The impact of research in the faculty of education at Edge Hill University has been acknowledged as world leading in the national Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.
The REF assesses the quality of research at universities across the UK and informs research funding allocations from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The faculty of education’s research scores in the top 3 in the north west when ranked on intensity.
The impact of research in the field was demonstrated by Professor Liz Thomas’s examination of student retention in higher education which led to changes in national policy making which was completed on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Liz is a professor of higher education and her programme identified the most successful ways of retaining students and promoted the best practice to higher education institutions.
The programme found that a key to student retention is that students feel a sense of belonging within the institution. This can be achieved through meaningful interaction between staff and students, an experience relevant to students’ future goals and supportive peer relations.
She is internationally renowned for her work and she remains committed to improving education policy though her research into widening participation and student retention. She is the editor of the journal Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning, senior adviser for Widening Participation at the Higher Education Academy and lead adviser for Working with Institutions for Action on Access.
The 2014 REF recognised the impact of Professor Thomas’ research, with aspects of the project assessed as having ‘outstanding impacts in terms of their reach and significance’ achieving the highest ranking possible – four stars.
Professor Martin Ashley’s project, Widening Young Male Participation in Chorus, has led significant changes in how professionals approach getting adolescent boys to sing.
The Boys Keep Singing (The Widening Young Male Participation in Chorus research project) is part of the faculty of education’s effort to support music education. The main aim of the project is to keep boys interested in choral singing when they move to secondary school as it is well known that a number of boys are lost to this activity while in key stage 3 (age 11-14).
Professor Martin Ashley, a senior research fellow in the faculty of education, led the research which identified five success criteria for vocal identity and school/choral settings. His findings have been published in internationally recognised journals and have attracted considerable coverage in the national press. Martin’s research has had a significant impact on public policy as his findings were used as a case study in the National Music Plan by the Department for Education and Department for Culture Media and Sport. As a result of his research, new boys’ choirs have been created across the world from the UK to Australia including the creation of the thriving, regional changing voice choir Cambiata North West.
Edge Hill University performed strongly in the national REF 2014, with all subject areas featuring “internationally excellent” or “world-leading” research.
Dr Lynnette Turner, pro vice chancellor and dean of education, says: “We are delighted that we have not only been awarded University of the Year but also display a strong set of results from the REF. We are able to provide students with an academically rigorous and outstanding student experience with academics producing highly rated research also teaching at all levels across our faculty.”
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