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The gap between educational research and practice: Views of teachers, school leaders, intermediaries and researchers
Author(s) -
Vanderlinde Ruben,
Braak Johan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
british educational research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.171
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1469-3518
pISSN - 0141-1926
DOI - 10.1080/01411920902919257
Subject(s) - educational research , intermediary , pedagogy , sociology , focus group , phenomenon , position (finance) , empirical research , relation (database) , psychology , public relations , political science , business , philosophy , physics , finance , epistemology , marketing , quantum mechanics , database , anthropology , computer science
The relation between educational research and practice is a growing point of interest and has produced numerous lively debates. Although many reports and position papers have been published on this topic, little empirical data are available. The aim of this study is to explore the gap between educational research and practice and to assess the views of different key actors. After reviewing the literature, focus group interviews were organised with teachers, school leaders, researchers, and intermediaries. Questionnaire data were obtained from educational research professors in Flanders. Results indicate that the gap between educational research and practice should be approached as a complex and differentiated phenomenon. All participants agreed that more cooperation between researchers and practitioners is necessary. This could be achieved by establishing ‘professional learning communities’ or by promoting a ‘design‐based research’ model.