Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is often framed as an example of a broader practice known as Virtual Exchange (VE). The term Virtual Exchange has increasingly been used as an attempt to unify a fragmented field of Higher Education practice and is often used interchangeably with the term COIL. However, the design of COIL, with…

The purpose of this article is to provide information describing the characteristics of a profession. The objective is to present documentation and an educated opinion of how these characteristics may relate to instructional technology and distance education (ITDE). A brief look at the history of ITDE leads us to James Finn and his six…

Instructional strategy is defined in abstract terms independent of instructional theories, philosophies, or standard formulas. Strategies share dimensions in common that allow instructional designers to communicate about them in theory-agnostic terms. These dimensions supply a common reference for comparing design viewpoints and discussing their…

By illuminating why and how interventions work in real world settings, Implementation Research (IR) is a powerful tool for increasing the likelihood that evidence-based interventions, programmes and policies are successfully implemented. The insights that IR generates help bridge the 'know-do gap'--the gap between what we know works and what…

We often hear language teachers say 'Don't confuse me with theories, just give me practical ideas I can take into the classroom'. Many teacher educators and researchers, on the other hand, believe that (research-based) theory is more important, and should be used and implemented by practitioners. This paper will propose an approach to the use of…

This paper makes a strong connection between the need for innovation in second language pedagogy and the need for language teachers to develop a good understanding of how language develops in our minds/brains. The future for innovative language pedagogy requires that language teachers fully develop the following: (i) a working definition of the…

Self-regulated learning (SRL) entails a series of processes, such as goal-setting, planning, using strategies, observing, and reflecting, as well as motivational beliefs. SRL is a prominent academic enabler for the diverse students that school psychologists serve including students in general education, special education, and gifted programming.…

The aim of this report is to build a shared understanding of competence by providing clarity around the concept and its implications for educational practice. The authors present an understanding of competence that is research-based, relevant and appropriate for diverse educational contexts. This will help to create stimulating, thoughtful and…

Scholars from diverse fields and research traditions agree that the conceptual framework is a critically important component of disciplined inquiry. Yet, there is a pronounced lack of shared understanding regarding the definition and functions of conceptual frameworks, which impedes our ability to design effective research and mentor novice…

The article addresses and provides an introduction to "pedagogy" in its capacity of science and a university discipline in the field of "education sciences." Nowadays not only teacher education programmes are embedded in theories and follow transitions of "pedagogy." These have become even more complex, therefore,…

The purpose of this piece is to provide the research and rationales behind Practice Profiles. To achieve outcomes and develop effective implementation supports, innovations need to be "teachable, learnable, doable, and assessable." Practice Profile methodology facilitates the development of innovations and their necessary infrastructure.…

In an age of rapid change we are increasingly forced to rely on our creativity to find responses to challenges that no one would have dreamed of facing. Ironically, these challenges can often be the result of the change brought about by the ingenuity and creativity of others. Creativity, it seems, is both the problem and the solution. In this work…

As John Brekke has observed, social work does not use the word "science" to define itself, suggesting a need to articulate a science of social work. This article discusses the science of social work and its relationship to social work practice in the United States, arguing that a "rapprochement" between practice and science…

This article illustrates the synergistic role between practice and theory in evaluation. Using reflective practice, the author reviews her own work as well as the work of other evaluators to illustrate how theory can influence practice and, in turn, how evaluation practice can inform and grow theory, especially evaluation theory. The following…

The articles presented in this special issue both advance what is currently known about treatment implementation in research and practice and illuminate what remains unknown. This article provides a commentary selectively linking current findings to prior research to make arguments regarding those facts that are well established and the gaps in…