Linking practice and theory: the pedagogy of realistic teacher education
Routledge 2001
This book (2001) is the result of the joint research of a group of educationalist of Utrecht University, around Fred Korthagen. It focuses on the concept of ‘realistic teacher education’ and is set up as a journey back and forth between practice and theory. The book is not only about linking them, but models how it can be done, providing both practical solutions and research-based theoretical foundations.
One of the leading distinctions is between different conceptions of knowledge, especially theoretical knowledge (episteme) and practical wisdom (phronesis), the old Aristotelian contrast. This brings about a fundamental shift in thinking about teacher education, and the type of skills of a reflective practitioner.
The book has served as a guide for teacher educators, with many practical ideas and instructions.