Theory to Practice

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Shannon Babbie joins Dr. Archie Graham to discuss the transition from "Theory to Practice". As a senior lecturer and Director of the Postgraduate Research Programme, Dr. Graham explains how theory serves as a practical "tool" for solving real-world classroom problems rather than just an academic concept.The discussion explores the Florian and Black-Hawkins framework for participation and an organizing grid designed to manage classroom complexity through social, cognitive, and linguistic lenses. Dr. Graham also highlights his research on preparing teachers for high-poverty contexts and his current project reimagining global teacher preparation. Learn why research-active universities are essential for understanding knowledge production and how theory helps new educators navigate the "complexity of the classroom"