Practitioner research: With intent

  • This paper presents a model of professional learning for educators to conduct practitioner research.
  • Educators in early childhood centres worked with university research mentors to construct action research focused on self-identified areas of interest in their rooms and centres.
  • The educators chose to conduct practitioner research relating to: intentional strategies for team collaboration; supporting risky play with toddlers and pre-school-aged children; enhancing teaching practice and children’s learning opportunities; and strengthening transition to school.
  • Educators also used research-based readings to critically reflect on their current practices and worked collaboratively to plan intentional strategies to implement change.
  • Findings suggest that when educators engage in practitioner-led research that focuses on their concerns and issues, meaningful and sustainable change can take place.

Publication

Newman, L., & Leggett, N. (2018). Practitioner research: With intent. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 27(2), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2018.1556538