Reporting Research Is Not Enough: Mobilizing Research Collaboration Across School Districts and Faculties of Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 110
  In Roundtable Session: Collaboration and School Partnerships to Improve Student Outcomes

Abstract

This paper reports findings stemming from a mixed-methods study related to K-12 teachers’ understandings of what research is, how research is used by teachers, and what can be done to support teachers in their research practice. We examine the nature of the relationship between teachers and education research, along with issues related to the bridging the research-to-practice gap. Findings from data collected through online surveys and online focus groups, triangulated with face-to-face focus groups, reveal that while a number of participant teachers had successfully collaborated with university researchers, many others felt disconnected from researchers and education research. The recommendations advanced in the paper stress the capacity-building significance of forming and sustaining collaborative research relationships/partnerships between universities and school boards.

Authors

• Maria Cantalini-Williams, Nipissing University

• Terry F. Spencer, London District Catholic School Board

• Colleen C. Willard-Holt, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Dragana Martinovic, University of Windsor

• Natasha Wiebe, University of Windsor

• Snezana Ratkovic, Brock University