Abstract
This paper explores building a collaborative organisational culture between research institutes, in-service teachers, and Ministry of Education (“MOE”) collaborators in Singapore. Our research aims to create an equitable, dialogic relationship between the three parties to enact a bottom-up Research-Practice Partnership (“RPP”) to foster intercultural exchanges of knowledge among researchers, teachers, and MOE collaborators. We sought to enact student voice in the classroom through dialogic pedagogy. Insights from the researchers and collaborators provide practical on-the-ground perspectives on implementing equitable RPPs in educational contexts. A qualitative case study approach was employed to analyse the collected data which consists of a lesson study cycle and the researchers’ and collaborator’s reflexive reflections. The collected data was coded and recursively coded to identify overarching themes. The empirical evidence revealed that the dialogic principles that underlie the RPP catalysed knowledge creation resulting in a reevaluation of pedagogy. Alexander’s (2008) dialogic talk moves similarly reimagined interactions and stakeholder relationships among the organisations. Further, it was also revealed that the MOE collaborator was vital in building an equitable dynamic and the researchers’ reflections provided steps to improve the processes of building a dialogic RPP. From empirical evidence, it can be concluded that an equitable, bottom-up RPP can be established by leveraging on dialogic talk, however, subtle underlying hierarchal tensions among the relationships remained. This paper discusses the findings and implications as such. However, the researchers’ reflections on enacting a more equitable and practical RPP are valid in advancing new conceptions of RPP.
Presenters
Carina KohResearch Associate, Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice, National Institute of Education, South West, Singapore Andrew J Pereira
Education Research Scientist , Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice , Nanyang Technological University/National Institute of Education , South West, Singapore
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Organizational Intangibles and Tangible Value
KEYWORDS
Research-Practice Partnerships, Bottom-Up Approach, Organisational Culture, Education Studies, Co-Constructing Cultures
