Primary school pupils who have been conducting research projects to improve learning outcomes in their schools have visited the University of Southampton to present their findings.
The pupil researchers from nine primary schools in the Southampton area presented their work at a conference organised by the University as part of the School Voices Research-Practice Partnership .
Throughout the school year, pupils from Years 1 to 6 having been carrying out research projects with the aim of improving learning outcomes across their school and promoting inclusion.
The projects have focused on different research questions in the various schools, including how to make maths more real, what motivates pupils to read for pleasure, how questions help pupils to learn and think, and how historical figures can inspire pupils.
To find out, pupil researchers have been observing classrooms, conducting surveys, and leading focus groups with their fellow pupils.
They've then discussed their findings with their teachers, who have been working in partnership with researchers at the University of Southampton to guide, support and evaluate the projects.
The School Voices Research-Practice Partnership is now in its third year and the findings from previous years' projects have already helped to refine teaching practices and support teachers' professional development.
To celebrate the conclusion of this year's projects, teachers and students from Banister Primary School, Fairisle Infant and Nursery School, Foundry Lane Primary School, Mason Moor Primary School, Norwood Primary and Pre-School, St John's Primary and Nursery School, St Mary's CE Primary School, St Monica Primary School, Valentine Primary School took part in a whole day event at the University of Southampton.
The event was designed like an academic conference, with 45 pupils meeting their fellow researchers to share and discuss their projects in a workshop and co-produce Student Researcher Guides.
They then presented their findings in a lecture theatre to the University's PGCE student teacher trainees, before receiving certificates and a copy of the Student Researcher Guides that they'd co-produced.
One student said on the day: "I really liked meeting all the other researchers - there were so many". Another one said: "The presentation went very well, and it was fun. I felt a bit shy but came over it at the end."
Kiki Messiou, Professor of Education at the University of Southampton who leads the School Voices Research-Practice Partnership, said: "We had a fantastic day. The quality of the collaborative action research in each of the schools that we worked with was remarkable and included a range of topics, all ensuring that we reach out to all students in the schools."
She added "I was particularly impressed with the young student researchers and how they worked collaboratively with other student researchers from different schools to co-produce Student Researcher Guides. We also saw how these children's confidence grew and were able to present their work to university students."
