Conceptual Framework for Bridging Research and Practice

Abstract

This session is designed to set the context and provide a shared conceptual framework for the rest of the day. We'll review the goals and purposes of the session, in particular the intended work products, and address the following questions:
- How has the climate in higher education changed - with greater attention to accountability, learning outcomes, and learner-centeredness - such that improving the quality of teaching and learning have become a higher priority even in research I institutions?
- How could learning science researchers make a meaningful contribution to the improvement of higher education teaching and learning practice - and why should they be interested?
- What is the nature of the gap between research and practice?
- What is the conceptual framework we will be using during the day, so that this diverse group of participants can communicate effectively and we can accomplish our shared goals?