Introduction to CPPL
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Professional Learning (CPPL) is an interdisciplinary research group within the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education. We bring together researchers and practitioners who share a passion for understanding how curriculum, pedagogy, and professional learning shape education.
Our aim is to:
- Sustain a strong and collaborative research community
- Build research capacity within and beyond the Faculty
- Advance knowledge and debate on curriculum, pedagogy, learning and professionalisation
Sub-groups
- Mathematics Education Research Group (MERG) – advancing research in mathematics education
- Science Education Research Group (STRG) – advancing research in science education
- Primary Education – exploring curriculum and pedagogy in primary school contexts
- Teacher Education – supporting new and experienced teachers in their professional journeys
Our approach
We recognise that learning is complex and teaching even more so. High-quality teaching and learning are also issues of equity and social justice.
- Diversity of knowledge – valuing practice-based, research-based, and theoretical perspectives.
- Subject-specific expertise – recognising the importance of disciplinary knowledge (e.g. in STEM) and how it shapes teacher identity and practice.
- Professional identity – understanding how teaching and learning are tied to personal and professional identities.
What we research
- Different forms of knowledge (practice, research, theory) that inform teaching and learning
- Professional growth and development, especially in initial teacher education
- The complexity of teaching and learning across diverse settings
- High-quality teaching in specific curriculum areas
- Strategies to promote equity and social justice in education
- Theories that shape professional learning
- Professional and personal identities of teachers, educators and learners
Methods and perspectives
- Conceptual, theoretical and practice-based approaches
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Collaborative enquiry with teachers, schools and communities
Many of us focus on beginning teachers and teacher educators: how they learn, how they teach, and how teaching practice impacts students’ learning.
Why it matters
- Improve the quality and quantity of research into curriculum, pedagogy and professional learning
- Support colleagues contributing to important national and international debates on education
- Recognise and value the often-hidden intellectual work connecting research, teaching, and learning
Get involved
- Explore Faculty events
- Contact CPPL researchers
- Discover more Faculty research groups
