What do rapid evidence reviews have to contribute to educational research?

Rapid evidence reviews are a relatively recent innovation in educational research, though they have been used more widely in other areas, such as reviews for Government policy groups.  This seminar will look at the potential contribution of rapid evidence reviews to educational research.  How do they differ from other forms of reviews, such as systematic reviews or more conventional reviews of the literature?  Where might rapid evidence reviews be most appropriate?  To illustrate these points the seminar will draw on the methods and findings of a recently completed rapid evidence review of the use of independent research projects in school science teaching.  The review was commissioned by the Wellcome Trust in response to concerns about changes in the nature and assessment for practical work in England, and involved looking at both national and international literature.