Linking Theory with Practice in the Classroom

Focusing on the professional learning journeys of practising teachers and their tutors, this book takes readers through the experiences of teachers on the Developing Innovative Pedagogies through the Lesson Study module at the University of East Anglia.

Building on the perspectives of teachers practising Lesson Study, the book delves into the design of a series of action research cycles to solve authentic learning and teaching problems in a variety of educational settings. In addition to theoretical tools and concepts on pedagogy, this book gives voice to teachers who become researchers while crossing the boundaries of school and university and the boundaries of theory and practice. The teacher researchers ask their own questions, test their hypotheses and work collaboratively with their school colleagues to experiment with teaching strategies aimed at learning with understanding. The chapters feature the voices of the pupils themselves and their experiences of learning within a range of educational settings and phases.

Written for teachers, leaders in education, teacher educators and researchers, this book shows that the combination of good learning theories and teacher collaboration help bridge the gap between theory and practice in teachers’ professional learning and enable learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding.

John Elliott is Emeritus Professor of Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of East Anglia, UK. He is well known internationally for his role in developing the theory and practice of educational action research in the contexts of curriculum and teacher development, and has directed a number of funded collaborative classroom research projects with teachers and schools.

Vicky Christoforatou is a Lecturer in Education on the Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education Course at the University of East Anglia, UK. In her role as teacher educator, she specialises in the field of English Language and Literature teaching. Vicky was also an English teacher and literacy coordinator in a variety of educational contexts locally and nationally.