TLRP-TEL Stand at the Artificial Intelligence in Education Conference 2009, in Brighton, UK
The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) was the United Kingdom's largest investment in education research. It was initiated in 2000, ended in 2011 and was managed on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Councils by the Economic and Social Research Council. The programme engaged 700 researchers in some 70 major projects. These covered all education sectors - from Early Years to Higher Education and Workplace Learning. The TLRP researchers work closely in partnership with practitioners to ensure the relevance and application of findings to policy and practice. Thematic work across the diverse range of projects enabled analysis of themes and the identification of 'ten principles for effective teaching and learning'.
From 1995 to 2011, the Teaching and Learning Research programme was based at the Institute of Education, University of London. Prior to this, it was managed from the University of Exeter and University of Cambridge.
Teaching and Learning Research Programme generic phase: 2000–2009
Learning - The TLRP conducts research with the potential to improve outcomes for learners in a very wide range of UK contexts across the lifecourse. The Programme explores synergies between different research approaches and aims to build UK capacity in conducting high quality educational research.
Outcomes - TLRP studies a broad range of learning outcomes. These include both the acquisition of skill, understanding, knowledge and qualifications and the development of attitudes, values and identities relevant to a learning society.
Lifecourse - TLRP supports research projects on many ages and stages in education, training and lifelong learning. The Programme is concerned with patterns of success and difference, inclusion and exclusion through the lifecourse.
Enrichment - The TLRP is committed to engaging users in its work. It works in all disciplines and sectors of education and uses a wide range of appropriate methodology. We cooperate with other researchers within and beyond the UK whenever it is appropriate.
Expertise - TLRP works to enhance capacity for all forms of research on teaching and learning, and for research-informed policy and practice.
Improvement - The TLRP works to develop the UK knowledge base on teaching and learning and to make sure that the knowledge it develops is applied in practice and policy.
Strategy
There were six strategic commitments underpinning the programme's overall development:[1]
User engagement for relevance and quality
Knowledge generation by project teams
Knowledge synthesis through thematic activities
Knowledge transformation for impact
Capacity building for professional development
Partnerships for sustainability
Projects
TLRP's projects covered a broad range of topics within the following areas of the lifecourse:
Early Years
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Across School Phases
Further and Post-16 Education
Higher Education
Workplace Learning
Professional Learning
Lifelong Learning
Technology Enhanced Learning
Management
Strategic management of the programme was conducted via a steering committee. This comprised academics, practitioners and other users and was chaired by Professor Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. The steering committee was accountable to the ESRC Council.
Director's Team
The Director's Team possessed expert knowledge of all the key sectors in which research is currently being conducted. The final team was:
