Teacher Research Literacy (TREL)

The Teacher Research Literacy (TREL) project builds a collaborative network across the Nordic-Baltic region to bridge university-based research with school-based practice. Through structured dialogue, workshops, and the development of tools, TREL supports the growth of research literacy among teachers (both pre-service and in-service). The project supports and encourages teachers to integrate reflective, research-based methods into their teaching and professional growth.

As part of the TREL project, the team, led by academics at the University of South Eastern Norway, developed the Handbook of Best Practices. TREL bought together university educators, schoolteachers, administrators, and mentors in order to strengthen teacher research skills. Developing research competencies helps teachers to critically address classroom challenges, innovate practices, and enhance student learning. The project demonstrated that meaningful research engagement is possible when supported by trust, mentoring, and institutional commitment.

a dozen eggs were invited to design and typeset the handbook with the aim of making it both engaging and accessible. The design emphasises clarity and readability, using pull-out sections to highlight key insights and ensure that important information is easy to digest. Since the handbook brings together chapters authored by a range of contributors, the design also plays a crucial role in creating a sense of visual and structural consistency across the handbook.

An extended colour palette was applied to give the handbook both structure and visual rhythm. Each section was distinguished through its own colour, allowing readers to easily navigate the content while also creating a sense of progression through the book. These colours loosely echoed the identities of the partner universities, subtly acknowledging their contribution to the project without overwhelming the overall design.

To complement the text, each chapter is accompanied by bespoke illustrations depicting everyday school scenes. These not only add colour and vibrancy but also introduce a lighter, more approachable tone, balancing the academic content with visual storytelling. The combination of thoughtful layout, consistent design elements, and playful imagery helps ensure that the handbook speaks to a wide audience of educators, researchers, and policymakers alike.

To explore the project further, stay updated on new developments, or join the TREL community, visit www.teacher-research-lit.com.