Research group Normative Professionalisation
The aim of our research group is to contribute to the development of a professional identity. We primarily focus on the normative aspect of activities performed by professionals. In this way, we wish to improve the quality of vocational education.
Lines of research within the research group
In this line of research, we describe how normativity and subjective interpretations play a role in professional practice and in the professional development of teachers and other professionals. This is an important topic of discussion, because awareness and clarification of this issue is often not discussed during training or once one is involved in professional practice.
Projects
- Normative professionalisation of commercial appraisers of real estate
- Understanding moral authorship of novice teachers in primary education
In this line of research, we focus on the process of professionalisation and vocational training. We study how to challenge and supervise students and teachers in the best possible way. The main objective is for students and teachers to discover and express their own norms and values.
Projects
- Worldview education and normative professionalisation
- Appropriate education with co-teaching - Study to the collective sense-making of co-teaching teams
- Internationalisation and the professional image of the teacher
In this line of research, researchers reflect on the norms and values of professional conduct. What is our assessment of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ professional behaviour based on? And how might this be improved?
Projects
- Democratisation of critical thinking
- Learning and teaching in a complex world
Worldview education and normative professionalisation
We are using narrative-biographical research to describe the connection between a personal worldview and the normative professionalisation process.
Studying teachers and professional practice
How is the 'agency' of studying teachers impeded and promoted in professionalisation processes in which education and professional practice work together?
Democratisation of critical thinking
We are developing a vision and lessons on citizenship education, critical thinking, self-cultivation and professional preparation in MBO education.
Publications
- Critical language awareness Opening spaces for educational praxis in turbulent times of transition and crisis
- Critical thinking, citizenship and vocational training Creating a space for Bildung
- How everyday classroom experiences in an international teaching internship raise student teachers’ awareness of their subjective educational theories
Education
The research group offers various guest lectures and contributes to education and curriculum development. Furthermore, each researcher integrates an NP-approach in their own education.
Various minor programmes are designed by the research group, such as:
- Philosophy, World religions, and Spirituality
- Global Citizenship
“There are more criteria involved in good education than just effectiveness”
Cok Bakker Professor of Normative Professionalisation
Collaboration
This research group is part of a collaborative research group, in which the chair Religious and Worldview Education of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University forms the other part.