Education Minister, , has today announced
funding for 50 research-informed school conferences through the
Making Best Practice, Common Practice Programme.
Schools and clusters across Northern Ireland were invited to
apply for grants of up to £5,000 to organise conferences that
promoted evidence-based teaching and learning. The funding will
support events that bring together educators, researchers and
school leaders to explore best practices and drive school
improvement.
Commending schools for their positive response to the initiative,
said: “Our schools have
once again confirmed that they are at the heart of transforming
education, by embracing the opportunity to share and apply
research for the benefit of our pupils. I have been particularly
impressed by the breadth and quality of proposals submitted,
which reflect the strong appetite that I have seen during my
school visits for access to practical education research relevant
to teaching practice.”
The Minister continued: “I committed to providing regular
access to high-quality educational research to all teachers. The
strong demand for this scheme confirms that teachers value
opportunities to engage with evidence that can enhance their
professional learning. I am pleased to announce that the
Department will issue a further call for applications in the next
academic year.”
The Making Best Practice, Common Practice Programme is a
key element of the Department's wider
TransformEDstrategy, which seeks to empower educators by
connecting them with cutting-edge research to enhance classroom
practice. The conferences funded for the 2025/26 academic year
will focus on pedagogy, curriculum development and improving
pupil outcomes, fostering collaboration among teachers,
researchers and school leaders.
Notes to editors:
- More information about the Making Best Practice, Common
Practice Programme can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/givan-launches-making-best-practice-common-practice-programme-increase-access-teachers-latest-education-research
