Since 2004, CfBT has sponsored a range of projects investigating
specific curricular and pedagogical issues in the UK and overseas.
For example, working particularly with the University of East
Anglia, CfBT has published a range of reports looking at empowering
children’s participation in the curriculum.
Current Research Projects
Published Research Reports
Grade repetition
in primary schools in Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
This
study reviews literature on the pedagogical, psychological and
financial impacts of repetition in Sub Saharan Africa. It finds
that repetition practices are embedded within cultural and
historical traditions that are not always pedagogically founded.
Concluding that repetition has few pedagogical benefits (with noted
exceptions) and is financially inefficient. The report also
includes practical policy recommendations for reforms. It argues
that to tackle effectively the problems of repetition, reforms need
to also address the reasons behind poor attendance, the quality and
relevance of teaching, and provide sufficient support for
teachers.
Children decide: power and
participation in the classroom (2006)
This project engaged with current debates on student voice,
participation and primary pedagogy and was innovatory in involving
children as action researchers. Through being encouraged to take
the lead in conducting action research on decision making in their
own classrooms, children explored practical opportunities for
children and teachers to share decision making processes, including
those around effective learning and teaching. The report
offers guidance to other primary school teachers who would like to
initiate similar action research in their classrooms.
Archive Research
Reports