Student teachers’ collaborative research: Small-scale research projects during teacher education

Teacher research is increasingly described as an important aspect of professional development. In response, teacher education programs incorporate teacher research in their curricula. We report on the collaborative research processes of two groups of student teachers in a university teacher education program, focussing on elaboration and decision making. In one group, group members had different preferences, which led to balancing elaboration and decision making. The other group, however, did not engage in these processes in a conscious way, leading to an arduous research process. We contend that a balanced approach, alternating elaboration and decision making, is desirable. ► Teacher research is a potential valuable part of teacher education. ► Groups differ in their ability to engage in elaboration and decision making. ► These are key processes when engaging in meaningful collaborative research. ► Teacher education should prepare student teachers to consciously engage in both.