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The Action Research Network

Bringing together schools and educators to lead innovation

Exclusive to the University of Birmingham Dubai, the Action Research Network (ARN) brings together schools and educators to lead innovation through collaborative action research, driving meaningful change in teaching, learning, and leadership.

Transcript

0:03
Ready for a good day?


0:11
My name is Doctor Sarah Benson.


0:12
I'm the head of Subject group for our education Progress here at the University of Birmingham.


0:22
So what we're doing with the University's Action Research Network is we're creating a supportive and collaborative space for teachers to learn the tools they need to complete their own action research.


0:34
Our students here at the university also benefit from this research focused practise, the accompanying community and overall we know that action research is building stronger practitioners that are benefiting schools and education institutions across the UAE.


0:57
Action research is about practitioners making real world change that the Action Research Network brings together educators from around the region to collaborate, reflect and not only implement change but have the space to share it with like minded individuals.


1:12
I chose to join the Action Research Network because of the richness of research and what it brings to the the education and academic community in Dubai.


1:19
I feel like bringing educators together who are engaged in research is always going to invoke change in Dubai.


1:36
We've just celebrated our Teachers Showcase this week, empowering our teachers to do more research, to read and to really bring out their passion for learning.


1:59
So the University of Birmingham has supported us by first of all just sparking the the the whole curiosity and and kind of wanting to look into action research.


2:10
Just the presence of having a university that's down the road from the school that is kind of open and welcoming to collaborating.


2:20
What is defined as good teaching practise is highly contextualised.


2:24
What makes the Action Research Network unique is its foundation in academic rigour and effective implementation.


2:31
We ensure that we are equipped to lead with evidence based insights.

What is the Action Research Network?

The Action Research Network (ARN) empowers educators in schools to lead transformational change through action research - a cyclical, reflective process where school practitioners investigate, monitor, assess, and refine their own practice to improve outcomes in teaching, learning, or leadership.

A collaborative community of practice

ARN connects school-based communities of practice, each working toward a shared goal. Previous projects have covered technology innovation, inclusive pedagogy, Arabic curricula, and leadership development. Schools collaborate, learn, and grow together through:

  • Regular workshops facilitated by University of Birmingham Dubai to guide the action research cycle;
  • Peer networking, sharing insights and tackling challenges as a collective.
Two people standing in front of a poster with research on it. They are standing in a open building space

Why join the ARN?

  • Lead meaningful change from within your school, aligning improvement goals with daily reality.
  • Instead of a ‘one-size fits all’ model, be involved in professional development that fits yours and your school’s needs.
  • Access workshops, peer feedback, and University guidance to enhance your action research journey.
  • Showcase your project and outcomes at a public, official University-hosted conference.

How it works

  • Form a Community of Practice: Group of educators within your school, working on a shared improvement goal.
  • Engage in Action Research: Identify, implement, monitor, and reflect - supported by workshops and peer exchange.
  • Join the Conference: Present your research and learn from peers at the annual ARN Conference.

Can I join the network?

The Action Research Network is a collaborative movement that puts schools and educators at the heart of improvement. Join an active, growing community that’s reshaping education from the ground up. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or newly exploring action research, there's a place for you here.

Join the Action Research Network

View details of our previous conferences