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Full-Text Articles in Education
Affective Learning Profiles In Compulsory High School Physical Education: An Instructional Communication Perspective, Collin Webster, Diana Mindrila, Glenn Weaver
Affective Learning Profiles In Compulsory High School Physical Education: An Instructional Communication Perspective, Collin Webster, Diana Mindrila, Glenn Weaver
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Affective learning is a major focus of the national K-12 physical education (PE) content standards (National Association for Sport and Physical Education [NASPE, 2004]). Understanding how students might fit into different affective learning subgroups would help extend affective learning theory in PE and suggest possible intervention strategies for teachers wanting to increase students' affective learning. The present study used cluster analysis (CA) and latent profile analysis (LPA) to develop a two-level affective learning-based typology of high school students in compulsory PE from an instructional communication perspective. The optimal classification system had ten clusters and four latent profiles. A comparison of …
Time, Money, Leisure And Guilt - The Gendered Challenges Of Higher Education For Mature-Age Students, Catherine Stone, Sarah Elizabeth O'Shea
Time, Money, Leisure And Guilt - The Gendered Challenges Of Higher Education For Mature-Age Students, Catherine Stone, Sarah Elizabeth O'Shea
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Two qualitative research projects examined the impact of university study on two cohorts of mature-age students at a regional university in Australia. All the students interviewed had entered university via non-traditional pathways and had faced significant hurdles in gaining university entrance and continuing with their studies. The influence of gender on their experiences of managing home, family and work responsibilities in combination with their responsibilities as students is examined. Issues such as lack of time and money, self-sacrifice and guilt emerged strongly from the stories of these students as they struggled to manage their multiple responsibilities. The gendered nature of …
Environmental Education: Preparing Students To Take On The 'Invisible Empire', Peter Andersen
Environmental Education: Preparing Students To Take On The 'Invisible Empire', Peter Andersen
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
The primary reason that I embarked on my career in environmental education was because I was becoming extremely frustrated by my perception that school children were being bombarded by bad news about the plight of the environment, yet were not being given the opportunity to better understand the environmental issues they were exposed to, or to take action on these issues. I believe that we need to create programs that deepen our students' ecological literacy, or put simply, an understanding of what is really going on in the world around them.
Asthmawise - A Field Of Dreams? The Results Of An Online Education Program Targeting Older Adults With Asthma, Pippa Burns, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson, Peter Caputi
Asthmawise - A Field Of Dreams? The Results Of An Online Education Program Targeting Older Adults With Asthma, Pippa Burns, Sandra C. Jones, Donald C. Iverson, Peter Caputi
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of an online asthma self-management program developed for older Australians with asthma. Methods: AsthmaWise, an internet education self-management program, was piloted for a 3-month period at the beginning of 2012. Participants were recruited using both online and offline strategies and were required to complete surveys, both pre- and post-intervention, in a repeated measures design. Results: Matched data were collected from 51 participants; the results showed AsthmaWise to be a feasible and acceptable method of delivering asthma education to the target population. Self-reported measures showed an increase in …
Manipulation Of The Self-Determined Learning Environment On Student Motivation And Affect Within Secondary Physical Education, Dana Perlman
Manipulation Of The Self-Determined Learning Environment On Student Motivation And Affect Within Secondary Physical Education, Dana Perlman
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Secondary physical education (PE) has become a popular area of inquiry because students are not meeting overarching goals of PE programs, are less motivated, and demonstrate negative affect while in class. As such, teachers and researchers are starting to examine pedagogical approaches that support student motivation as a means to alleviate some of the aforementioned issues. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of two different learning contexts based within self-determination theory on the motivation and affect of secondary PE students. Seventy-nine secondary PE students were randomly assigned to a unit of basketball taught in either a …
Increasing The Effectiveness Of Coach Education: Evidence Of A Parallel Process, Stewart A. Vella, Trevor P. Crowe, Lindsay G. Oades
Increasing The Effectiveness Of Coach Education: Evidence Of A Parallel Process, Stewart A. Vella, Trevor P. Crowe, Lindsay G. Oades
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study was to use the results of an exploratory case study to discuss the design and delivery of formal coach education pathways. Nine coaches completed qualitative and quantitative feedback on a formal transformational leadership training program. The theme that was consistently being presented by coaches was the need for learning to be situated within practical demonstrations and discussions where the coach learner and coach educator work collaboratively to facilitate understanding of the applications of program content to coaching practice. These results have been discussed in the light of the parallel processes that are evident in coach …
The Digital Education Revolution: New South Wales Science Teachers' Response To Laptop Ubiquity, Wendy Nielsen, Alex Miller, Garry F. Hoban
The Digital Education Revolution: New South Wales Science Teachers' Response To Laptop Ubiquity, Wendy Nielsen, Alex Miller, Garry F. Hoban
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Since the introduction of laptop computers across Australia for all Year 9 students, teachers have sought to make meaningful use of the learning potential represented by the introduction. This study uses a lens of cultural historical activity theory to explore how teachers have responded to the ubiquitous presence of student laptop computers during the initial implementation. This paper reports a one-year case study of two highly qualified and experienced high school science teachers that considers their efforts to implement laptop computers in Year 9 and Year 10 science classes. The study shows that these teachers are committed to developing and …
Nintendo Wii: Opportunities To Put The Education Back Into Physical Education, Dana Perlman, Gregory J. Forrest, Philip J. Pearson
Nintendo Wii: Opportunities To Put The Education Back Into Physical Education, Dana Perlman, Gregory J. Forrest, Philip J. Pearson
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Movement-based gaming technologies, such as the Nintendo Wii, are becoming more visible within the physical education. As research on movement-based technologies develops, an aspect that has gained interest is the potential educational value for the physical education student. The purpose of this study was to examine movement-based sport games and the potential learning opportunities (i.e. game performance elements) for physical education students. Using qualitative measures, experts in the field of physical education teacher education analyzed the game performance opportunities across multiple sport-based games. Findings indicated that movement-based games provide opportunities to develop and work on the cognitive understanding of sport …
Does Study Of An Inclusive Education Subject Influence Pre-Service Teachers' Concerns And Self-Efficacy About Inclusion?, Stuart Woodcock, Brian Hemmings, Russell Kay
Does Study Of An Inclusive Education Subject Influence Pre-Service Teachers' Concerns And Self-Efficacy About Inclusion?, Stuart Woodcock, Brian Hemmings, Russell Kay
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Survey data were collected from pre-service teachers studying at a large regional Australian university. These data were examined with the purpose of determining whether pre-service teachers' views (and concerns) about inclusion and their confidence to teach in inclusive classrooms had changed as a result of studying an inclusive education subject and undertaking a practicum linked to that subject. The results of an analysis based on mean values indicated that the various concerns, namely, resources, acceptance, workplace, and academic standards, did not change markedly as a consequence of the subject and practicum experiences. This analysis also showed a hierarchy of concerns …
Implementation Of A Motivational Climate - Classroom Or Physical Education Teachers: Examination Of Preservice Teachers Ability To Implement A Motivational Climate Within Physical Education, Dana J. Perlman, Kim Mckeen
Implementation Of A Motivational Climate - Classroom Or Physical Education Teachers: Examination Of Preservice Teachers Ability To Implement A Motivational Climate Within Physical Education, Dana J. Perlman, Kim Mckeen
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between preservice classroom and physical education teachers ability to implement a motivational climate. A total of 51 preservice teachers were enrolled in an elementary physical education methods course for (a) classroom teachers or (b) physical education specialists. Data were collected using a systematic observation instrument during their course field experience. Analysis of data utilized a one-way MANOVA with follow-up univariate ANOVAs to examine group differences. Results indicated that preservice physical education teachers were significantly more able to apply principles that developed a positive motivational climate.
Changes In Physical Activity Levels, Lesson Context, And Teacher Interaction During Physical Education In Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Australian Schools, Dean A. Dudley, Anthony D. Okely, Philip Pearson, Wayne G. Cotton, Peter Caputi
Changes In Physical Activity Levels, Lesson Context, And Teacher Interaction During Physical Education In Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Australian Schools, Dean A. Dudley, Anthony D. Okely, Philip Pearson, Wayne G. Cotton, Peter Caputi
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Background: Recent data show that only 15% of Australian adolescents participate in adequate amounts of physical activity (PA) and those students from Asian and Middle-Eastern backgrounds in Grades 6-12 are significantly less active than their English-speaking background peers. Schools have recently been recognised as the most widely used and cost-effective setting for promoting PA among youth and one domain within schools where PA can occur regularly for all youth, regardless of cultural background or socio-economic status, is during physical education (PE). Methods: This study describes changes in physical activity (PA), lesson context and teacher interaction in physical education over the …
Turning The Switch On! The Teachers’ Ability To Influence Student Motivation In Physical Education, Dana Perlman, Philip J. Pearson, Kim Mckeen, Gregory J. Forrest
Turning The Switch On! The Teachers’ Ability To Influence Student Motivation In Physical Education, Dana Perlman, Philip J. Pearson, Kim Mckeen, Gregory J. Forrest
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Student motivation is an area of importance in physical education due to the association with enhanced levels of effort, participation and aspects of learning (Tjeerdsma-Blankenship, 2008; Chen, 2001). Physical education specialists are routinely challenged by students who demonstrate behaviours indicative of low levels of motivation, such as high rates of absenteeism and severely low levels of active participation within the class setting (Ntoumanis, Peensgaard, Martin & Pipe, 2004). Bryan and Solmon (2007) indicate that the teacher is a primary driver for the development and implementation of experiences that support and/or thwart student motivation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was …
Preservice Teachers' Views Of Inclusive Education: A Content Analysis, Brian Hemmings, Stuart Woodcock
Preservice Teachers' Views Of Inclusive Education: A Content Analysis, Brian Hemmings, Stuart Woodcock
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Survey-based research was conducted with pre-service teachers, from a large regional Australian university, to explore their views about inclusion and their readiness to teach in inclusive classrooms. Open-ended questions were included in the survey to glean information on the respondents’ feelings and concerns about inclusion and inclusive practices. In addition, questions were framed to allow the respondents to discuss ways that the University could better prepare them as practising teachers. The responses to each of these questions were content analysed to delineate categories, and frequencies were calculated on the most salient categories. The results of this analysis are reported and …
Understanding The Complexity Of Technology Acceptance By Higher Education Students, Sue Bennett, Karl A. Maton, Lisa Carrington
Understanding The Complexity Of Technology Acceptance By Higher Education Students, Sue Bennett, Karl A. Maton, Lisa Carrington
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
It is often claimed that all young people are highly adept with the digital technologies that infuse their lives, and that the way they think and behave has created a new gap between them and their teachers. It is suggested that to bridge this gap and ensure that young people are fully engaged, educators must incorporate digital technology more effectively into teaching and learning. This is problematic, however, because technology has had limited impact on education and has failed to be widely adopted as a learning support across many aspects of school and university education. More needs to be known …
The Influence Of State Motivation, Content Relevance And Affective Learning On High School Students' Intentions To Use Class Content Following Completion Of Compulsory Physical Education, Collin A. Webster, Diana Mindrila, Robert Weaver
The Influence Of State Motivation, Content Relevance And Affective Learning On High School Students' Intentions To Use Class Content Following Completion Of Compulsory Physical Education, Collin A. Webster, Diana Mindrila, Robert Weaver
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Little research has examined mechanisms leading to the utilization of compulsory physical education content in future contexts. This study tested a model in which motivation to be in physical education class functions as a predisposition influencing perceptions of teacher communication of content relevance, perceptions of course relevance to one’s personal life, affect for physical education and intentions to apply class content in the future. High school students (N = 636) enrolled in compulsory physical education classes completed questionnaires assessing each of these variables. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated the questionnaire items were adequate indicators of the five constructs. Structural …
Examination Of Self-Determination Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Examination Of Self-Determination Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on students’ self-determined motivation and underlying psychological need(s) in physical education. A total of 182 Year-9 students were engaged in 20 lesson units of volleyball, using either the SEM or a traditional approach. Data was collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring self-determined motivation and perceptions of the psycho-social climate. Analysis of data utilized four separate repeated measures ANOVAs for self-determination and basic psychological needs. Results indicated significant change in self-determination and relatedness for students engaged in the SEM. As such, implementation of the SEM …
Incorporating Tgfu Into A Bachelor Of Physical And Health Education Degree At An Australian University, Philip J. Pearson, Paul I. Webb
Incorporating Tgfu Into A Bachelor Of Physical And Health Education Degree At An Australian University, Philip J. Pearson, Paul I. Webb
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Pearson and Webb (2010) investigated whether Physical Educators in NSW schools had adopted the TGfU approach to the teaching of games in their classes. Forty PDHPE teachers were surveyed with questionnaires and focus group interviews to determine their knowledge and understanding of TGfU and the extent to which they had incorporated TGfU into their teaching of games in Years 7 to 10. Fifty third-year Physical and Health Education pre-service teachers were also surveyed after completing their Professional Experience in the schools of the teachers surveyed. The pre-service teachers’ observations of Physical Education classes in the schools were also used to …
Change In Affect And Needs Satisfaction For Amotivated Students Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Change In Affect And Needs Satisfaction For Amotivated Students Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study is to examine the in!uence of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on amotivated students affect and needs satisfaction. 78 amotivated students from an original pool of 1,176 students enrolled in one of 32 physical education classes. Classes were randomly assigned to either the SEM (N = 16) or traditional class (N = 16). Data were collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring affect (enjoyment) and needs satisfaction. Analysis of data used repeated-measures ANOVAs to examine differences. Results indicated signi"- cant changes in amotivated student’s perceptions of enjoyment and relatedness satisfaction within the SEM.
Web 2.0 In Higher Education: Blurring Social Networks And Learning Networks, Lori Lockyer, Shane P. Dawson, Elizabeth Heathcote
Web 2.0 In Higher Education: Blurring Social Networks And Learning Networks, Lori Lockyer, Shane P. Dawson, Elizabeth Heathcote
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper reports on a study that investigated how two cohorts of students (in medicine and education) adopted a social networking platform to assist their university studies. The study examines the sites of dissonance between predicted and actual usage of the tool. Although the integration of social technologies into higher education is not new, there is mounting imperatives for developing creative, flexible, technologically literate graduates. Yet, to date, limited research has focused on how contemporary learners expect to and in actual fact, utilise these tools to support their study. This study observed that students’ perceptions of how technologies should support …
The Teacher Education Conversation: A Network Of Cooperating Teachers, Wendy Nielsen, Anthony Clarke, Valerie Triggs, John Collins
The Teacher Education Conversation: A Network Of Cooperating Teachers, Wendy Nielsen, Anthony Clarke, Valerie Triggs, John Collins
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This study investigated a professional learning community of cooperating teachers and university‐based teacher educators. To examine our roles and perspectives as colleagues in teacher education, we drew on frameworks in teacher learning and complexity science. Monthly group meetings of this inquiry community were held over two school years in a suburban school district in British Columbia. Participants’ current and prior experiences in the role of cooperating teacher provided rich topics for conversation. Our analysis illustrates how aspects of complexity thinking both enable and promote teacher learning, in this instance, the professional development of cooperating teachers. The study highlights (a) key …
Overseas Trained Teachers (Otts): Student Attitudes And Expectations In The Context Of Vocational Education, Jill Murray, Judith Cross
Overseas Trained Teachers (Otts): Student Attitudes And Expectations In The Context Of Vocational Education, Jill Murray, Judith Cross
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The vocational education and preparation of overseas trained teachers (OTTs) in NSW is a demanding and lengthy process. It involves the development of communicative language ability to a standard equivalent to native-like vocational proficiency in two domains: linguistic and pragmatic. In order to demonstrate competence at this level, OTTs in NSW are required to pass an English language test, the NSW Professional English Assessment for Teachers (PEAT). In the PEAT, Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are specifically tested in the context of workplace requirements for the NSW education system. Success in the PEAT leads directly to the DET Pre-Employment Program. …
Building Community Partnerships To Enhance Participation In Sport And Physical Activity: Coach Education In Tertiary Institutions, Paul I. Webb, Philip J. Pearson, Kim Mckeen
Building Community Partnerships To Enhance Participation In Sport And Physical Activity: Coach Education In Tertiary Institutions, Paul I. Webb, Philip J. Pearson, Kim Mckeen
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Since 1979 the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme has been established in Australia firstly under the Australian Coaching Council and more recently as a program of the Australian Sports Commission. The vision of the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme is "that all Australian sporting participants, irrespective of their age, gender, level of sporting ability or choice of sport, have access to highly qualified and experienced coaches," (Australian Sports Commisison,2000).
Conceptualising Progression In The Pedagogy Of Play And Sustained Shared Thinking In Early Childhood Education: A Vygotskian Perspective, Iram Siraj-Blatchford
Conceptualising Progression In The Pedagogy Of Play And Sustained Shared Thinking In Early Childhood Education: A Vygotskian Perspective, Iram Siraj-Blatchford
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
This paper is concerned specifically with the pedagogies applied in supporting learning through children‟s play, and it is framed outside mainstream discourses on the nature of play. The development of the paper also represents one stage in a continuing effort to develop a better understanding of sustained shared thinking in early childhood education. The paper also focuses on the educational potential of shared playful activities. However, given the overwhelming consensus regarding the importance of play in early childhood development, even a diehard educational pragmatist must begin by addressing subjects that are most commonly considered by psychologists. The paper begins with …
An Integrated Approach To Teaching Games For Understanding (Tgfu), Paul I. Webb, Philip J. Pearson
An Integrated Approach To Teaching Games For Understanding (Tgfu), Paul I. Webb, Philip J. Pearson
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach developed by Bunker and Thorpe (1982) places a whole different approach to the teaching of games. The focus of the model is placing the student or athlete in a game situation where tactics, decision-making and problem solving is critical. Other variations and terminology include ; ‘game sense’, ‘play practice’, and ‘game centred approach’. This paper will review the literature of TGfU. There are four categories of games: net/court, invasion, striking/fielding and target games. Teachers need to have a good understanding of the categories and sports and activities to be able to analyse them. …
Standards For Educational, Edutainment, And Developmentally Beneficial Computer Games, R. Peterson, I. Verenikina, J. Herrington
Standards For Educational, Edutainment, And Developmentally Beneficial Computer Games, R. Peterson, I. Verenikina, J. Herrington
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The results of a comprehensive review of the body of research concerning the developmental and educational value of computer gaming for children is reported. Based on the review, design criteria are proposed for educational and edutainment computer games. In addition, a hierarchy of educational, edutainment, and entertainment game categories is introduced. It is argued that a standard educational labeling system is needed to assist parents and teachers with selecting computer games. A gap in the research is highlighted with regard to the affordances of computer games to facilitate the development of young children’s higher order thinking. It is recommended that …
The Affordances And Limitations Of Computers For Play In Early Childhood, I. Verenikina, J. Herrington, R. Peterson, Jessica Mantei
The Affordances And Limitations Of Computers For Play In Early Childhood, I. Verenikina, J. Herrington, R. Peterson, Jessica Mantei
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The widespread proliferation of computer games for children as young as 6 months of age, merits a re-examination of their manner of use and their facility to provide opportunities for developmental play. This paper describes a research study conducted to explore the use of computer games by young children, specifically to investigate the affordances and limitations of such games and the features of children’s traditional play that can be supported and further enhanced by different kinds of computer play. Computer games were classified and selected according to game characteristics that support higher order thinking. Children aged 5 and 7 were …
Examining The Gender Gap In Educational Outcomes In Public Education: Involving Pre-Service School Counsellors And Teachers In Cross-Cultural And Interdisciplinary Research, Wilhelmina J. Vialle, Paul Thompson, Mary Ann Clark
Examining The Gender Gap In Educational Outcomes In Public Education: Involving Pre-Service School Counsellors And Teachers In Cross-Cultural And Interdisciplinary Research, Wilhelmina J. Vialle, Paul Thompson, Mary Ann Clark
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
International educational statistics have reported a gender gap in educational outcomes, with boys falling behind girls in regard to grades, high school graduation and university enrollment and retention. This study involved pre-service teachers and school counsellors in Colleges of Education at three universities on three continents carrying out focus groups with public school students, interviews with educators, and examining national and international quantitative data to investigate this issue from a local and a cross cultural perspective. Common themes were found in each country and implications for addressing the problem considered.
Effective Pre-School And Primary Education 3-11 Project (Eppe 3-11) - Final Report From The Primary Phase: Pre-School, School And Family Influences On Children's Development During Key Stage 2 (7-11), Kathy Sylva, Edward Melhuish, Pam Sammons, Iram Siraj-Blatchford, Brenda Taggart
Effective Pre-School And Primary Education 3-11 Project (Eppe 3-11) - Final Report From The Primary Phase: Pre-School, School And Family Influences On Children's Development During Key Stage 2 (7-11), Kathy Sylva, Edward Melhuish, Pam Sammons, Iram Siraj-Blatchford, Brenda Taggart
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
The Effective Pre-school and Primary Education 3-11 project (EPPE 3-11) has studied pre-school and primary school experiences for a national sample of approximately 2,800 children in England between the ages of 3 and 11 years. This Research Brief summarises the key findings up to the end of primary school. It focuses on the relationships between child, family, home, pre-school and primary school characteristics and pupils' subsequent cognitive (Reading/English and Mathematics) and social/behavioural outcomes ('Self-regulation', 'Pro-social' behaviour, 'Hyperacti vity' and 'Anti-social' behaviour) at ages 10 and 11 in Years 5 and 6 of primary school. It also reports on associations between …
Keep Them In School: The Importance Of Education As A Protective Factor Against Hiv Infection Among Young South African Women, Audrey Pettifor, Brooke Levandowski, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Nancy S. Padian, Myron Cohen, Helen Rees
Keep Them In School: The Importance Of Education As A Protective Factor Against Hiv Infection Among Young South African Women, Audrey Pettifor, Brooke Levandowski, Catherine L. Mac Phail, Nancy S. Padian, Myron Cohen, Helen Rees
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
Objective To identify risk factors for HIV infection among young women aged 15-24 years reporting one lifetime partner in South Africa. Design In 2003, we conducted a nationally representative household survey of sexual behaviour and HIV testing among 11 904 young people aged 15-24 years in South Africa. This analysis focuses on the subset of sexually experienced young women with only one reported lifetime sex partner (n = 1708). Methods Using the proximate determinants framework and the published literature we identified factors associated with HIV in young women. The associations between these factors and HIV infection were explored in multivariable …
Influencing Policy And Practice Through Research On Early Childhood Education, Brenda Taggart, Iram Siraj-Blatchford, Kathy Sylva, Edward Melhuish, Pam Sammons
Influencing Policy And Practice Through Research On Early Childhood Education, Brenda Taggart, Iram Siraj-Blatchford, Kathy Sylva, Edward Melhuish, Pam Sammons
Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)
This paper presents the scientific evidence from one study that has informed Early Years policy in the U.K. It begins with a description of the policy context in the early 1990s and shows how research was used to inform a decade of policy innovation. There have been many studies of ways that research has informed practice but fewer on instances of research shaping policy. This paper is one step in that direction, as advocated by Whitty (2007) and Huw, Nutley and Smith (2001).