Researchers cultivating a long-term relationship with schools

Abstract

Cultivating an effective working relationship with schools is of great practical importance to education researchers, but little research literature on this topic exists. This study is an extension of classroom based collaborative research between a university faculty of education and schools into the use of Fathom™ software. A preliminary review concluded the research may have been enhanced if a robust working relationship had existed prior to the original study. Interviews were then conducted with the two principals of the participating schools, with supporting information provided by teachers and a university education lecturer. The interviews identified seven themes, and, influenced by Lave and Wenger’s (1991) community of practice, a seven-element model for cooperation with schools is proposed. This model reconceptualises education research as only one element of a multi-faceted relationship with schools, rather than the principal objective.