Teachers discover education research with a hands-on workshop

On 2 December 2024, 14 teachers and educators attended the first workshop of EDLAB’s Education Research Professional Development series at Maastricht University.

The session, led by two experienced UM education researchers from the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Boukje Compen and Diana Dolmans, focused on two fundamental questions: Why is education research important? And how do you start conducting it

This hands-on, interactive session introduced participants to the basics of educational research. Through practical activities and discussions, they learned how to turn their everyday educational challenges into opportunities for discovery and innovation.

Education research welcomes all backgrounds

The workshop kicked off with introductions, revealing a diverse group of participants. Some were complete beginners, keen to explore education research for the first time, while others brought extensive experience, including grant-funded projects. 

This mix showed that education research is not limited to the experts but is open to anyone curious about improving teaching and learning. With such varied perspectives in the room, Boukje and Diana adapted the workshop to meet everyone’s needs, demonstrating that education research truly offers something for everyone. 

Introduction to education research

Why do we need education research?

Boukje opened the session with a thought-provoking question: Why do we need education research? The answers were as varied as the participants themselves. One attendee saw it as a means to transform and develop education sustainably. 

Another emphasised the need to keep up to date, “For me, it’s about understanding how students engage in self-learning and how we, as teachers, can support them. Some of the methods we use may be outdated for the next generation,” she explained.

One participant noted the broader global impact of education. “No significant change in the world can come without education, and education research forms the foundation for policies that drive societal transformation.” These reflections set the stage for a lively and engaging session. 

Education research workshop with Boukje Compen

How do you even get started?

After establishing the importance of education research, the next big question arose: How do you even get started? 

While experienced researchers and educators may seem to have all the answers, Diana pointed out that teachers should start by wondering about their own teaching practices. What do you see as a potential area for developing the students’ learning? Could you think of an intervention you would like to implement and investigate? 

The workshop trainers emphasised the importance of moving beyond intuition, and “the tendency to quickly jump to conclusions” as Boukje explained. Education research requires careful preparation, reflection, and expert input, for instance, considering what is known from existing evidence and which theories or principles could be used to design and investigate the intervention. But also, how to formulate a research question and choose a research method that contributes to what might work why and under which conditions or offer insights in the processes that lead to certain outcomes,” Boukje and Diana explained.  

Education research workshop

Success in education research depends on collaboration

The key takeaway? Planning. “Plan, think, plan, think,” Diana stressed. “It might take time, but in the end, it will save you time,” she added. Success in education research depends on collaboration. Engaging with diverse stakeholders— tutors, lecturers, students, education developers or innovators, education researchers – is essential for gaining a better understanding of education. 

To illustrate, they shared an example of education research in action, walking participants through the steps to take and common pitfalls to avoid.

Rolling up their sleeves

The workshop then moved into hands-on activities where participants formed groups to identify challenges in their teaching practice. The room buzzed with discussions on topics ranging from artificial intelligence in education to decolonising the curriculum to managing teacher expectations. Unsurprisingly, AI emerged as a hot topic in nearly every group, showing just how much it’s shaping the future of education.

As the teams worked, Diana offered a key piece of advice: “Define what you want to achieve with a particular educational intervention when studying it. It’s often forgotten, but it’s essential for a successful project.” 

During the plenary presentations, each group outlined their research plans, considering potential challenges and limitations. The interactive discussions that followed helped groups to refine their ideas. A group focusing on AI sparked a spirited debate, with their presenter confidently defending their study design. The exchange of ideas helped everyone reflect on the next steps for their research. 
 

Education research workshop at EDLAB

A promising beginning

For anyone looking to explore education research and take their teaching to the next level, this workshop was an excellent starting point. Boukje and Diana shared plenty of practical tips, and their dynamic approach left teachers and educators feeling inspired, ready to explore educational research further, and excited to turn ideas into action.

Event report by EDLAB student-assistant Paula Aldaz Laquidain, master student (FHML)

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