Other research services
AlphaPlus offers a variety of research services.
Practitioner consultation
AlphaPlus works with teachers and lecturers in schools and post-16 education. We have an extensive network of practitioners who take part in consultations online, via telephone interviews or in focus groups. AlphaPlus managed practitioner consultations, including over 800 participants, as part of the Functional Skills Pilot.
Stakeholder engagement
We have expertise and experience in undertaking stakeholder engagement online, via telephone interview or focus groups. Recent projects include work with Awarding Organisations, employers, sector skills councils, workforce development agencies, trade unions, and subject and professional organisations.
Document and thematic reviews
The synthesis of secondary data is a growing field in educational research. The AlphaPlus team undertakes synthesis of both qualitative and quantitative data. This can be used to develop a knowledge base of what is out there already. Validation of evidence can be part of an iterative, collaborative process. Part of the rationale is that it also synthesises research across education interdependencies, so for example research relating to poverty and health can be considered in the context of classroom related research. The meta-analysis of data requires rigorous evaluation of the methodologies used, attention to the coherence of multiple theories and willingness to work outside a single paradigm.
AlphaPlus managed and reported on a synthesis of statistical data for Report 4 for the evaluation of the QCDA Functional Skills Pilot. This is included the use of variables such as student prior attainment, level of deprivation, special education needs and ethnicity.
AlphaPlus has published thematic case studies for a range of clients and purposes, including best practice studies drawing on effective classroom practice.
Case studies
We often use a case study strategy in our research and evaluation. This usually includes multiple sites and can be either a ‘snap-shot’ study or longitudinal studies, where we visit three or four times over a longer period of time. We are currently working with over 30 centres in England and Wales, looking at the impact of curriculum change.
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