C1 ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECT -Pedagogical Currents in Practice: A Qualitative Interview Study With Teachers

 🎓 C1 ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECT -Pedagogical Currents in Practice: A Qualitative Interview Study With Teachers

Final Product: Research Poster or Research Infographic

 

1. Project Overview

Educational practice is influenced by diverse pedagogical currents, such as constructivism, sociocultural theory, behaviorism, cognitivism, humanism, and connectivism.

However, teachers often interpret and adapt these currents differently depending on their context, experience, and students’ needs.

 

This project invites students to investigate how a teacher applies one specific pedagogical current in real educational settings through a qualitative interview.
The findings will be summarized visually in a research poster or infographic.

 

2. Purpose of the Project

Students will:

• Examine the theoretical foundations of a pedagogical current.
• Explore how a teacher implements it in the classroom.
• Analyze patterns, contradictions, adaptations, and teaching decisions.
• Present results visually using academic poster or infographic conventions.

 

3. Pedagogical Currents to Choose From

Students may select one of the following pedaogical currents or learning theories:

• Constructivism (Piaget, Bruner)
• Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky)
• Behaviorism (Skinner, Watson)
• Cognitivism (Ausubel, Gagné)
• Humanistic Education (Rogers, Maslow)
• Connectivism (Siemens, Downes)
• Critical Pedagogy (Freire)
• Montessori Pedagogy
• Project-Based Learning (as a contemporary pedagogical current)

 

4. Learning Objectives

By the end of the project, students will be able to:

1. Identify the theoretical principles of a pedagogical current.
2. Design and conduct an academic, semi-structured interview.
3. Analyze qualitative interview data through thematic coding.
4. Compare theoretical concepts with real teaching practices.
5. Produce a research poster or infographic displaying academic findings.
6. Use APA 7 for citations and references.

 

5. Instructions for Students (Step-by-Step):

Step 1 — Select a Pedagogical Current

Choose one current from the list above or propose one (with teacher approval).

Step 2 — Conduct a Short Literature Review

Produce a 1-page synthesis including:

• Key authors
• Core concepts and principles
• Typical teaching strategies associated with this current
• Benefits and potential limitations
• APA 7 citations

Step 3 — Design an Interview Protocol (8–12 questions)

Questions should explore:

• The teacher’s understanding of the chosen current
• The degree of implementation in their teaching
• Classroom strategies connected to the current
• Challenges and adaptations
• Student responses and outcomes

(A sample interview guide is provided below.)

Step 4 — Interview a Teacher

• Interview duration: 20–30 minutes
• Format: face-to-face, online call, or audio/video recording (with consent)
• Take notes and/or record data for analysis

Step 5 — Analyze the Interview Data

Identify:

• Recurring themes
• Contradictions or tensions
• Examples of pedagogical decisions
• Evidence of alignment with the theory
• Teacher’s adaptations to contextual needs

Step 6 — Create Your Final Product

Choose one:

A. Academic Research Poster

Structured using IMRD:

• Introduction
• Objective
• Premise
• Methods
• Results (themes + quotes)
• Conclusion
• APA 7 References

B. Academic Research Infographic

Visually structured with:

• Icons, graphics, color codes
• Mini-sections with reduced text
• Evidence (quotes)
• Highlights of theoretical vs. practical aspects

Step 7 — Submit the Poster/Infographic

Format: PDF, JPG, or PNG in vertical

 

9. Assessment Rubric (Max. 10 Points)

Criterion	Description	Pts
1. Theoretical Foundation	Accurate explanation of the pedagogical current; use of academic sources; APA 7.	2 pts
2. Interview Quality	Relevant, well-designed questions; evidence of real interview.	2 pts
3. Data Analysis	Identification of themes, patterns, teacher insights; depth of interpretation.	2 pts
4. Poster/Infographic Design	Academic structure, clarity, visual organization, coherence between theory and findings.	3 pts
5. Academic Integrity	Proper citations, ethical use of data, professionalism.	1 pt

Total: 10 points

 

Interview guide

1.      How would you describe your understanding of [chosen pedagogical current]?

2.      Which specific strategies or activities in your classroom reflect this pedagogical approach?

3.      What benefits have you observed when applying this pedagogical current?

4.      What challenges or limitations have you encountered?

5.      Can you describe one concrete example of a successful lesson or moment where this pedagogical current worked well?

6.      What recommendations would you give to teachers who want to adopt this current?