Grounded Theory in Teaching

A reflective practitioner who treats teaching as a craft can also treat it as an inquiry. Grounded theory is one of the disciplined ways to develop theory from teaching experience itself, rather than borrow it ready-made. This chapter sets out what grounded theory is, the stages of developing it, the design choices it offers, how teachers organise their knowledge, how to build personal theory, and how to use evidence well.

What Grounded Theory Is

An inductive approach: theory generated from data, with constant comparison and coding as core tools

Stages in Developing Grounded Theory

Open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and how theoretical sensitivity guides the work

Types of Grounded Theory Design

Emergent and constructivist designs, plus the criteria for evaluating a grounded theory study

Organising Teachers' Learning and Knowledge

The SECI model: socialisation, externalisation, combination, internalisation

Personal Theory Building

The aims of theory building, what makes a good theory, and the double movement of reflexive thought

Using Evidence and Knowledge Management

Evidence from students, evidence of practice, and the management of teachers’ knowledge over time