Research and professional development of teacher educators

Abstract

Over the last decade teacher educators have started to systematically study the processes involved in their efforts to improve their teacher education practices. This research by teacher educators (self-study research) has made an enormous contribution to the professional development of the teacher educators involved. Many teacher educators, however, have neither the time nor the knowledge to systematically study their own practices. In the light of this situation, the authors of this article have tried to devise other research strategies to support the professional development of teacher educators. The three studies presented in this article can be described as research with teacher educators. In closing, and based on the reflection on the three studies, five characteristics of productive research with teacher educators are presented.