1. 1 The evidence on using evidence Dr Jonathan Sharples

2. What are the challenges in accessing and using reliable research evidence? Sifting reliable research conclusions from the rest Not skilled to judge the validity of claims Can be a conflict with existing school practices Knowing where to look for useful information Too much information is available Senior Leadership Teams Time, time, time!

3. Different types of ‘knowledge mobilisation’ activity Dissemination: simple circulation or presentation of research findings to potential users Interaction: developing stronger links and collaborations between the research and policy or practice communities; Social influence: relying on influential others, such as experts and peers, to inform individuals about research and to persuade them of its value; Facilitation: enabling the use of research, through technical, financial, organisational and emotional support; Reinforcement: using rewards and other forms of control to reinforce appropriate behaviour. Walter, Nutley and Davis, Evidence and Policy 1(3)335

4. Social nature of research use Uptake of research is based on trust and personality as much as practical usefulness - informal networks, direct contacts and brokerage are important ‘Passive’ dissemination vs ‘active’ engagement

5. Need for good evidence is increasingly agreed Weak link is the coupling of evidence to practice, at scale – ‘Knowledge mobilisation’ Challenges – Fragmentation in the system, weak links to training, OfSTED?

6. What is evidence-informed practice? How do we generate useful evidence for practice? What can be done to make research more accessible to busy professionals? How might we build capacity in professional settings to use research evidence at scale? Make abstract concepts a bit more tangible... www.alliance4usefulevidence.org