Research to help lift student achievement doubled

A research programme to strengthen the understanding of teaching and learning and what works in the classroom for students has had its annual funding doubled to $2 million, Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

"This new funding will be available from the beginning of next year and ensures we can continue the important work we are doing in the early childhood, school and tertiary sectors to raise student achievement through quality teaching.

"Our government believes in opportunity and access to education for everyone, regardless of their background, and we want to see every single student reach their full potential in education.

"It is critical we build our knowledge base in this key area of research so we can better understand what works in the classroom, and apply this new knowledge to assist all our students."

Trevor Mallard said the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative was announced in the 2002. Doubling the funding from next year would support more research, but also build research capability and strengthen the links between researchers and practitioners.

The selection of the first research proposals to receive funding under the initiative was made last year. Initiatives included projects considering children's experiences and teachers' practices at kindergarten, and research to improve tertiary student outcomes in their first year of study.

"With over 180 applications received in the first round of funding, but only 13 projects able to receive funding, it is clear we have a significant opportunity to build the level of research activity further," Trevor Mallard said.

"The increase in funding effectively doubles the amount of research occurring through this initiative. I believe this will be a huge encouragement to researchers and practitioners currently looking at putting proposals forward."

The New Zealand Council of Educational Research has been contracted to manage the programme on behalf of the Ministry of Education. A team of specialists in key areas of educational research will manage the initiative and assist the researchers.

Researchers will be invited to apply for the new funding later in the year. A list of the research projects funded last year is attached.

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