This paper is designed to contribute to the discussion on how to conceptualise and study contextual influence in local school development. We propose a theoretical framework and an empirical illustration to supplement former research on rural school research. Focusing on what the school perceives as important in its community may explain why…

The aim of this article is to present arguments for an integrated empirical research on teaching and learning based on previous research and the phenomenographic research tradition. From 1970 and for some years after, the main focus in phenomenographic research was on students' approaches to and understanding of subject matter. Later, based on…

The aim of this article is to help clarify N. F. S. Grundtvig's influence on the history of education in Denmark, in particular the comprehensive school. Is this school a result of Grundtvig's achievements? Or is Grundtvig receiving credit due to a misinterpretation of the history of education of the twentieth century? We claim that the latter is…

The role of teacher's pedagogical content knowledge in social studies is addressed through two case studies: a novice and a veteran teacher. The important difference between the novice and the expert is manifested in content knowledge, a form of teacher understanding that combines content, pedagogy, and learner characteristics. (Author/LMO)