallis, Principal, Wantirna College, Melbourne “Using research evidence effectively to improve outcomes in schools is an essential undertaking for school leaders committed to evidence-informed improvement. Mark Rickinson and his colleagues not only highlight the importance of research but also showcase powerful examples of successful implementation from practitioners. The focus on the ‘how’ makes this book invaluable, bridging the gap between theory and real-world impact. A must read for educators looking to turn research into meaningful change in schools!”Pitsa Binnion PSM, Former Principal, McKinnon Secondary College, Melbourne