Aimie Brennan

A6 #LTHEChat Well, I’ve always liked a challenge so at the moment I am motivated by applying for funding and encouraging colleagues to see the benefits and joys of research. @aimiebrennan.bsky.social @lthechat.bsky.social

#LTHEchat Thanks everyone for engaging. Some fabulous resources shared for those joining late.

Q6 - Going forward, do you think there are other supports or resources which could be put in place to help you be research active post-graduation? What are they and who do you think should lead this?

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a penguin wearing sunglasses and a flower earring is holding a sign that says confidence ALT: a penguin wearing sunglasses and a flower earring is holding a sign that says confidence

A2 Yes, as it makes me a more well-rounded #professional by allowing me to #research how to improve my #practice. Additionally, help me to understand my #students better. I think anything that makes us more #active and interacting with students or research will build our confidence #LTHEChat

#LTHEchat Adding value is an important point. Time is an issue for most and carving out regular time for research/writing is easier said than done! I think it’s important to prioritise…avoid getting sucked in by admin, and linking research with teaching can be more feasible.

#LTHEchat 100% find your tribe 🙌

And of course the award winning Talking HE podcast that @santanuvasant.bsky.social leads creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/... #LTHEchat

#LTHEchat All common challenges Bianca. How do you stay motivated to engage in research? I find focusing on my own practice very motivating because I can see the value of the results on T&L; also working with enthusiastic and curious colleagues is a huge motivator.

a cat is playing with an apple laptop with the words research time written below it ALT: a cat is playing with an apple laptop with the words research time written below it

A4 For scholarship, my HE institution provides information about co-creation with students (blog.westminster.ac.uk/studentpartn...). Then SEDA website www.seda.ac.uk/research/, SoTL websites #LTHEChat

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Q5 - Finding time and appropriate resources are often cited as the most common challenges facing teachers and educators. How do you balance your engagement in research with your everyday work?

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Scholarship Spotlight Shining a spolight on scholarship resources

The Scholarship Spotlight website is a useful source of information #LTHEchat
scholarshipspotlight.uk

A4 Communities such as SEDA, ALT, ALDinHE and SRHE, plus sector colleagues who I have worked with on #SoTL when institutionally there isn't the will or way sometimes. Find your tribe(s). #LTHEChat

#LTHEchat I hear you!! I find working in small teams or collaborating in some way can help a lot, but you do need to find likeminded colleagues.

Q4 - What resources have you found most helpful when trying to stay research active in your profession?

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Agreed #LTHEchat disappointing to hear that this view is not shared

Echo this. Every SoTL project no matter how small can make a difference and create ripple effect if shared with peers. #LTHEchat

Are there other networks or forums (in addition to this one) that you have found valuable that you could share with others? I know many action researchers in particular speak highly of CARN and NEARI networks. #LTHEchat

#LTHEchat A2 Yes, practice as research builds confidence - and as a staff developer, it gives me confidence in the what/why/how of what we do across our PGCert: it is research-informed. Re autonomy - that gets > problematic as managers & bodies like OfS assert their right to manage pedagogy & praxis

A2 Since starting to use my research hours for teaching focused research I’ve felt so much more immersed in what I’m doing…it’s also made me more reflective and curious about different approaches which I think has naturally strengthened what I do #LTHEchat

A notepad with the word Researcher written in blue, on the pad, a pair of glasses and a blue highlighter without the lid on.

Q3 - In your opinion, what are the challenges to staying active as a researcher, post-graduation?

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That’s true Jacqui, it can be comforting to know that others are thinking about/dealing with similar challenges #LTHEchat This does highlight the importance of sharing the research we’re doing…

When staff share what they are doing during action research, this is powerful, seen this alot with PgCert HE students over the years. Shame when this culture doesn't continue in their departments. #LTHEChat

A2 I couldn’t agree more @santanuvasant.bsky.social, research should never be considered ‘elite’ or overly academic. It can be a mindset and approach that underpins everyday practice!

I love that Sandra! Action research used in this way can be a valuable form of reflection and professional development #LTHEchat

#LTHEchat A1 As with @aimiebrennan.bsky.social I tend to see all my practice as ongoing action research. Perhaps it is easier to adopt that lens as I am an education or staff developer - but I also encourage all our staff-as-students, no matter their discipline to see their practice also as research

Table with red notebook closed with a pen on top, a pair of folded glasses, a small blackboard with the word Research written on it

Q2 - Do you think engaging in research has strengthened your confidence and autonomy as an educator? How so?

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Do you focus mostly on your own practice @martinrich106.bsky.social or are you more interested in T&L processes more generally?

Hi everyone 👋 looking forward to hearing your thoughts #LTHEchat

A teacher on screen via digital recording from a phone, also in the room the outline of two students one with hand up

Q1 - Teacher researcher is different from postgraduate research. What kind of research or inquiry do you most engage with during your practice, if any?

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LTHEChat 346: Staying Active as a Researcher After Graduation: Teachers as Knowledge-Builders Join us on Bluesky with guest Aimie Brennan (@aimiebrennan.bsky.social) on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 at 20:00 GMT For many educators, research is something we associate with initial teacher educ…

Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for #LTHEchat, which will explore Staying active researchers after graduation with @aimiebrennan.bsky.social on Wednesday 8-9pm GMT. Read the blog post at: shorturl.at/wFm9z