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 Welcome

00:58 Current Trends in Research

02:12 The Value of Practitioner Research

06:41 Evolution of Research Practices

13:23 Challenges and Snobbery in Academia

17:48 Professional Bodies and Research Standards

29:02 Concluding Thoughts

You 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 Greetings

00:28 Challenges in Higher Education

01:09 Historical Context of Higher Education

06:04 Modern Apprenticeships and Corporate Universities

07:22 Financial Burdens and Social Mobility

09:43 Philosophy of Education and Critical Thinking

15:22 Administrative Changes and Their Impact

25:03 Optimism and Future Directions

37:28 Conclusion and Farewell

You 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 Greetings

00:33 The Importance of Academic Writing

01:39 Engaging Your Audience

03:45 Writing Techniques and Styles

04:21 Grant Writing Insights

05:08 Challenges in Academic Writing

11:29 Using Tools and Technology in Research

16:22 The Writing Process

18:19 Developing Arguments Through Writing

33:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 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 Welcome

00:23 The Challenge of Finding Truth

01:00 Historical Perspective on Truth

03:17 The Role of Propaganda

05:10 Bias and Herd Mentality

06:18 Scientific Misconceptions

07:54 The Evolution of Knowledge

10:16 The Importance of Critical Thinking

14:58 Research vs. Debate

18:43 The Power of Perspective

22:34 Scientific Communication and Public Perception

24:00 Exploring Radiation and Bias

24:59 The Role of Discontinuous Thinking in Research

25:42 The Importance of Practical Research

27:16 Critical Thought and Experimentation

29:44 The Influence of Social Media and AI

30:41 Understanding Confirmation Bias

31:16 The Power of Diverse Perspectives

36:30 Historical Context and Propaganda

41:51 Qualitative Research and Lived Experiences

46:49 Action Research and Practical Applications

48:01 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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 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 Research
• Informed Consent and Research Integrity
• Record-Keeping
• Authenticity in Research
• Neurodiversity
• Empathy and Understanding in Research

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 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 Methodology
• Effective Research Time Management Strategies
• Career Choices and Research Challenges
• Jiameng'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:

• Technology
• Understanding the need for research to demonstrate its impact and contribution to knowledge
• The ’story’
• A checklist for practical application including how to build a 'buzz' in your potential audience

You 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 Challenges
• Exploring Tools for Data Collection and Collaboration
• Online Research Tools and Personal Interviews Discussion
• Data Analysis Tools and Privacy Concerns
• Excel for Data Analysis and Manual Coding
• Coding Systems and Writing Tools
• Exploring AI for Writing and Proofreading
• AI in Research and Creativity Discussion

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 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 Contexts

Discussing Evidence in Research and Drug Trials

Discussing Levels of Evidence in Research

Small Case Studies, Design, and Technology Readiness

Supplements, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Politics

Persuasive Argument Components Discussed

Addressing Bias Mitigation in Research

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 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 Research

Types of knowledge

Decision-Making

Types of Knowledge and Their Role in Research

Epistemology and Knowledge Measurement System

Professional Bodies, Knowledge, and Evidence

You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk