AERS consists of three networks:

• Learning, Learners and Teaching;

• School Management and Governance;

• and Schools and Social Capital.

Along side this there is a program of more generic capacity-building activities.

Each of these networks has a number of projects.

Learners, Learning and Teaching Network

This Network seeks to apply social learning theory and the concept of community of enquiry to the exploration and enhancement of learning and teaching in Scottish education. The projects examine conditions affecting both teachers as learners in the context of professional development and pupils as learners in the context of schools and other learning environments. More

School Management and Governance Network

This Network explores issues arising from the changing models of school governance that have developed in recent decades, from the growing demands on school leadership and from the increased importance attached to the internal organisation of schools, for example as a means to foster values of citizenship in young people. More.

Schools and Social Capital Network

The SSC Network seeks to build on the resources among teachers, young people, parents and community in maximising learning and achievement. The SSC Network Plan is revised regularly. It describes current and future activities. More.

Capacity Building Activities

Capacity building activities are supported by providing both a formal training programme of web-based modules in educational research and non-formal research training based on the specific learning needs identified among those involved in the projects of the three Thematic Networks.

Arrangements are in place for formal mentoring and the attachment of early career researchers to the three networks in the form of AERS Fellowships.