Action research in initial teacher education: an explorative study |
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| Authors: | Jan Ax Petra Ponte Niels Brouwer |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Amsterdam , The Netherlands j.ax@uva.nl;3. Leiden University and Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht , The Netherlands;4. Radboud University Nijmegen , The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | The aim of the study was to describe students’ and teacher educators’ practical experience with action research and to identify a number of special points for consideration (opportunities and limitations) which could play a role in putting research into practice in concrete terms in the courses. Students and teacher educators on three Dutch initial teacher education programmes which treat action research as both a means of professional development and a necessary professional qualification were involved. These were programmes for specific teaching levels and subjects in Dutch schools. Four special points for consideration are identified: action research and the educational core qualifications of the profession; difference between action research by student teachers during their initial education and experienced teachers in their own workplace; students’ mixed experiences and perceptions of research; and embedded research‐based activities in the programme. The authors conclude that action research should be considered from different perspectives: as a professional approach, a body of skills that is needed to make the connection between knowing that and knowing why; and as a way of improving practice by systematically building up practice‐based knowledge. |
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| Keywords: | action research initial teacher education curriculum development professional development |
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