Researching religious education pedagogy through an action research community of practice

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Abstract
The Warwick REDCo community of practice was a group of religious education researchers operating in several contexts: English secondary schools and universities, English and European collaborations on religious education. The group undertook action research, seeking to illustrate and critically assess the interpretive approach to religious education. As a community of practice, processes of mutual conversation and support were prominent in its schedule. In the present article, attention is focused on its findings with regard to pedagogy. Recommendations are offered both for classroom teaching and the preparation of teachers, subject to re‐investigation in new settings. Benefits and conditions for the success of action research and communities of practice are identified, as are issues arising for further investigation. There is brief integration with some emerging European findings.