Research Matters

Episode 9: Research Matters with Kevin Brosnan – Writing for Publication

In this episode, Kevin Brosnan, Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Stirling and a member of the editorial board for the College Action Inquiry Research Network (CAIRN), discusses the importance of disseminating good work within the Further Education sector. He explains how CAIRN supports FE professionals in publishing their work through a flexible, supportive platform, contrasting with mainstream academic journals. Brosnan also addresses challenges like imposter syndrome and encourages FE professionals to recognise and share the value of their contributions.

Episode 8: Research Matters with Declan Harrigan - Trauma Informed Practice

In this episode Declan Harrigan, CEO of S.M.I.L.E Counselling, chats with Paula Christie about the Mental Wellbeing and Health (MWAH) strand of CDN’s Trauma Informed Colleges Programme.  S.M.I.L.E Counselling are providing an 8 week programme of MWAH training for college based Leads and we hear more from Declan on what this entails. We also hear on why this training can help shape and embed trauma informed approaches across the college sector.  

Episode 7: Research Matters with Angela Sheridan and Lorna Connelly - Trauma Informed Practice

Angela Sheridan and Lorna Connelly of Ayrshire College explore what is meant by trauma informed approaches and chat to CDN about the benefits of embracing and embedding this practice for both learners and college staff.  Also discussed is the staff training aspect of trauma informed practice undertaken by Ayrshire College as well as the successful outcomes evidenced from the adoption of training and enhanced practice in this area across college programmes.

Episode 6: Research Matters with Elaine Hutton - Ayrshire College - Trauma Informed Practice

Elaine Hutton, Assistant Principal at Ayrshire College chats about the Connecting Communities initiative and other interventions the college have adopted to address issues of food insecurity and financial insecurity for learners. Elaine also discusses the ways in which the college partners with local agencies and charities to support this work, and positions these initiatives within a wider trauma informed approach to engaging and sustain learning.

Episode 5: Research Matters with Karen Ann Dicken - UHI Inverness - Sustainability Practices in Jewellery Making

Karen Ann Dicken of UHI Inverness gives a fascinating insight into sustainable practices in jewellery making and highlights the ways in which a holistic approach to net zero and recycling is being adopted across the college, ultimately influencing the creative process.  We also hear about opportunities for learners to build their own artisan business based on the skills gained at college and the cost-effective benefits of working sustaining to support such enterprise

Episode 4: Research Matters with Jack Marley - UHI Inverness - Sustainability and Economic Transformation

Jack Marley McIntyre of UHI Inverness talks about the exciting and engaging work happening in the college to meet the national priorities of net zero, sustainability and economic transformation. Listen in to hear more about the ways in which learners are meeting recycling challenges posed by industry, more on current college projects and details of the opportunities for STEM careers in the Space Port and new Green Port being promoted in the Highland and Islands

Episode 3: Research Matters with Kim Reid – Forth Valley College - Working With CDN on Step Forward

In this episode we chat to Kim Reid from Forth Valley College about Step Forward and the great benefits it provides. Step Forward is the CDN Research and Enhancement Centre's new Action Research Programme. It's purpose is to enhance practice across our colleges and develop the action research skills of the staff.

“When you think of the words research or project, you immediately think ‘I do not have the time for this. Where am I going to fit this in?’ But surprisingly enough it’s been a lot easier than I actually expected. We’ve been given guidance on what we need to do and on keeping it tight. It’s actually been really really manageable. For the little time we’ve had to invest in it, the information that we’re going to get back will be very worthwhile” Kim Reid – Forth Valley College

Episode 2: Research Matters with Jeanette Dobson - Pathways from Poverty, Leading With Empathy and Vision: An Insight into West Lothian College

In this episode Paula Christie, CDN’s Research and Enhancement Lead, chats to Jeanette Dobson, Former Learner and now Peer Navigator on the Trust Project at West Lothian College, to discuss some of the themes within the recently published CDN Research and Enhancement Centre report: ‘Pathways from Poverty, Leading With Empathy and Vision: An Insight into West Lothian College.’

Jeanette talks about some of the direct actions highlighted in the report to tackle poverty and help learners sustain their own learning at college.

“We try to eliminate the stresses in peoples lives and narrow it down so that we can get the right help for that person. And all they have to do is turn up to college.”