The Collaborative Institute for Education Research, Evidence and Impact: a Case Study in Developing Regional Research Capacity in Wales

Abstract

In this case study, we describe the work undertaken since 2004 in the journey to develop a collaborative model of working aimed at building the capacity and relevance of education research and evaluation across the North Wales region. The work has culminated in 2017 with the creation of a collaborative research institute, the Collaborative Institute for Education Research, Evidence and Impact (CIEREI). CIEREI is a formal strategic collaboration between GwE (the Regional School Effectiveness and Improvement Service for North Wales), Bangor University, schools, and other bodies and institutions interested in education outcomes. The primary aim of CIEREI is to support improving outcomes for children through schools, and to contribute to teacher education and building regional capacity in school- led, co- constructed close- to- practice impact research. CIEREI's establishment is the third phase in the development of a regional research and evaluation collaboration across North Wales.

Effects of implementation support on children's reading outcomes following an online early reading programme: A cluster‐randomised controlled trial

“…This, together with the GwE's ability to access and communicate with large numbers of schools, enabled very rapid take‐up of the project and a route to funding high‐quality research in a ‘ collaborative stakeholder funding model ’; we were able to fund this RCT with resources internal to the system through a model where each partner contributed part of the funding through strategic use of PDG funding from participating schools, other local funding, and matched funding. For further discussion of this funding and recruitment model, see Tyler et al (2019).…”

From evidence‐informed to evidence‐based: An evidence building framework for education

“…Since its formation in 2013, one of the aims of the Regional School Effectiveness and Improvement Service for North Wales (GwE) has been to mobilise the use of evidence‐based provision in schools. This led to a formal partnership with Bangor University and the creation of the Collaborative Institute for Education Research, Evidence and Impact (CIEREI), and has further enhanced opportunities for collaborative research with schools and informed regional policy making (Tyler et al, 2019). [Corrections made on 5 April 2022, after first online publication: ‘CollaEREI)’ in the previous sentence has been corrected to ‘Collaborative Institute for Education Research, Evidence and Impact (CIEREI)’ in this version.]…”

“…This phase of the framework can include close-to-practice research, enquiry or impact case studies; where researchers, teachers and other stakeholders reflect critically about the gaps in their knowledge and practice (Tyler et al, 2019;Wyse et al, 2018Wyse et al, , 2021. Together, they can co-construct resources or make reasonable adjustments to an existing approach/ intervention to meet the needs of their institutional priorities and the pupils they support.…”

Datblygu Athrawon Yfory Gyda'n Gilydd: Partneriaeth Addysg Gychwynnol i Athrawon CaBan

“…To this aim, we are now engaged with a number of ambitious projects that collate and undertake research that supports the strategic strength of the CaBan partnership and simultaneoulsy helps build regional educational research capacity (see Tyler et al, 2018, earlier edition for details of an example of a regional strategy to develop research capacity in Wales). With respect to the CaBan partnership, and in particular the professional journey of our ATs, CIEREI helps to inform and embed current research findings and evidence on children, schooling, learning and well-being into the content of our ITE programmes.…”