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The Development Phase

In 2022 the Scoping Study (link to Scoping Study website) provided us the 20 most important gaps for ILE research as well as those that are seen to be most urgent. In 2023, we are in the Development Phase of the project. Currently we are building a method of collecting those data. In 2024 onwards we want you to assist building that data set and to apply it to your own needs.

How are we doing this?

In the initial stages, we are planning.

We have built a network and designed a method to gather evidence across multiple countries, focusing on industry, education, and academic priorities. We’re using a unique mapping tool, where evidence can be attributed to different school levels, socio-economic classifications, design types, furniture arrangements, acoustic, lighting comfort levels, other IEQ qualities, and so on. At each stage of the Development Phase, we meet with our member Consortiums for feedback on our approach, the tool, and to ensure we are meeting the needs of those that require the evidence.

Next, we will test.

At present we are developing data collection tools that will allow the evidence to be attributed to school types, year levels, pedagogic styles, measures of teaching quality, attendance, and so on. It will have the capacity to attribute evidence to student attendance, measures of disabilities, perceptions of engagement and of inclusion. All of these will be capable of international benchmarking, for example according to similar schools, similar student cohorts, similar design types. It will allow for correlational analysis to suggest which design approaches best suit particular stud

Lead by leaders

The study is being conducted by LEaRN, led by A/Prof Wesley Imms in collaboration with Edith Cowan University’s Dr Julia Morris. They are working with an experienced LEaRN research team, each assigned to ‘buddy’ individual Consortiums. This team provides the project with extensive ILE research experience, networking expertise, and intellectual property. They own considerable expertise built through the largest ILE research projects run internationally. For example, ILETC1 built unique statistical and qualitative measurement tools, a proven dissemination strategy, and expertise in international collaboration and industry participation. These capacities were reflected in the ILE+SE Scoping Study2.

Each umbrella stream will be supervised by an acknowledged leader:

  • John Hattie, Laureate Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne, will supervise the learning outcomes stream.
  • Christine Imms, Professor and Apex Chair for disabilities research at Melbourne University’s Faculty of Medicine, President of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, will supervise the engagement and participation stream.

1 – Innovative Learning Environments and Teacher Change, www.iletc.com.au

2 – Innovative Learning Environments and Student Experience, www.ilescopingstudy.com.au