Hewett/Driver action research bursary

Applications invited for 2011 awards

Following the successful launch of the Hewett/Driver Action Research Bursary award scheme in 2009, IfL is pleased to offer its members the chance to apply for the 2011 award. Last year’s scheme saw ten successful applicants who have now begun conducting research in their organisations.

Bursaries of £1000 are available for individual IfL members to undertake and report on action research projects that are designed to improve teaching, training and learning.

The focus of the bursary is on individual practitioner research or research at the interface between teacher and learner. This may include situations in which IfL members are primarily in the role of ‘learners’, for example, being mentored or in teacher training. Applicants should currently be teaching in the further education (FE) and skills sector in England

The Hewett/Driver Action Research Bursary is just one way in which IfL aims to support professional excellence. The scheme is designed to encourage teachers and trainers to talk about effective continuing professional development (CPD) and what really works in the teaching context, whether classroom, workshop or training centre. Our guide to effective CPD illustrates how finding ways to experiment and review teaching and learning methods through action research is an effective form of professional development and an excellent way to improve outcomes for your learners. Your research will inform the work of other teachers and trainers across the sector.

The closing date for application is 28 February 2011 and all applicants, whether successful or not, will be given feedback on their application within 28 working days.

If you have any queries or questions about making an application please email hewettdriver@ifl.ac.uk

Download the application form (Word, 924 KB)

• Hewett/Driver Action Research Bursaries are awarded for a wide range of research projects but the scheme does not provide the following:
• Grants towards set up for delivery of learning provision or administration
• Grants purely for higher education, e.g. BSc/MSc/PhD course fees and subsistence costs
• ‘Top up’ funding for work supported by other funding bodies
• Costs to attend conferences.

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of IfL’s professional development research group. The committee will be guided by the target of £1000 awards; however it will also be prepared to vary the offers it makes above and below this amount, depending on the scale of the proposal.