Podcast
Research Box
Hosted by Russell Thackeray · EN
Professor Annette Fillery-Travis unpacks a virtual box of 'goodies' to help researchers in the modern world. Everything from skills, tools, resources and career options.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Research Box - The Value of Practitioner vs Academic Research: A Balanced Perspective
May 26, 202500:30:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Research Box, Dr Russell Thackeray and Professor Annette Fillery Travis, discuss the ongoing tension between practitioner-based and academic research. The conversation explores the perceived value and rigour of practitioner research, the importance of practice theory, and how both types of research contribute to the body of knowledge within various fields. They also debate whether the professional bodies' preference for academic research undermines the practical expertise developed through experience. The hosts urge professional bodies and universities to recognise the unique contributions and rigour of practitioner research and advocate for a balanced approach that values both practitioner insight and academic rigour.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:58 Current Trends in Research02:12 The Value of Practitioner Research06:41 Evolution of Research Practices13:23 Challenges and Snobbery in Academia17:48 Professional Bodies and Research Standards29:02 Concluding ThoughtsYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Challenges and Transformations in Higher Education
Mar 25, 202500:38:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Research Box, Dr Russell Thackeray and Professor Annette Fillery Travis discuss the evolving landscape of Higher Education. They reflect on the historical context of education before and after Blair's policies, the shift from an elitist to a more democratised system, and the impact of massification on the purpose and quality of higher education. Topics include the balance between teaching and research, the rise of corporate universities, the financial pressures on institutions, and the erosion of critical thinking standards. They also touch on the role universities play in social mobility, freedom of speech, and the subversive pursuit of knowledge. The episode ends with a call for innovative thinking and new models to address contemporary challenges in the education sector.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:28 Challenges in Higher Education01:09 Historical Context of Higher Education06:04 Modern Apprenticeships and Corporate Universities07:22 Financial Burdens and Social Mobility09:43 Philosophy of Education and Critical Thinking15:22 Administrative Changes and Their Impact25:03 Optimism and Future Directions37:28 Conclusion and FarewellYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Crafting Engaging Academic Writing
Mar 11, 202500:36:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Research Box, hosts Professor Annette Fillery Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray delve into the nuances of academic writing. They explore how to make academic texts engaging and accessible. They discuss the importance of clarity, argument development, and the effective use of writing as a tool for inquiry. Their conversation also touches on common challenges and strategies for maintaining the reader's interest. Practical tips on thesis structuring, the role of technology and software, and the balance between methodology and narrative are highlighted. The episode offers valuable insights for students and researchers aiming to enhance their academic writing skills.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:33 The Importance of Academic Writing01:39 Engaging Your Audience03:45 Writing Techniques and Styles04:21 Grant Writing Insights05:08 Challenges in Academic Writing11:29 Using Tools and Technology in Research16:22 The Writing Process18:19 Developing Arguments Through Writing33:47 Final Thoughts and EncouragementYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Unraveling the Complexity of Truth and Propaganda
Feb 25, 202500:49:41Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray explore the challenges of discerning truth in today's world. They delve into the historical and contemporary factors affecting our perception of truth, including the role of propaganda, herd mentality, and the construction of knowledge. The discussion emphasises the importance of critical thinking, examining biases, and maintaining a sense of wonder in research. They also touch on topics like the evolution of scientific knowledge, the impact of social media, and the significance of engaging with differing viewpoints to gain a fuller understanding of complex issues.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 The Challenge of Finding Truth01:00 Historical Perspective on Truth03:17 The Role of Propaganda05:10 Bias and Herd Mentality06:18 Scientific Misconceptions07:54 The Evolution of Knowledge10:16 The Importance of Critical Thinking14:58 Research vs. Debate18:43 The Power of Perspective22:34 Scientific Communication and Public Perception24:00 Exploring Radiation and Bias24:59 The Role of Discontinuous Thinking in Research25:42 The Importance of Practical Research27:16 Critical Thought and Experimentation29:44 The Influence of Social Media and AI30:41 Understanding Confirmation Bias31:16 The Power of Diverse Perspectives36:30 Historical Context and Propaganda41:51 Qualitative Research and Lived Experiences46:49 Action Research and Practical Applications48:01 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - An Introduction to Ethics
Feb 11, 202500:45:11Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of ethics, informed consent, and maintaining the authenticity of research data, emphasising the need for clear contracts and proper record-keeping. They also highlight the challenges of balancing individual perspectives with the broader community's needs in action research, and the role of a research coach in providing additional support. Subjects include:Ethics in Social Science ResearchInformed Consent and Research IntegrityRecord-KeepingAuthenticity in ResearchNeurodiversityEmpathy and Understanding in ResearchYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Research Reflections with Jiameng Sun
Jan 28, 202500:35:21Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray are joined by Jiameng Sun, a researcher from China, to discuss her research on cultivating employability competence for Chinese language practitioners in the 21st century, using Pierre Boudieu's capital theory. Jiameng shared her research journey, emphasising the importance of passion and relevance in choosing a research question and methodology, and discussed the complexities of career choices in the context of translation and interpretation. The conversation ended with Jiameng discussing her approach to time management during her research journey and the impact of her research on her approach to life and work. Subjects covered include:.Research Question and MethodologyEffective Research Time Management StrategiesCareer Choices and Research ChallengesJiameng's Research and Supervisory Guidance - emphasising the importance of not seeking right or wrong answers, but rather finding appropriate solutions. She also highlighted the value of having a supervisor to guide her through the research process. Annette agreed, noting the importance of thinking differently and exploring various perspectives.You can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Now what?
Jan 14, 202500:22:07Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss what happens after the research is completed and how do we get the impact ‘out there’.Subjects covered include:TechnologyUnderstanding the need for research to demonstrate its impact and contribution to knowledgeThe ’story’A checklist for practical application including how to build a 'buzz' in your potential audienceYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Using Technology to Assist Research
Dec 3, 202400:38:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Professor Annette Fillery -Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the challenges and potential solutions for collecting and analysing data, particularly in the context of interviews. They explored various tools and platforms for data collection, analysis, and collaboration, emphasising the importance of not losing touch with the real sense of the data. They also discussed the use of AI in research, its potential impact on the quality of work, and the importance of creativity and originality in research.Key themes include:Addressing Data Collection and Analysis ChallengesExploring Tools for Data Collection and CollaborationOnline Research Tools and Personal Interviews DiscussionData Analysis Tools and Privacy ConcernsExcel for Data Analysis and Manual CodingCoding Systems and Writing ToolsExploring AI for Writing and ProofreadingAI in Research and Creativity DiscussionYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Evidence
Nov 19, 202400:35:41Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of evidence in research, particularly in the context of drug trials, end-of-life care, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They also explored the different levels of evidence, the process of building evidence through literature research, and the effectiveness of supplements. Lastly, they discussed the components of a persuasive argument, the need to address bias and assumptions in their research, and the potential for personal growth through challenging assumptions.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what sources of evidence led them to make recent changes in their practice and what evidence would be compelling enough to change their practice tomorrow.Discussing Evidence in Research ContextsDiscussing Evidence in Research and Drug TrialsDiscussing Levels of Evidence in ResearchSmall Case Studies, Design, and Technology ReadinessSupplements, Evidence-Based Medicine, and PoliticsPersuasive Argument Components DiscussedAddressing Bias Mitigation in ResearchYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
Transcribe →Research Box - Knowledge
Nov 5, 202400:32:54Tap to summarizeThis week Professor Annette Fillery-Travis and Dr Russell Thackeray discuss the importance of defining the type of knowledge they aim to produce in their research and the intricacies of decision-making in choosing a school. They also explored various types of knowledge, the role of interdisciplinary knowledge, and the concept of epistemology in their current knowledge measurement system. Lastly, they examined the value and limitations of professional bodies' knowledge, the importance of evidence in backing up claims, and the concept of 'problematising' in research.Defining Knowledge Goals in ResearchTypes of knowledge Decision-Making Types of Knowledge and Their Role in ResearchEpistemology and Knowledge Measurement SystemProfessional Bodies, Knowledge, and EvidenceYou can find out more about research coaching and gather some resources at aftassociates.co.uk
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