The Profession of Educational Research

Abstract

This paper argues that educational research and policy‐making is in crisis: centrally funded research is subject to increasing intervention and restrictions on reporting; research findings are misreported in the press; and the policy‐making process has become truncated ignoring discussion, debate and research evidence. Furthermore the direction in which current reforms are taking education is contrary to the style of curriculum, learning and assessment that is needed to produce resourceful, active learners for the twenty‐first century. The author calls on researchers to continue to work with teachers in support of a worthwhile educational enterprise, urges researchers to continue to strive to publish their findings and to work together within BERA to move forward in the hostile climate.