Unlocking Practitioner Inquiry

Katey De Gioia describes herself as first and foremost an early childhood teacher. She has appreciated the opportunity to take on leadership roles across a variety of educational institutions throughout her career. Katey has adopted practitioner inquiry to lead evidence informed change to practice.Alma Fleet is an experienced teacher and teacher educator who enjoys consultancies with teachers in diverse settings and locations, particularly focusing on practitioner inquiry and pedagogical documentation as vehicles of educational change. She has enjoyed leadership and research roles at Macquarie University and has valued her time with Aboriginal colleagues. Catherine Patterson has recently retired from working with student teachers at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University. Her research into practitioner inquiry has enabled her to support experienced educators and leaders in re-thinking their daily practices with children and adults.Marina Papic is Professor of Early Childhood Education and Mathematics Education at the Australian Catholic University. Marina has worked in the education sector for 35 years and has held various teaching, academic and leadership roles. Her research focuses on teacher professional learning in mathematics curriculum and pedagogy and early numeracy.

• Introduction: Inviting engagement Section 1: Setting the Scene 1. Practitioner inquiry: Processes, potentials and purposes 2. What is a useful question? 3. Evidence for change: Finding and analysing data 4. Practitioner inquiry as a tool for meeting and moving beyond regulatory requirements for teachers Section 2: Sharing Stories of Experience 5. Unpacking complexity in complex environments 6. Stories from the classroom: School-based change through an inquiry-based approach 7. ‘Forming’ ourselves as teacher~researchers 8. What matters: Participant voices in a year of sustained professional learning Section 3: Exploring big ideas 9. Unexpected opportunities: Inquiry as professional learning 10. Intersections of pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry 11. Effecting positive change: The role of educational leaders 12. Practitioner research as sustainable professional practice 13. Conclusion: Thinking together

‘The key to educational improvement in early childhood lies in inquiring and puzzling, hypothesising and evaluating. These experienced authors have delivered a book enhancing the inner strengths and wisdom of practitioners to inspire and lead change in their unique contexts.’ Dr Sandra Cheeseman, CEO, Créche & Kindergarten Association, Queensland, Australia.