Purpose: This research paper presents an innovative evaluation methodology which was developed as part of a doctoral research study in a voluntary sector youth organisation in England. Design/methodology/approach: The transformative methodology synthesises aspects of appreciative inquiry, participatory evaluation and transformative learning and…

This paper offers a rationale for how ESD related learning at postgraduate level can be assessed. It proposes a framework for evaluating whether assessments in Master's level programmes align with the pedagogical approach of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). If assessment is to contribute to the overall learning process, then the nature…

Critical pedagogy in the UK has traditionally been practised in the Lifelong Learning sector. However, the sector has become constrained by funding cuts, instrumental curricula and accountability measures, and teachers can feel that they have little room for professional autonomy and therefore the practice of critical pedagogy. Yet some do…

A definition of flipped learning by the Flipped Learning Network identifies 'The Four Pillars of F-L-I-P[TM]'; Flexible learning environment, a change in Learning cultures, Intentional content, and the Professional educator. This case study concentrates on the 'I' and 'P', intentional content and the professional educator. Appreciative Inquiry is…

Contextual approaches to high quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) seek to capture the complexity of children's lives, developing pedagogical approaches that are responsive to children's needs and interests. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic provided a complex layer to the question of what constitutes quality ECEC. A mixed methods…

Flipped learning (FL) is a pedagogical approach that has scarcely been examined in physical education (PE). As a result, we have little information regarding what PE teachers think of the approach, how they apply it, or what perceived value it has for their teaching. This research explores the reasons which two UK-based PE teachers gave for why…

In this article we examine the efforts of a University in south-west England to develop long-standing relationships with some partnership schools into a richer association modelled on university practice schools. These are used widely in countries such as Finland, Japan and Hungary, and offer trainee teachers high-quality practica with expert…

This paper contributes to an understanding of the processes by which organisational actors learn how to affect positive and sustainable social change in their local region through action learning, action research and appreciative inquiry. The paper is based on a critically reflective account of key findings from an ongoing action research project,…

The practice of Social Prescribing as a means of enabling improved quality of life, especially those with long term conditions, is still a 'work in progress'. Using appreciative action research methods, practitioners involved in commissioning or providing social prescription services can learn important lessons from the experience of…

Student belonging and engagement has received increased attention in the context of an expanding and more diverse higher education student population. Student retention is regarded as a priority with many universities augmenting their retention strategies to instil a sense of belonging. This article provides insights into first year Business…