Pathways for practitioners’ participation in creating the practice-research encounter

Several major evaluation reports agree that while we know much about interventions that are effective, little use is made of them to help achieve important outcomes for children, families, and adults. Practice-Research uses locally based research and/or evaluation in an attempt to fill this gap. Not understood as a specific research method, Practice-Research is intended as an evolving meeting point between practice and research, and a matter of negotiation between its stakeholders. Central importance is given to practitioners’ participation. The article will present and discuss three European experiences that realise Practice-Research in different ways. The aim of the article is to define and analyze differences and commonalities among the three experiences, in order to outline strategies for developing a fruitful encounter between practice and research. Particular emphasis is placed on interaction and discussion, providing opportunities for people to change and gain meaning through interacting, offering opportunities for practitioners to discuss and reflect on the practices and research results.