Research Mobilities in Primary Literacy Education

Book excerpt: This book delves into the intriguing question of why certain types of literacy research gain more traction than others in educational settings, irrespective of the quality of the research or the efforts of the researchers. It draws upon findings from Research Mobilities in Primary Literacy Education, an innovative and interdisciplinary study conducted in England and supported by the Economic and Social Research Council [ES/W000571/1]. The study investigated the types of literacy research that reach teachers, the ways in which human and non-human actors mobilise research, and the transformation of research as it circulates. The book argues that, for teachers to foster genuinely inclusive literacy classrooms, they need to be equipped to draw on understandings associated with a variety of theoretical perspectives and research traditions. It further explores the dynamics of research dissemination and the factors that influence the uptake and application of research findings in educational contexts. This work is an original and groundbreaking contribution to the debate on the scope and focus of literacy education, the role of evidence-based teaching, and approaches to professional learning. This book is of vital interest to scholars, researchers, and students with interests in Literacy Education, Professional Development, and the Ethics of Research. It challenges conventional wisdom, provokes thoughtful discussion, and inspires readers to rethink the role and value of research in shaping literacy education that is inclusive, effective, and meaningful.