Research-Practice Partnerships in Education: A Literature Review on Their Mechanisms for Educational Improvement

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 12:40 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Maximizing the Potential of Research Practice Partnerships (Table 26)

Abstract

Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) aim to bridge the research-practice gap in education, but our understanding of their complex social mechanisms is still limited. This study applies a mechanism framework (Illari et al., 2012) to systematically identify and structure the key component parts of RPP mechanisms based on a systematic literature review. Preliminary findings confirm the complex multifaceted nature of RPP mechanisms and their diverse outcomes and entities. Notably, the strategic partnership setup – institutionalization, boundary crossing infrastructure, support from institutional leaders, and a collaborative research agenda – and social relationships between partnership members play significant roles for the RPP outcomes. By offering a systematic outline of RPP mechanisms, this study advances theoretical understanding and provides insights for future empirical research and RPP implementation.

Authors

• Raphaela Schlicht-Schmälzle, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education

• Antje Thiele, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education

• Sølvi Lillejord, University of Bergen

• Catherine E. Snow, Harvard University

• Mareike Kunter, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education

• Ulrike Hartmann, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education