Research Box

In this episode of Research Box, Dr Russell Thackeray and Professor Annette Fillery Travis, discuss the ongoing tension between practitioner-based and academic research. The conversation explores the perceived value and rigour of practitioner research, the importance of practice theory, and how both types of research contribute to the body of knowledge within various fields. They also debate whether the professional bodies' preference for academic research undermines the practical expertise developed through experience. The hosts urge professional bodies and universities to recognise the unique contributions and rigour of practitioner research and advocate for a balanced approach that values both practitioner insight and academic rigour.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:58 Current Trends in Research02:12 The Value of Practitioner Research06:41 Evolution of Research Practices13:23 Challenges and Snobbery in Academia17:48 Professional Bodies and Research Standards29:02 Concluding ThoughtsYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

In this episode of Research Box, Dr Russell Thackeray and Professor Annette Fillery Travis discuss the evolving landscape of Higher Education. They reflect on the historical context of education before and after Blair's policies, the shift from an elitist to a more democratised system, and the impact of massification on the purpose and quality of higher education. Topics include the balance between teaching and research, the rise of corporate universities, the financial pressures on institutions, and the erosion of critical thinking standards. They also touch on the role universities play in social mobility, freedom of speech, and the subversive pursuit of knowledge. The episode ends with a call for innovative thinking and new models to address contemporary challenges in the education sector.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:28 Challenges in Higher Education01:09 Historical Context of Higher Education06:04 Modern Apprenticeships and Corporate Universities07:22 Financial Burdens and Social Mobility09:43 Philosophy of Education and Critical Thinking15:22 Administrative Changes and Their Impact25:03 Optimism and Future Directions37:28 Conclusion and FarewellYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

In this episode of Research Box, hosts Professor Annette Fillery Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray delve into the nuances of academic writing. They explore how to make academic texts engaging and accessible. They discuss the importance of clarity, argument development, and the effective use of writing as a tool for inquiry. Their conversation also touches on common challenges and strategies for maintaining the reader's interest. Practical tips on thesis structuring, the role of technology and software, and the balance between methodology and narrative are highlighted. The episode offers valuable insights for students and researchers aiming to enhance their academic writing skills.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:33 The Importance of Academic Writing01:39 Engaging Your Audience03:45 Writing Techniques and Styles04:21 Grant Writing Insights05:08 Challenges in Academic Writing11:29 Using Tools and Technology in Research16:22 The Writing Process18:19 Developing Arguments Through Writing33:47 Final Thoughts and EncouragementYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray explore the challenges of discerning truth in today's world. They delve into the historical and contemporary factors affecting our perception of truth, including the role of propaganda, herd mentality, and the construction of knowledge. The discussion emphasises the importance of critical thinking, examining biases, and maintaining a sense of wonder in research. They also touch on topics like the evolution of scientific knowledge, the impact of social media, and the significance of engaging with differing viewpoints to gain a fuller understanding of complex issues.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 The Challenge of Finding Truth01:00 Historical Perspective on Truth03:17 The Role of Propaganda05:10 Bias and Herd Mentality06:18 Scientific Misconceptions07:54 The Evolution of Knowledge10:16 The Importance of Critical Thinking14:58 Research vs. Debate18:43 The Power of Perspective22:34 Scientific Communication and Public Perception24:00 Exploring Radiation and Bias24:59 The Role of Discontinuous Thinking in Research25:42 The Importance of Practical Research27:16 Critical Thought and Experimentation29:44 The Influence of Social Media and AI30:41 Understanding Confirmation Bias31:16 The Power of Diverse Perspectives36:30 Historical Context and Propaganda41:51 Qualitative Research and Lived Experiences46:49 Action Research and Practical Applications48:01 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of ethics, informed consent, and maintaining the authenticity of research data, emphasising the need for clear contracts and proper record-keeping. They also highlight the challenges of balancing individual perspectives with the broader community's needs in action research, and the role of a research coach in providing additional support. Subjects include:Ethics in Social Science ResearchInformed Consent and Research IntegrityRecord-KeepingAuthenticity in ResearchNeurodiversityEmpathy and Understanding in ResearchYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray are joined by Jiameng Sun, a researcher from China, to discuss her research on cultivating employability competence for Chinese language practitioners in the 21st century, using Pierre Boudieu's capital theory. Jiameng shared her research journey, emphasising the importance of passion and relevance in choosing a research question and methodology, and discussed the complexities of career choices in the context of translation and interpretation. The conversation ended with Jiameng discussing her approach to time management during her research journey and the impact of her research on her approach to life and work. Subjects covered include:.Research Question and MethodologyEffective Research Time Management StrategiesCareer Choices and Research ChallengesJiameng's Research and Supervisory Guidance - emphasising the importance of not seeking right or wrong answers, but rather finding appropriate solutions. She also highlighted the value of having a supervisor to guide her through the research process. Annette agreed, noting the importance of thinking differently and exploring various perspectives.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss what happens after the research is completed and how do we get the impact ‘out there’.Subjects covered include:TechnologyUnderstanding the need for research to demonstrate its impact and contribution to knowledgeThe ’story’A checklist for practical application including how to build a 'buzz' in your potential audienceYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

In this episode, Professor Annette Fillery -Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the challenges and potential solutions for collecting and analysing data, particularly in the context of interviews. They explored various tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and collaboration, emphasising the importance of not losing touch with the real sense of the data. They also discussed the use of AI in research, its potential impact on the quality of work, and the importance of creativity and originality in research.Key themes include:Addressing Data Collection and Analysis ChallengesExploring Tools for Data Collection and CollaborationOnline Research Tools and Personal Interviews DiscussionData Analysis Tools and Privacy ConcernsExcel for Data Analysis and Manual CodingCoding Systems and Writing ToolsExploring AI for Writing and ProofreadingAI in Research and Creativity DiscussionYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of evidence in research, particularly in the context of drug trials, end-of-life care, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They also explored the different levels of evidence, the process of building evidence through literature research, and the effectiveness of supplements. Lastly, they discussed the components of a persuasive argument, the need to address bias and assumptions in their research, and the potential for personal growth through challenging assumptions.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what sources of evidence led them to make recent changes in their practice and what evidence would be compelling enough to change their practice tomorrow.Discussing Evidence in Research ContextsDiscussing Evidence in Research and Drug TrialsDiscussing Levels of Evidence in ResearchSmall Case Studies, Design, and Technology ReadinessSupplements, Evidence-Based Medicine, and PoliticsPersuasive Argument Components DiscussedAddressing Bias Mitigation in ResearchYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of defining the type of knowledge they aim to produce in their research and the intricacies of decision-making in choosing a school. They also explored various types of knowledge, the role of interdisciplinary knowledge, and the concept of epistemology in their current knowledge measurement system. Lastly, they examined the value and limitations of professional bodies' knowledge, the importance of evidence in backing up claims, and the concept of 'problematising' in research.Defining Knowledge Goals in ResearchTypes of knowledge Decision-Making Types of Knowledge and Their Role in ResearchEpistemology and Knowledge Measurement SystemProfessional Bodies, Knowledge, and EvidenceYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of research questions in guiding focused and impactful research, differentiating them from hypotheses and the need for clear research questions that can be effectively evaluated. Lastly, they emphasise the significance of crafting a well-structured proposal for a university, the benefits of combining research and implementation, and the value of using a coach to support researchers.Formulating a research question and learning when to adapt itComparative research questionsImpact and EvaluationBeginning data collectionCrafting a well-crafted proposal for a universityAction ResearchYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray dive deeper into Literature Reviews.Just summarising some of the key themes discussed so far….Making sure you have the basics in placeGetting a structure and using mind maps or diagramResearch logsBibliography SoftwareDifferent pots of research authorityCriticalityUsing sounding boardsYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

This week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray dive deeper into Literature Reviews.Where to find sources of literatureUsing librariesDifferent types of literature and validityFinding themes and areas to exploreReferences and how to save time and effortHow to read a paper efficientlyKeeping notes and staying organisedYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

We are back after the Summer recess...!!This week Professor Annette Fillery Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray talk about Literature Reviews.What’s the conversation about and how to you learn it, add to it and respond to future enhancements?What’s out there?What are different perspectives?How are people talking about and how?How to use the literature to keep you on track and keep you motivatedWhat is the interplay between academia and practice?Different type of lit reviewsYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of research in fostering personal growth, challenging assumptions, and advancing professional practices. They discuss the benefits of applied research, the need for an open mind, and the significance of curiosity and skepticism in the research process. They underscore the importance of research in surpassing routine and fostering personal growth, stressing the necessity of a critical perspective towards underlying assumptions in established research projects and personal assumptions. Annette also highlights the potential of research to challenge societal norms and professional practices. Both agreed on the necessity of persistence, flexibility, and continuous examination and refinement of assumptions throughout the research process. They cite the idea of a scientist being "free of concepts", which means being open to new ideas and not being wedded to preconceived notions. They also discuss the concept of "making the familiar strange", which involves questioning established concepts and assumptions. They further discussed how concepts could be proven incorrect despite appearing to be correct and the importance of curiosity and skepticism in research.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray are joined by Dr Siân Astley- Secrétaire Générale de EuroFIR AISBLThe group had a wide ranging conversation including:The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, open science, and disseminating research to a broader audience was emphasised, particularly in the context of biology, medicine, and food research. They discuss the challenges and considerations in engaging with open science, including issues related to data privacy, intellectual property, and the need for balance in protecting contributors while ensuring progress. The conversation also touched on the potential benefits of self-publishing, the use of repositories for sharing research materials, and the importance of clear planning, communication, and understanding in small research projects.They also discuss the changing landscape of research and development. They highlight that whilst there is now greater accountability and competition, there is still room for "big sky thinking" and creativity. The concept of "open science" was also introduced, defined as making research as open as possible while closing it only when necessary. This approach, which is favoured by the European Commission, was contrasted with traditional publishing models, and Sian mentioned that it has led to new alternatives for organisations, including self-publishing.They also discuss the concept of fair data, which is meaningless without proper documentation, and the importance of data exchange and interaction between specialties. Thet further touch on the role of citizen science in this context, citing examples of successful collaborations in other fields like Astrophysics and Mathematics. They both acknowledged that the current academic assessment process and concerns around data privacy are hindrances to this open science approach.They also discuss the challenges of predicting the impact of research proposals, with an emphasis on the role of individuals in contributing to open science. They highlight the value of due consultation and the potential benefits of using creative commons licenses for a more flexible approach to data sharing agreements. Finally they touch on the challenges and considerations in small research projects, outlining the need for clear planning, communication, and understanding the terms and conditions of existing research tools. Additionally, they deliberated on research impact, policy engagement, and potential future research directions, such as global competency development in China.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of professional networks, the impact of research, and the need for openness and collaboration in their fields. They share success stories of collaborative research and the benefits of cross-sector collaborations, as well as the significance of actively disseminating research through various channels. Lastly, they emphasise the importance of open science, the use of open access repositories, and the shift in focus from the number of papers to the impact of research.They also touch on collaborative case studies, and how to deal with Intellectual Property issues.Annette shares her recent experience from an EU project where everyone was required to produce an estimate of their output's scale, and Annette highlights the importance of getting research out of the lab and into the public domain, as research that sits on a shelf doesn't contribute to knowledge. She also highlights the shift in focus from the number of papers an academic produces to the impact their research has. Finally, she encourages open science and emphasises the role of professional researchers in ensuring their research is used effectively.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of authenticity, objectivity, and ethics in research, and the role of a critical friend in ensuring well-rounded research. They also discuss the significance of personal expectations, bracketing different perspectives, and the benefits of collaboration in research. The various subject areas include:Authenticity, Objectivity, and Collaboration in ResearchAnnette's Research Experience and EthicsAuthenticity in Research and LeadershipYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Prof Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss discuss a conceptual framework for research, emphasisisng the importance of defining purpose, impact, authenticity, and personal growth. They explore the need for a reflective approach, challenging assumptions, and considering positionality in research. Additionally, they touch upon supervisory practices, pacing work, and utilising community feedback.Annette presents a simplified conceptual framework for research to designed to help students concentrate on the importance of their research rather than getting lost in methodological detailsThere should be a clear impact goal for any project or initiative before investing time and energy. They outlines the importance of authenticity and positionality in research including awareness of one’s own biases and how they influence the research process, particularly in STEM.She explained that all five items: - relevance; purpose; beliefs; congruence, as well as connection and impact - are important and should be equally considered when formulating a research question. Annette also encourages people to consider the type of impact they want to make, whether it be through publications, workshops, or direct sales of their work.Finally, they stress the importance of authenticity, personal significance, and structure in research. Annette emphasises the need to question assumptions, examine relevance, and challenge personal beliefs. She also highlights the advantages of being part of a community and the value of feedback.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk

Prof Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the purpose and methods in research, emphasising its value in providing useful information and its role in decision-making. They also explore the growing significance of critical thinking in research, the process of pursuing a PhD, and the importance of building upon existing ideas.Annette outlines that research is a systematic inquiry into something of interest, not just an academic pursuit. She points out that everyone is a researcher in some way, as they constantly seek information and solve problems in their daily lives. Annette also highlights the value of research in providing useful information that can be acted upon. They discuss the different types of research, including hypothesis-driven research and research that emerges from a need to understand a particular phenomenon. They agreed that research should serve a purpose and be driven by a passion for discovery and problem-solving.Annette underscores the need for researchers to defend their choices and assess various viewpoints. They also explore the trend of practitioners engaging in research to verify information and test innovative solutions.They discuss the value of building upon existing ideas and research rather than starting anew. They note, that while it may seem daunting to encounter similar concepts, it can be reassuring to know others have faced similar challenges. They emphasise the importance of adding individual perspectives and experiences to the ongoing 'conversation' of research, and highlight the usefulness of replicating experiments to ensure the validity of findings. Annette stresses that their goal is to make a contribution to the conversation, rather than simply answering questions.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk