Engaging Effectively with Evidence: Developing Criticality and Research Appraisal Skills

How can educators critically engage with research to inform and enhance their practice?

This webinar comes to you as part of the new ‘Engaging Effectively with Evidence’ series, aiming to support educators in developing the skills to engage confidently with educational research. Combining insights from successful journal club facilitators, this webinar will encourage a deeper understanding of evidence-informed practice, cultivating the critical skills needed to adapt and implement research evidence. We’ll explore how journal clubs can serve as powerful spaces for collaborative inquiry, offering examples of how educators are using these skills to connect research to practice in their own settings.

Whether you’re new to research engagement or looking to refine your approach, this series offers a supportive space to strengthen your professional judgment and decision-making.

This session will be hosted by Victoria Cook, Lead Researcher, Chartered College of Teaching

Speakers:

Dr Victoria Cook is Lead Researcher at the Chartered College of Teaching. In collaboration with colleagues at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, Victoria is currently managing the scoping phase of an EEF-funded project on the impact of offsite Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) on teacher retention. Prior to joining the College, Victoria worked as a Research Associate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, for 5 years on two international dialogue-based research projects. She is a trained Geography teacher, and her research interests include cultural literacy and technology-mediated dialogue.

Daveena Patel is an experienced Science and Biology teacher with an MA in Education Management. As a leading evidence-based practitioner, she specialises in teacher development, coaching, and digital learning. Holding the NPQLT and Certified Microsoft Educator status, Daveena is passionate about using research-informed practice to drive innovation and empower both students and colleagues.

Vicki Medina has been a secondary school English teacher since 2010, and is currently Head of English and Head of Scholars and Research at Gordonstoun School. She holds Chartered Teacher Status and has an MEd, as well as being a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Recently, she successfully led Gordonstoun School’s application for Research Mark Plus, which it was awarded. She has since become a Research Mark assessor and has also successfully run a national journal club, on the topic of SEND, in partnership with the Fair Education Alliance.