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I tend to lurk on this list - and very much enjoy that role. Since I just happened to be reading something on the topic of research and practice - I thought I would throw it into the mix of the conversation. Van de Ven discusses an idea of "engaged scholarship" regarding the form and function of doctoral preparation. What stuck out for me is his insights into how theory and practice are two ways of knowing (two epistemic cultures). Where those who focus on theory are guided by ideas of "rigor" and "generalization", those who focus on practice are guided by "relevance". Where you might anticipate that there are bridges between these ideas - it appears that they are more complex than might be anticipated. In his book, Van de Ven calls for opportunities for learners to examine and compare the nature of research and practice as an important pathway for promoting a pluralistic approach to knowledge co-production among scholars and practitioners. Reference: Van de Ven, A. H. (2007, forthcoming). Engaged Scholarship: Creating Knowledge for Science and Practice. Oxford University Press. Robin Adams, Assistant Professor Purdue University Department of Engineering Education 400 Centennial Mall Drive, ENAD 201 West Lafayette, IN 47907-2016 email: [log in to unmask] phone: (765)496-3267 fax: (765)494-5819