Marian Morris

MA, PGCE
Principal Research Officer
m.morris@nfer.ac.uk
+44(0)1753 637207

Marian is responsible for research innovation and methodology in the Research, Evaluation and Information Department. She is Head of Data Management Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Services for Children and Young People (C4EO) and is an experienced project manager, directing large-scale evaluations of government initiatives currently focusing on widening participation (Aimhigher), teacher education (for DCSF and the Gatsby Foundation), building research capacity (the Local Authorities Research Consortium) and environmental education (for the RHS). Marian works on a number of nationally representative bodies, such as the Royal Society Advisory group for the State of the Nation Reports, is a core member of the Nuffield 14-19 Review and has acted as a member of bodies such as the assessment panel for the ESRC Science and Mathematics Education Targeted Initiative.

Prior experience and professional background

Joined NFER as a Senior Research Officer in 1990 from a career in teaching. Has since headed the majority of NFER's work in the field of careers education and guidance and has led and directed projects in areas as diverse as environmental education, vocational education, teaching and learning and teacher training and CPD. She has provided consultancy and training on research and programme evaluation techniques for national and international bodies as diverse as the Skills Force Task Group, the British Council, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, the Local Government Association, the Institute of Education in Bucharest and the National Council for Educational Research and Training forum, New Delhi, India.

Main research interests

Careers education and guidance, education policy, environmental education, Excellence in Cities, widening participation, work related curriculum, 14-19 education, Further education, Higher education, research methods and statistics.

Other research interests

Cross-curricular themes and teaching and learning frameworks. Particular research skills are in devising systematic and replicable data collection and analysis frameworks; codifying qualitative data for use in quantitative analysis and the creation of composite indicators (exploring inputs, processes and outcomes) using both qualitative and quantitative data.

Selected publications

Bielby, G., Chamberlain, T., Morris, M., O'Donnell, L. and Sharp, C. (2009). Improving the Wellbeing of Disabled Children and Young People through Improving Access to Positive Activities (C4EO Disability Scoping Review 2). London: Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services.

Coghlan, M., Bergeron, C., White, K., Sharp, C., Morris, M. and Rutt, S. (2009). Narrowing the Gap in Outcomes for Young Children Through Effective Practices in the Early Years (C4EO Early Years: Knowledge Review 1). London: Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services.

Morris, M. and Pullen, C (2007) Disengagement and Re-engagement of Young People in Learning at Key Stage 3. Totnes: Research in Practice. [Available online].

O'Donnell, L., Morris, M. and Wilson, R. (2006). Education Outside the Classroom: an Assessment of Activity and Practice in Schools and Local Authorities (DfES Research Report 803). London: DfES.

Blenkinsop, S. and Morris, M. (2006). 'Making the right choices at 14 and 16', Curriculum Management Update, 71, 4-7.

Blenkinsop, S., McCrone, T., Wade, P. and Morris, M. (2006). How Do Young People Make Choices at 14 and 16? (DfES Research Report 773). London: DfES.

McCrone,T., Morris, M. and Walker, M. (2005). Pupil Choices at Key Stage 3 - Literature Review. London: DfES.