Realizing Research-Practice Connections: Three Cases From the Learning Sciences

Abstract

Empirical insights from the learning sciences must be translatable to contexts of application to maximize impact. Despite the importance of dissemination, however, little guidance is available to help researchers proactively bridge the research-practice divide. To address this need, we draw from theoretical perspectives on the utility of empirical research to characterize, illustrate, and discuss three cases involving the communication and translation of research. By offering framework for analysis and initial findings based on three projects in the learning sciences, this paper helps learning scientists conceptualize a range of research-practice connection types and envision how they can take shape in learning sciences projects.