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CRC practitioner research award

Sharing knowledge and ideas

The CRC Practitioner-Researcher Award is an exciting initiative offered to students as they complete their final undergraduate module EK313 Issues in research with children and young people. The award provides an opportunity for 3 students each year to carry-out research in their own work setting including one-to-one mentoring from an experienced researcher-mentor. The award prioritises students with characteristics associated with under-representation aligned with the Access and Participation Strategy, or those working with children and young people from marginalised groups/communities. So far participation in the award has supported students' progression to postgraduate study, participation in module production and some amazing research findings shared via the CRC.

Being home-educated in the city of London

Being home-educated in the city of London

Exploring the experiences of autistic children at primary school

Exploring the experiences of autistic children at primary school

Exploring the experiences of children bereaved by parental death

Exploring the experiences of children bereaved by parental death

Girls' experiences of school spaces

Girls' experience of school spaces within a primary academy - presentation 

Girls' experiences of school spaces - research report

How children with immigrant backgrounds integrate into a German primary school

How children with immigrant backgrounds integrate into a German primary school - research report

How children with immigrant backgrounds integrate into a German primary school - presentation

Mentors’ experience

Being a mentor to a CRC PRA researcher has been a wonderful and rewarding experience

The benefit of being a mentor

Being a mentor to a CRC PRA researcher has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. In 2023-24 I had the privilege of mentoring an undergraduate who is committed to championing the voice of children in research exploring children who are electively home educated. From the outset of their journey we have navigated the many complex methodological and ethical considerations faced by a researcher who holds a dual role as a practitioner immersed within their field. This has surfaced valuable discussions which have empowered both the CRC PRA researcher themselves, as well as the children and young people that they have been working in partnership with. 
As a mentor, it has been a privilege to share that research journey with the CRC PRA researcher. The role of the mentor enables the researcher to access support, advice and guidance. In addition, it has provided the researcher with a fresh pair of eyes and ears, a critical friend and a source of encouragement. But it is not a one-way offer. As a mentor it has been equally beneficial to learn about ideas, perspectives, context and considerations applicable within the CRA PRA researcher’s chosen field and topic. Sharing that journey together empowers both mentor and researcher to learn together

Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith EdD MA(Ed) MMus PGCE BA(Hons) FCCT FRSA FHEA
Associate Lecturer, The Open University
Mentor to CRC PRA researcher 2023-2024

Mentoring in the CRC Practitioner Research award project

September 12, 2024
Rossana Perez del Aguila

  • Raise awareness 
  • Engage and share multiple voices
  • Ripple effects
  • At the Open University – what happens next…?
  • Your comments
  • Your questions
  • Getting involved