Abstract:
Educational researchers are encouraged to design their research to address significant issues or questions in education that will benefit students, teachers, schools, colleges, and others involved in educational practice or policy. Methodologies are chosen to match the requirements of the research problem. Conduct of research is tightly controlled within the chosen research paradigm. However, little consideration is usually given to the development of a strategy that will enhance the relevance and application of research outcomes prior to, during and after research. The author describes techniques and a strategy that will ensure: 1. Generation of a climate of acceptance and enthusiasm for the research. 2. The active involvement of persons and/or organisations who may apply or use research outcomes. 3. Interactive tailoring of the research design both before and during the research to enhance its acceptability and, 4. Promotion of the research aims and outcomes. The author draws upon techniques he is using in his postgraduate research work on the way workplace communities transfer learning to new situations and change. The paper includes a case study of the techniques he has used and intends to use to ensure that his research outcomes will have maximum impact on VET in Australia.