Driving Professionalism: The PRP: A life-changing experience
Jen Deakin, Lecturer in Digital Transformative Education at Leeds Beckett University, applied to take part in the Education Training Foundation's (ETF) Practitioner Research programme (PRP) after developing a passion for research on the Technical Teaching Fellowship (TTF).
‘I found a love for research and that initially attracted me to the TTF programme. Through attending the action plan workshops with Maggie and Gary, I was kind of in awe of how much knowledge they had, how inspirational they were in terms of what they knew about education and that sparked my interest in taking my studies further, to PhD level. I did an MA in design education not so long ago, so my interest in taking it further had already been there, but actually speaking with people on the TTF programme had given me hunger to do more. So, I put an application in for the PRP.
‘The first residential that we had was all about how to formulate your research questions and so on. And then the second one focused on your literature review. I feel that the teaching on the programme really gives you the knowledge and the skills you need to be able to do that independent study, because a lot of the programme does involve you working independently and being quite strict with your time. But how the residentials are spaced, it allows you to keep up, keep pace with where you’re meant to be, and give you what you need to actually be able to do it.’
Building research skills through PRP residentials
As the discussion progressed, Jen shared the part of the programme she has enjoyed most so far:
‘I would say 100% the residentials. The highlight for me is the community side. The teaching is amazing and what you learn is amazing, but one of the best things about the programme is getting away to Sunderland three times a year, being around people that have similar interests to you, who are really interested in research and pedagogy, and just being in that environment. There’s something really unique about it that I don’t think you can experience elsewhere. It’s really hard to put into words, what you get from being in that environment. It’s not just the lectures; it’s having those continued conversations with the group about what they’re doing and that social part of it as well. For me, that has been the highlight and I’m just so glad and I feel so lucky to be part of that programme.
Impact on career and professional network
‘I had this passion for research, and I realised that in my career, I want to do more of that research within my working week. Because I had the knowledge from doing the TTF and the PRP, I could then help other teachers with their projects. So, my career shifted slightly from full-time teaching in the classroom to supporting other teachers to get into the sector and do research in the sector. I feel like I’m in the right place, so the PRP has had an impact on my career in that sense, but also in terms of networks.
Since the PRP, I’ve become more involved with ETF and I’m now Deputy Chair of the Practitioner Advisory Group (PAG), and I just love talking to other people nationally working in FE and skills about research and what’s going on in the sector and sharing practice. So, it has opened doors there. And the people I’ve met since joining the programme and kept in touch with have just been incredible. I’ve never really experienced something in such a short timeframe that has been so life-changing.’
Growing confidence through education research
Jen is now approaching the end of the second year on the PRP. While discussing the biggest benefits of the programme so far, Jen shared:
‘The biggest achievement from a personal perspective would be in my confidence. I’ve always struggled a bit with confidence with presenting, and through participating in both the TTF and PRP, it’s allowed me to speak more confidently. Since starting the PRP, I’ve presented at the Festival of Education twice. I’m speaking there for a third time this year, and I’ve attended other conferences, like the ARPCE. I think it’s given me the confidence in myself knowing that the research is valuable for the sector, knowing that what I’m doing is on the right track. It’s great to see that people are interested. When people come over after I’ve done a presentation, I really feel a nice buzz knowing that people are interested in what I’m doing and that my work is really valued or helpful to others. So, for me, my best achievement, I would say would be my improved confidence.
Why apply for the Practitioner Research Programme?
‘I’ve just learned so much and I can’t speak highly enough of the programme. I really can’t. For anyone thinking about applying for the PRP, I would say definitely go for it. You won’t look back. It’s just a life-changing experience and I’m really grateful to be a part of it.’