A Field Note Describing the Development and Dissemination of Clear Language Research Summaries for University-Based Knowledge Mobilization

Abstract

<jats:p> This field note places research summaries in the context of the knowledge mobilization literature and then describes the development, evaluation and dissemination of clear language research summaries as tools for research outreach, research communication and knowledge mobilization. The ResearchSnapshot clear language research summary format was developed with input from a Steering Committee comprised of academic and non-academic members. The research summary format was tested in roundtables of diverse research stakeholders and received positive feedback. The research summaries were then made accessible online and disseminated using a social media strategy. The use of twitter to enhance dissemination of the research summaries increased web traffic to the research summary database by 270%. This field note concludes with clear recommendations for individuals and organizations interested in developing their own clear language research summaries.</jats:p>

What makes a good educational research summary? A comparative judgement study of mathematics teachers' and mathematics education researchers' views

“…To help substantiate a policy position or help bolster argument; to support funding applications; to give a sense of validation/justification (Phipps et al, 2020)…”

“…For increased awareness (Hutchinson & Huberman, 1994) an introduction to research (Phipps et al, 2020)…”

“…Literature reviews, which are the result of considering research and ensuring it is 'digested, sifted, classified, simplified, andsynthesized' (Manten, 1973 in Cooper &Hedges, 2009, p. 109), may have many purposes, only one of which is a summary of practices or applications for practitioners. For those research summaries which do share this purpose, some success criteria may be universal; Phipps et al (2020) found that clear language, usability and good design (although the meaning of this is not completely clear) were shared features of all successful research summaries. Shank and Brown (2007, p. 17) categorised secondary articles as 'the work of someone who has read primary research articles or reports and then tells us their thoughts and under-standings…not usually based directly in research findings, but on interpretations [of them]'.…”

“…Further work in this area is suggested to resolve some of these contentions, and combine the ideas of 'Goldilocks' features with purposes to create a detailed framework for evaluation which can then be tested. For increased awareness (Hutchinson & Huberman, 1994) an introduction to research (Phipps et al, 2020) Another recommendation is that graphic design is worthy of 'serious and critical attention' (Barnard, 2013, p. 8). To date, not enough attention has been paid to design elements in research summaries, and in particular how they interact with structural elements to signpost levels of importance, break text and images into sections to support storytelling, and increase accessibility.…”

“…Since there is an argument that (at least some) educational research should be relevant and usable—including being focused on matters teachers can actually control (Stoll, 2012)—an understanding of the needs of teachers by researchers is implied as necessary. One barrier to this has been suggested: hierarchical ideas of academic superiority may impair research‐practice relationships (Farley‐Ripple & Grajeda, 2020; Lysenko et al, 2014), and language is one way in which this has been expressed; the outputs of academic research are often written in technical language that is not accessible or useful to non‐academic audiences (Phipps et al, 2020; See et al, 2016) and therefore preserve or gatekeep the separation of the two communities.…”