Welcome to the Teacher Inquiry in Computing Education (TICE) project, which is organised by the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Centre and supported by Computing At School (CAS) as well as volunteers from several UK universities.
The TICE project supports computing teachers in conducting action research projects within their schools as part of their classroom activity.
These pages are the starting point for your own project, whether you’re taking part in the supported or self-study route. Find out more about the TICE project in general, explore what is involved in an action research project and access all the resources and materials you need for a successful project.
Teacher inquiry, also known as practitioner research or action research is a research-oriented activity designed to improve current practice.
Generally, it can be defined as:
the study of a social situation with a view to improving the quality of action within it (Elliott, John (1991). Action Research for Educational Change. Open University Press, Buckingham.)
It starts with a particular interest in a problem, a sense that something could be approached differently to achieve a better outcome. In the context of the classroom, this could be a teaching strategy such as assessment and the feedback we give our pupils to improve attainment; or a topic, such as the threshold concept of variables; or a wider issue, such as girls not choosing to opt for Computer Science at Key Stage 3.
The appeal of action research is that it is firmly located in your classroom and your approach to teaching your students. It enables you to reflect on your own practice. To hone in on an aspect of your teaching that you would like to improve. Consequently, it is excellent professional development.
Of course, it may not be focused on a problem area but merely something you want to try out or think about.
Whilst the research is undertaken with your students in your classroom, the benefit of the research can have far-reaching implications and contribute to the body of practice in other departments in your schools as well as nationally and even internationally.
The course runs during the Autumn and Spring terms.
There are two routes:
The Supported Study route provides structured support and access to online and face-to-face meetings. Participants involved in TICE will be paired with experienced mentors throughout their journey. These volunteer mentors will provide guidance, assistance, and expertise to help navigate the complexities of their projects, offering insights, feedback, and encouragement along the way.
The Self Study program allows you full flexibility with your research projects. You will have access to all of our online materials to plan and execute your project independently and at your own pace.
If you would like to register your interest in the Teaching Inquiry in Computing Education (TICE) project please complete the form using the link below.
Completion of the form does not commit you to participating but you will receive further information and details of an introductory webinar explaining more.
Please note: Enrollment for the academic year 2024-25 has now closed but do get in touch if you would like to participate next year.
