Pedagogic Interest Group: a novel and proven collaborative, adhocracy research group structure

Abstract

Background: Teaching is a core activity for universities, and pedagogic research is essential for improving student experience, staff satisfaction, and REF and TEF scores. Pedagogic research is often performed as a secondary research area or by part-time staff, requiring good collaboration. Existing research structures in universities often result in pedagogic research falling through the gaps and for quality work and pedagogic improvements to be missed.
Aim: To develop a clear and flexible structure to improve participation in and the output of pedagogic research in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Methods: A collaborative adhocracy called the Pedagogic Interest Group (PIG) was created in January 2020. It was designed to allow collaborative, flexible research projects to be easily set up by any member of staff. The group supervises and organises a team of people for each project, drawing on all previously involved staff's expertise and contacts through an initial project meeting organised by an independent group chair. Each project group runs independently, with further help
available from the group chairs.
Results: Under the PIG structure, seven projects have been undertaken in less than one year, with two papers published, one under review, two in preparation, one abstract accepted at an international conference, fifteen funded undergraduate research
projects completed. Part-time teaching staff are more involved in the research. Internally, three departments and externally, three other UK universities have been collaboratively involved in research projects.
Conclusion: The PIG structure works and depends on staff's continued engagement and at least two independent chairs for impartiality and transparency.