FAQ - Can you give me some information about the ESRC TLRP Phase 3?

Answer

The Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) is a programme run by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and its prime objective is to support research which will lead to improvements in the achievement of learners of all ages, in all sectors and contexts of education, training and lifelong learning throughout the UK. Phase 3 is concerned specifically with post-compulsory education, including informal and adult learning. The first phase of bidding is now over and the shortlised projects will submit full proposals in October. Projects will be announced early in 2003.

The Programme comprises a number of large-scale research projects and other related activities designed to achieve that aim. Further background information on the TLRP can be found at the TLRP Website: http://www.tlrp.org/.
Who is eligible to bid for these funds?
HE Institutions in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be eligible.
How much funding is available?
Phase 3 of TLRP will make available £9 million with individual bids ranging from 100K to 1.3M.
What are the aims of the programme? The aims of the programme are:

• to enhance achievement of learners
• to enhance capacity to use the current knowledge bases
• to develop capacity for research
• to prompt multidisciplinary research.

Phase 3 is aimed at the post-compulsory education sector including CDP, community learning, voluntary sector, informal learning and transitional phases.

What were the guidelines for putting a successful proposal together?
A successful proposal was expected to meet the programme objectives by:

• transforming current knowledge bases
• engaging appropriate partners throughout
• employing clear and rigorous methods
• fully participating in the programme-wide activities.

The panel looked for clear research questions, appropriate methods, and realistic timescales. Innovation, clear outcome measures, and well-established and active networks that include users in the research and dissemination throughout, not just at the end were favoured.

What is the timetable for the project announcements?
The timetable was:

• research specification announced: 2 January 2002 on http://www.tlrp.org/.
• outline proposals due: 15 April 2002
• shortlist: July 2002
• full proposals: October 2002
• decisions: January 2003.
• project starts: Spring/Summer 2003

How were bids reviewed?
The proposals will be sent to two types of referees. Academic reviewers will review it for appropriateness of question, methods, dissemination and continuation strategies and value for money. Proposal writers are required to submit names of at least two reviewers. These should be people who will be able to judge research in your area. It is a good idea to show the proposal to the people you are naming in advance so there are no surprises. At least one of these named reviewers will be sent the proposal. There will also be reviewers from the 'user community'. For instance, if you are writing a proposal to improve access to voluntary sector services, the proposal will be reviewed by voluntary organisations and by the people who use them. These reviewers will be commenting on the importance and appropriateness of the research questions. If they feel that the questions are irrelevant to them, even if the proposal is brilliant, it was likely to fail.

What is LTSN-01's role in this programme?
LTSN-01 will be allowed to bid for these funds but it will also be serving as broker to help our constituencies. LTSN will undoubtedly be involved in dissemination activities for projects.

Last updated: 04 July 2011