Although theories around Communities of Practice have gained significant ground in recent years and have become an important focus for organizational development, there is a gap in studies that investigate what members gain from participation in these communities. This paper explains how the value creation framework was implemented in a…

It is argued that a learning environment underpinned by a strengths-based collaborative approach between universities and schools offers extended pre-service teacher learning opportunities and subsequently enhanced preparation. The term "hybrid space" describes the ideal environment of shared partnership where knowledge is jointly…

The United Kingdom Medical Research Council recommends use of a conceptual framework for designing and testing complex therapeutic interventions. "Partnering for Change" (P4C) is an innovative school-based intervention for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) that was developed by an interdisciplinary team who were…

We would describe teaching literacy through braille as one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of the role of a Qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired (QTVI). This article focuses on teaching literacy through braille in mainstream settings whilst promoting inclusion and meeting the social-emotional needs of children who use braille.…

Although there is limited research into the success of primary school networking initiatives in the UK, there is a drive at national government level for promoting school collaborative working arrangements as a catalyst for whole-school improvement. This paper discusses the findings from research into two such initiatives: "Networked Learning…

Examines head teachers' accounts of the extent and significance of interschool networking between primary schools, secondary schools, and across the primary/secondary divide, in five groups of schools in the United Kingdom. Analyzes the types of collaboration and the tension between conflict and collaboration for schools within the networks.…

Explores the primary deputy head's role, focusing on the deputy/head interrelationship, based on interviews with administrators of 10 (British) primary schools. Identifies factors influencing this interrelationship, highlighting partner similarities and the use of complementarity, compensation, tolerance, acceptance, and accommodation to handle…

The Thinking Together educational approach was first developed in the UK to promote the use of exploratory talk in primary classrooms. The approach was then adapted and applied to the very different context of Mexican state primary education. This paper compares the program in Mexico with the program in the UK and concludes that, despite that fact…

The research reported in this paper concerns the development of children's skills of interpreting and evaluating evidence in science. Previous studies have shown that school teaching often places limited emphasis on the development of these skills, which are necessary for children to engage in scientific debate and decision-making. The research,…

Summarizes a study of 30 headteachers that examined how British primary schools collaborated and how changes associated with local school management affected their relations with each other. Identifies competition for pupils as the main reason for deteriorating relations. The local education authority's declining role should spur principals to…

Examines what two school-based qualitative research projects on staff relationships and whole school curriculum development have discovered about (British) primary school leadership and development. Findings suggest the importance of a collaborative culture and facilitative leadership styles. Reflections on leadership complexity, instrumental and…

Uses a case study format to describe a British rural primary school's experience with evaluating a School Teacher Appraisal Pilot Study. Tips are provided for others embarking on similar ventures. Findings showed that appraisal does not take place in isolation and that long-term effects depend on its integration with other review and development…

The initial training of the United Kingdom's primary teachers is undergoing major restructuring. This article analyzes the main strands of these changes over the last 10 years, examining both the politicization of teacher education and the development of theoretical perspectives that reveal the complexity of the nature of professional knowledge.…

Pointing out that the term "videotex" is a general term covering three types of videotex systems, i.e., teletext, viewdata, and cable text, this paper briefly describes such systems and notes that their future depends on social acceptance and permeation as well as government regulations. The difficulties for international videotex…

This paper focuses on a British Council funded Higher Education Link project involving three institutions--Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK and two South African institutions, the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Rhodes University. The link is a research and development project that has three main research strands:…