Why Research + Practice?

The solution to the gap between research and practice is often framed as a need to incorporate more research findings into practice. This approach assumes that research has answers to the questions of practice, and that these answers need only be disseminated and then applied, resulting in improved practice.

At the Research + Practice Collaboratory we frame the problem differently. We argue that education research needs more active involvement of STEM educators, across all levels of the system and at all stages of research. Our approach is based on decades of research on the “use-of-research” that reveals that most educators do not find education research, as presented in reports and summaries, directly relevant or applicable to their most pressing problems and challenges. Educators access research-based findings through professional networks and trusted colleagues who reference the research in the context of practice.

Jointly-conducted research builds relationships that can lead to more relevant questions and more usable results. It can produce tools and findings that speak directly to the concerns of educators. This approach may also represent a more ethical approach to education research by giving equal voice to the insights, experiences, and complex working conditions of practitioners on the frontlines of advancing equity and excellence in STEM education.

Learn more about what we do here.

At the Research + Practice Collaboratory we frame the problem differently. We argue that educational research needs more active involvement of STEM educators, across all levels of the system and at all stages of research.