Moving Out and Letting Go: How to Create a More Equitable Researcher Practitioner Partnership

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating Roles and Partnerships in Teacher Education (Table 11)

Abstract

An increasingly popular solution to educational research and policies that are shaped and driven solely by researchers’ agendas is the RPP (researcher practitioner partnership). In this paper, we explore the challenges of establishing a fully participatory co-research structure, and the benefits and opportunities that can occur through the dual processes of researchers letting go and teachers moving out of their comfort zone. We utilize a mixed methods case study approach. We use the boundary spanning framework to understand how these relational dynamics can be navigated. Findings showcase how this approach provides both challenges and opportunities for researchers and practitioners to expand their roles, and the importance of trusting relationships built through both formal and informal interactions.

Authors

• Eva Skuratowicz, Southern Oregon University

• Daniel Schmidt, Partner to Improve

• Jennifer Mohatt, Phoenix Talent School District

• Trish Yoshiko Dorr, Ashland School District

• Dylana Garfas, Ashland School District

• Eping Hung, Southern Oregon University

• Gladys Krause, College of William & Mary

• Maggie Vanderberg, Southern Oregon University