Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Thoughtful Engagement with Research in Education

Elaine Munthe is a Professor of Education and Director of the Knowledge Center for Education at the University of Stavanger (Norway). She was first educated as a teacher and taught for some years at International Schools and in Norway, before continuing her studies and receiving a PhD in Education from the University of Oslo. Appointed as the NIE’s fourth Dr Ruth Wong Professor in Teacher Education, Professor Munthe provided her insights on bridging the gap between research and practice as characterised by uncertainty, a topic she delivered at the Redesigning Pedagogy International Conference on 28 May 2024.

Bridging the gap between research and practice in education is crucial for the evolution of teacher education and professional learning. Dr Ruth Wong's insights into educational innovations in Singapore underscore the importance of quality in education and the role of research in shaping curriculum and teacher quality. Shifting focus from quantity to quality poses challenges, but it is not an impossible task. Variables in research and practice are difficult to control or predict, highlighting the uncertainty that characterises both domains.

She added that it is essential for researchers to develop practice-literacy and for practitioners to develop research-literacy to navigate this uncertainty effectively. Research can empower educators to critically evaluate their teaching methods, understand student needs, and develop innovative strategies for better learning outcomes. Integrating research into teacher education programmes equips future educators with skills to analyse and apply educational theories practically.

The synergy between research and practice can lead to a more dynamic and responsive education system. Encouraging teachers to engage in ongoing research and thoughtfully engage in research literature can improve teaching practices and contribute to the advancement of the educational field. By bridging the gap between research and practice, we can cultivate a strong foundation that supports effective teaching, fosters lifelong learning, and drives innovation in education.