Research Groups
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
led by Professors John Schostak and Harry Torrance
This group conducts research on all aspects of professional practice and training, across a range of occupations.
The Professional Issues Group focuses on issues of ‘professionality’: that is, the nature of professional education, practice, knowledge and identity, and the implications for the improvement of teaching and learning. The group are internationally known for their work in practitioner action research, teacher education, and post-compulsory education (age 14 onwards). Members’ research covers a range of occupational areas including nursing, social work, management, mentoring, health, VSO workers, initial teacher education, further and higher education, music education and inspection.
Current and recent projects include early professional learning (Ian Stronach, ESRC, with Stirling University); research-based professionalism (Ian Stronach, ESRC); teachers’ perceptions of continuing professional development (Hustler, DfES); assessment practices in the learning and skills sector (Harry Torrance, Learning and Skills Development Agency); the national evaluation of the health care links initiative in primary schools (Sheila Stark & Ian Stronach, Department of Health), and a range of projects and reviews of initial teacher education and induction funded by the Teacher Training Agency. Other sponsors include DfID, Epalatine, VSO and the Learning and Skills Council.
Other services to research include training and development for the University of Primovska and the National Leadership School, Slovenia, seminars for the World Bank, and co-directorship of two ESRC seminar series, on identity and agency in through the life-course, and youth mentoring. The Chair of Universities Council for the Education of Teachers (UCET) is a member of the group.
Group members edit the international Journal of Education for Teaching. Recent books include Rethinking Teacher Education (Pete Gilroy et al, Routledge Falmer), Improving Induction: Research-basesd best practice for schools (Michael Totterdell & co-authors, Routledge Falmer) and Action Research: A Methodology for Change and Development (Bridget Somekh, OU Press).