Epistemic agency catalyst for enhancing HPE teachers capacity to act

The aim of this doctoral research is to develop knowledge about how epistemic agency emerges and develops in learning and working situations of higher professional education teachers. This knowledge will be used to develop effective design criteria and appropriate interventions that nurture and strengthen the development and use of epistemic agency among higher professional education teachers.

• Scientific publications (dissertation and articles).
• Articles in journals such as Profiel and TH&MA (to reach a broad target group).
• Tools for higher professional education teachers and teacher developers.
• Further development of existing learning programs within Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. 
• Contributions to national BDB/ SDB programs.
• Policy input with regard to teacher development within higher professional education.

01 September 2025 - 31 August 2029

This PhD project uses case studies to gain a better understanding of how epistemic agency manifest itself in the teaching practices of higher professional education teachers, and design-based research to develop design criteria and appropriate interventions for nurturing and strengthening epistemic agency.

This research assists higher professional education teachers, education programs and teacher developers in strengthening epistemic agency in educational practice. Strengthening epistemic agency has a positive effect on the quality of higher professional education. Through national learning networks and existing collaborations with various universities of applied sciences, the results can have a broad impact within the higher professional education landscape.