Chua, P. H., Goh, S.-E., Ong, W. L. M., Ow, R. F. L., Chiam, C. L., & Lim, M. C. M. (2023). What Makes Education Research Impactful – Case Studies of Research Projects in Singapore. International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 19(2), 22 pp. https://doi.org/10.22230/ijepl.2023v19n2a1299
Abstract
This study aims to address the gap in understanding the impact arising from education research, researcher collaborations with stakeholders, and knowledge mobilization activities in Singapore. Eight cases of local research projects are used to understand the phenomenon of research impact in different context-specific settings. The findings reveal differing perceptions of impact among research users and researchers, and cohesion on the factors that contribute to research impact. Drawing from the findings, the authors propose three emerging principles that can enhance research impact efforts: a) frontloading the intended research impact, b) building mutualistic relationships, and c) co-constructing research. The findings and emerging questions from the study contribute to the growing body of scholarship to help researchers and stakeholders strengthen the research-practice-policy nexus.
Heads up, I know Lorraine Ow (author Ow, R. F. L). I am a bit of a mentor for her and I have made a few presentations to the National Institute of Education (NIE). I didn’t know about this article from 2023 and was delighted she and her co-authors have written up their learnings. I think there is so much potential for knowledge mobilization to drive impact on education practice and policy in Singapore. NIE is the only faculty of education in Singapore, and they have long-standing relationships with the Ministry of Education. And there is a single Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST) that leads the professional development of MOE staff and teachers. Singapore has dedicated education research, policy and practice. It should be ripe for knowledge mobilization.
The authors used a case study method to address two questions:
- RQ 1. How do research users and researchers perceive impact from education research conducted in Singapore?
- RQ 2. What factors (e.g., approaches, strategies, relationships) contribute to impact?
The results align with work in other jurisdictions, but this work takes a Singapore lens to develop conclusions that are specific to Singapore.
Some things that caught my eye:
- “Most researchers expressed the instrumental impact of their research on policy and on practitioners and practice.” Of course, they did, even if this isn’t the way research usually works into decision-making. Early work by Carol Weiss showed that most impact was mediated through conceptual, not instrumental, pathways. That being said, the fairly well-bounded Singapore context and the long-standing relationship between NIE researchers and MOE staff might make an instrumental pathway more prevalent.
- The authors spend some time addressing attribution. We usually consider contribution more than attribution. Rather than wondering how much of a change can be attributed to research, we ask, “How did the research contribute to the change.”
The authors note the following enablers: Relevance and timeliness to system; relationship building; research collaborators; building on the network and research design engagement; and, research communication engagement (continuous communication among participants). These come together as “three emerging principles that can enhance research impact efforts: a) frontloading the intended research impact, b) building mutualistic relationships, and c) co-constructing research.”
And thanks for the shoutout to Research Impact Canada and the co produced pathway to impact. It’s great to see our work used.
Questions for brokers:
- Does anything stand out for you about knowledge mobilization and research impact that is unique to Singapore or does the Singapore experience mirror other jurisdictions?
- NIE, MOE and AST: Is this system ready to rock on knowledge mobilization? What spark do they need to initiate this transition?
- Time was cited as a barrier. How do you create time for your knowledge mobilization efforts?
Research Impact Canada is producing this journal club series to make evidence on KMb more accessible to knowledge brokers and to create online discussion about research on knowledge mobilization. It is designed for knowledge brokers and other people interested in knowledge mobilization. Read this open access article. Then come back to this post and join the journal club by posting your comments on our LinkedIn.