New research case studies published on the Excellence Gateway highlight how providers across the country are trying new approaches in their work to enhance teaching and learning.

Experimenting with methods drawn from research, they have explored everything from podcasting, blogs and video technology to online peer marking, from outdoor learning to student-led activities in the classroom.

With students playing an active role in many of the projects, there is a welcome focus on enhancing the learner voice too. 

All the initiatives are centred on FE institutions which encourage their staff to undertake and use research in a forward-thinking way.  They have been conducted and written up as case studies by the practitioners themselves.

The projects are just one outcome of the support given by LSIS to a number of providers which now act as ‘Research Lab Sites’ for new approaches to improving teaching and learning.  LSIS arranged for research specialists to assist the staff in conducting their research and then writing it up in an accessible way for other practitioners. 

The case studies, which are available now on the Excellence Gateway, will provide fascinating pointers for anyone keen to use research in this way.