Community of Inquiry
Starting the conversation—examining researching practice and practicing research

What is research in practice?

We use the term “research in practice” to refer to literacy research conducted or carried out by the people who are directly involved in the program where the research is taking place.

Horseman and Norton (1999) used the term to describe a range of ways that practitioners might be involved in research including reading, reflecting, responding to research or applying research to their methods or practices.

There is a growing interest in research in literacy practice, however, there is also controversy. Practitioners may question the value of carrying out research within their own practices and academics may question the merit of practitioner research.

Reasons for supporting research in practice:

• Linking and rethinking research and practice. Improving practice and encouraging critical reflection.
• Providing professional development and encouraging practitioner research.
• Hearing practitioners and learners’ voices and creating new knowledge.
• Informing and challenging policy.
• Responding to national and local needs.
• Creating a visible research culture.

“It simply makes us better”: A resource for Literacy Research in Practice in Canada. 2002. Edmonton, AB,. Norton and Quigley.

Who does it?

Practitioners. Reading and reflecting are particularly important to research in practice. Few practitioners regard themselves as people who carry out research. Horseman and Norton (1999) focus on practitioner researchers. “Experienced researchers, whether located in the field or in the academy, can provide support for research in practice through mentoring and writing, collaborative research with practitioners, and through their own research about practice.”

Goals would include linking research and practice and promoting dialogues about roles and various forms of research.

“A framework to Encourage and Support Practitioner Involvement in Adult Literacy Research in Canada". 1999. Edmonton, AB. Norton and Horseman.

Special points of interest:

• “It simply makes us better” www.nald.ca/ripal/Resourcs/simply/english/cover.htm
• “A framework to Encourage and Support Practitioner Involvement in Adult Literacy Research in Practice in Canada” www.nald.ca/PROVINCE/ALT/RiPAL/Resourcs/Framwrk/cover.htm