This paper assesses prospects for the relationship between educational studies and educational practice, with reference to the current institutional and policy context in England. Drawing on the sociology of educational knowledge and practice, it is argued that educational studies can be conceptualised in contrasting ways, by considering internal structures, external relations and how disciplinary problematics are defined, but also by how educational practice is portrayed. To develop the analysis, Bernstein’s work on knowledge structures and academic and professional discourses is articulated (...) with philosophical work that distinguishes between different conceptualisations of practice prevalent in the humanities and social sciences. This enables critical reflection on three arrangements of educational studies (the foundation disciplines, the new science, and the deliberative traditions) each with their own internal dynamic, socio-epistemic assumptions, relationship to policy, and implications for the future production of knowledge. This process of reflection is illustrated with reference to some recent developments in England that illuminate the current position of educational studies in relation to educational policy and practice. (shrink)

1. The Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) (DfE, 2019b) is a central piece of the UK government’s policy infrastructure around teacher education in England, stipulating a se...

Contemporary universities are engaged in multiple activities, which are often disconnected and subject to powerful external influences. Undergraduate research projects have been posited as a means of enhancing undergraduate education and improving the integration of research and teaching. However, engagement with the core research activity of the institution is not easily achieved. Greater integration between disparate activities within the university is hindered by the dynamics of the higher education field, pressures on academic staff and students, and funding policies. Expanded undergraduate (...) involvement in externally funded research projects could engender connectivity between disconnected parties and with learning contexts often considered external to the university. (shrink)