Developing pedagogical research methods at Durham University

In this article, we examine the challenges faced by Education-track staff as they begin to conduct scholarship and/or pedagogical research. These may include a lack of familiarity with qualitative research methods; uncertainty or lack of confidence when choosing and applying theoretical frameworks; and inconsistent Departmental or University resources for conducting this research. We outline the approach we have taken in the Education and Pedagogy Group at Durham: a series of linked, concurrent research projects, using the same methodologies and approaches (in this case, focus groups and thematic analysis). We discuss the benefits and challenges of this approach, and make some recommendations for how other groups could apply it in their own contexts.