Engaging in Collaborative Research: Lessons Learned

A collaborative research initiative was established between early childhood centre staff and teacher educators from a tertiary institution. The aim of the research was to investigate a problem related to the achievement of boys from the centre when they started school. This paper reports on issues and tensions that arose when the centre staff realised that, although the focus of the collaborative venture was the boys' learning competencies, their professional practice would also come under scrutiny. Resolving the issues was a delicate and sensitive process for all concerned. The lessons derived from this experience may be of relevance to others who engage in similar research collaborations.