MACMILLAN Practice-Focused Research in Further Adult and Vocational Education: Shifting Horizons of Educational Practice, Theory and Research

This book examines how educational practice can be improved through practice-focused educational research. The editors and contributors explore the issues involved in breaking down boundaries between educational research and practice - research often seen as an elitist activity that can only be determined by a favoured few - as well as the socially constructed nature of boundaries between academic and vocational education. Containing illuminating case studies written by practicing teachers from the further and vocational education sector, it posits that educational research should enable teachers to learn from research in order to improve their own educational practice. This book will be of interest and value to scholars of further and vocational education, as well as those wanting to bridge the gap between research and practice.  About the Author Margaret Gregson is Professor of Vocational Education and Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT) at the University of Sunderland, UK. Her research interests include practice-focused research, initial and continuing teacher education and approaches to educational evaluation and improvement. Patricia Spedding is Associate Professor of Learning and Teaching at the Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT) at the University of Sunderland, UK. Her research interests include understandings of the development and sustainability of innovative pedagogy for the initial and continuing education of teachers.