Research engagement for the school teacher and its role in the education community

Abstract

This feature article discusses whether teacher professionalism can and should include research engagement as part of a broader conception of the teacher's role. The importance of teachers' awareness of research is considered, and an argument is put forward that more active forms of research engagement are likely to have better outcomes in terms of professional learning and skills. The various forms that teacher research could take are briefly discussed, and the establishment of a research centre at the author's school is presented as one possible model for increasing teachers' research engagement. Barriers to teacher research are also considered.

Keywords

• teacher research
• professionalism
• autonomy
• evidence-based practice
• schools