Current work: The theory of practice architectures

Since 2007, I have been working with colleagues in the Pedagogy, Education and Praxis International Research Network on the theory of practice architectures. This is a version of practice theory that aims to show how social life and education are produced and reproduced – and transformed – in practices. The theory holds that practices are composed of sayings, doings, and relatings that hang together in the project (purpose) of the practice. In turn, these sayings, doings, and relatings are enabled and constrained (and made possible) by cultural-discursive, material-economic, and social-political arrangements found in or brought to the site where the practice occurs. Its emphasis on the arrangements found in or brought to the site identify the theory as a species of site-ontological practice theory.

Among the hundreds of publications reporting on the theory and its use in a variety of contexts, some of my own publications are:

Monographs:

  1. Kemmis, S. (in press). Transforming Practices: Changing the world with the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  2. Kemmis, S. (2019). A Practice Sensibility: An invitation to the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  3. Kemmis, S. & Edwards-Groves, C. (2018). Understanding Education: History, politics, and practice. Singapore: Springer.
  4. Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R. & Nixon, R. (2014). The action research planner: Doing critical participatory action research. Singapore: Springer (200pp.)
  5. Kemmis, S., Wilkinson, J., Edwards-Groves, C., Hardy, I., Grootenboer, P. & Bristol, L. (2014). Changing education, changing practices. Singapore: Springer (278pp.)

Edited volumes:

  1. Reimer, K., Kaukko, M., Windsor, S., Mahon, K. & Kemmis, S. (Eds.) (in press). Living Well in a World Worth Living in for All – Volume 1: Current Practices of Social Justice, Sustainability and Wellbeing. Singapore: Springer.
  2. Mahon, K., Edwards-Groves, C., Francisco, S., Kaukko, M., Kemmis, S. & Petrie, K. (eds.) (2020). Pedagogy, Education and Praxis in Critical Times. Singapore: Springer.
  3. Mahon, K., Francisco, S. & Kemmis, S. (Eds.) (2017) Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer. (282pp.)
  4. Kemmis, S. & Smith, T.J. (Eds.) (2008). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense
    (316 pp.)

Chapters in books:

  1. Kemmis, S. (in press). Education for living well in a world worth living in. Ch.2 in K. Reimer, M. Kaukko, S. Kemmis, S. Windsor & K. Mahon (Eds.) Living Well in a World Worth Living in, Vol.1. Singapore: Springer.
  2. Mahon, K. and Kemmis, S. (in press). Conclusion: Worlds worth striving for. Ch.13 in K. Reimer, M. Kaukko, S. Kemmis, S. Windsor & K. Mahon (Eds.) Living Well in a World Worth Living in, Vol.1. Singapore: Springer.
  3. Petrie, K., Kemmis, S. and Edwards-Groves, C. (2020). Critical praxis for critical times. Ch.8 (pp.163-178) in K. Mahon, C. Edwards-Groves, S, Francisco, M. Kaukko, S. Kemmis & K. Petrie (Eds.) (2020). Pedagogy, Education and Praxis in Critical Times. Singapore: Springer.
  4. Kemmis, S., Edwards-Groves, C., Jakhelln, R., Choy, S., Wärvik, G.-B., Gyllander Torkildsen, L. & Arkenback-Sundström, C. (2020). Teaching as pedagogical practice. Ch.5 (pp.85-116) in K. Mahon, C. Edwards-Groves, S, Francisco, M. Kaukko, S. Kemmis & K. Petrie (Eds.) (2020). Pedagogy, Education and Praxis in Critical Times. Singapore: Springer.
  5. Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R. and Nixon, R. (2019). Critical participatory action research. Ch.12 (pp.179-192) in Zuber-Skerritt, O. and Wood, L. (Eds.) Action Learning and Action Research: Genres and approaches. Bingley, West Yorkshire: Emerald.
  6. Kemmis, S. (2018). Life in practices: Challenges for education and educational research. Ch.16 (pp.239—254) in C. Edwards-Groves, P. Grootenboer & J. Wilkinson (Eds.) Education in an Era of Schooling: Critical perspectives of educational practice and action research: A Festschrift for Stephen Kemmis. Singapore: Springer.
  7. Kemmis, S., Edwards-Groves, C., Lloyd, A., Grootenboer, P., Hardy, I. & Wilkinson, J. (2017) Learning as being ‘stirred in’ to practices. In P. Grootenboer, C. Edwards-Groves & S. Choy (Eds.) Practice Theory Perspectives on Pedagogy and Education: Praxis, diversity and contestation. Singapore: Springer.
  8. Kemmis, S. & Mahon, K. (2017) Practice architectures of university education. Chapter 6 (pp.107-141) in P. Grootenboer, C. Edwards-Groves & S. Choy (Eds.) Practice Theory Perspectives on Pedagogy and Education: Praxis, diversity and contestation. Singapore: Springer.
  9. Mahon, K., Kemmis, S., Francisco, S. & Lloyd, A. (2017). Introduction: Practice theory and the theory of practice architectures. Chapter 1 in K. Mahon, S. Francisco & S. Kemmis (Eds.) (2017) Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  10. Kemmis, S. & Mahon, K. (2017). Coming to ‘practice architectures’: A genealogy of the theory. Chapter 13 in K. Mahon, S. Francisco & S. Kemmis (Eds.) Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  11. Kemmis, S., Wilkinson, J. and Edwards-Groves, C. (2017). Roads not travelled, roads ahead: How the theory of practice architectures is travelling. Chapter 14 in K. Mahon, S. Francisco & S. Kemmis (Eds.) Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  12. Francisco, S. Mahon, K. & Kemmis, S. (2017). Transforming education and professional practice. Chapter 15 in K. Mahon, S. Francisco & S. Kemmis (Eds.) Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures. Singapore: Springer.
  13. Kemmis, S., Rönnerman K., & Edwards-Groves, C. (2016). Pedagogy, Education and Praxis: An international research network for education and change. In L. Rowell, & J. Shosh, (Eds). Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research (Ch. 29, pp.471-485). NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Available via: DOI:10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4
  14. McTaggart, R., Nixon, R. & Kemmis, S. (2016) Critical participatory action research. In L. Rowell, & J. Shosh, (Eds). Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research (Ch. 2, pp.21-35). NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Available via:
    DOI:10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4
  15. Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R. & Nixon, R. (2015) Critical theory and critical participatory action research. Chapter 44 (pp.453-471) in H. Bradbury-Huang (Ed.) The SAGE Handbook of Action Research, 3rd Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  16. Kemmis, S. (2014). Education, educational research and the good for humankind. Chapter 1 (pp.15-67) in H.L.T. Heikkinen, J. Moate and M.K. Lerkkanen (Eds.) Enabling Education: Research in Educational Sciences 66. Oulu, Finland: Finnish Educational Research Association.
  17. Kemmis, S. (2014) Reflections on how the theory of practice architectures is being used in the Nordic context. Chapter 12 (pp.205-217) in K. Rönnerman & P. Salo (eds.) Lost in Practice: Transforming Nordic educational action research. Rotterdam: Sense.
  18. Heikkinen, H.L.T. & Kemmis, S. (2012) Vermen arkkitehtuuria ja ekologiaa. In H.LT. Heikkinen, H. Jokinen, I. Markkanen & P. Tynjälä (Eds.), Osaaminen jakoon (pp.203-308) [Knowledge sharing in the education sector]. Jyväskylä: PS-Kustannua.
  19. Kemmis, S. (2012). Pedagogy, praxis and practice-based higher education. In J. Higgs, R. Barnett, S. Billett, M. Hutchings & F. Trede (Eds.), Practice-based education: Perspectives and strategies (pp.81-100). Rotterdam: Sense.
  20. Kemmis, S., Edwards Groves, C., Wilkinson, J. & Hardy, I. (2012). Ecologies of practices: Learning practices. Ch.3 (pp.33-49) in P. Hager, A. Lee & A. Reich (Eds.) Practice, learning and change. London: Springer.
  21. Kemmis, S. & Heikkinen, H.L.T. (2012). Future perspectives: Peer group mentoring and international practices for teacher development. In H.L.T. Heikkinen, H. Jokinen & P. Tynjälä (Eds.), Peer-group mentoring for teacher development (pp.144-170). London: Routledge.
  22. Kemmis, S. (2012). Phronēsis, experience and the primacy of praxis. In A. Pitman & A. Kinsella (Eds.), Phronēsis as professional knowledge: Practical wisdom in the professions (pp.147-162). Rotterdam: Sense.
  23. Kemmis, S., Heikkinen, H. L.T., Aspfors, J. & Hansén, S.-E. (2011). Gruppmentorskapets arkitektur och ekologi. In J. Aspfors & S.E. Hansén (Eds.), Gruppmentorskap som stöd för lärares professionella utveckling (pp.54-78) [Peer group mentoring for supporting teachers’ professional development]. Vasa, Finland: Söderströms.
  24. Kemmis, S. (2011). A self-reflective practitioner and a new definition of critical participatory action research. In N. Mockler & J. Sachs (Eds.), Rethinking educational practice through reflexive research: Essays in honour of Susan Groundwater-Smith (pp.11-30). New York: Springer.
  25. Kemmis, S. (2010). What is professional practice? In C. Kanes (Ed.), Elaborating professionalism: Studies in practice and theory (pp.139-166). New York: Springer.
  26. Kemmis, S. & Trede, F. (2010). Practice and developing future practice. In J. Higgs, Fish, D., Goulter, I., Loftus S. & Trede, F. (Eds.), Education for future practice (pp.29-40). Rotterdam: Sense.
  27. Kemmis, S. (2009). Understanding professional practice: A synoptic framework. In B. Green (Ed.), Understanding and researching professional practice (pp.19-38). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  28. Kemmis, S. (2008). Reflections. In M. Mattsson, B. Sandström & I. Johansson (Eds.), Examining praxis: Assessment and knowledge construction in teacher education (pp.187-208). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  29. Kemmis, S. (2008). Foreword (pp.xi-xiii) in K. Rönnerman, E.M. Furu & P. Salo (Eds.). Nurturing praxis: Action research and school-university partnerships in a Nordic light. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  30. Kemmis, S. & Hardy, I. (2008). Reflections. Chapter 16 (pp.245-266) in K. Rönnerman, E.M. Furu & P. Salo (Eds.). Nurturing praxis: Action research and school-university partnerships in a Nordic light. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  31. Kemmis, S. (2008). Foreword (pp.xi-xviii) in J. Ax & P. Ponte (Eds.). Critiquing praxis: Conceptual and empirical trends in the teaching profession. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  32. Carr, W., Kemmis, S., Mattsson, M. & Rönnerman, K., (2008). Reflections. Chapter 11 (pp.203-214) in J. Ax & P. Ponte (Eds.). Critiquing praxis: Conceptual and empirical trends in the teaching profession. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  33. Kemmis, S. & Smith, T.J. (2008). Praxis and praxis development: About this book. Chapter 1 (pp.3-14) in S. Kemmis & T.J. Smith (Eds.). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  34. Kemmis, S. & Smith, T.J. (2008). Personal praxis: learning through experience. Chapter 2 (pp.15-36) in S. Kemmis & T.J. Smith (Eds.). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  35. Kemmis, S. & Grootenboer, P. (2008). Situating praxis in practice: Practice architectures and the cultural, social and material conditions for practice. Chapter 3 (pp.37-64) in S. Kemmis & T.J. Smith (Eds.). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  36. Kemmis, S. & Smith, T.J. (2008). Conclusions and challenges: Enabling praxis. Chapter 13 (pp.263-286) in S. Kemmis & T.J. Smith (Eds.). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  37. Kemmis, S. (2008). Epilogue: A radical proposal. Chapter 13 (pp.287-296) in S. Kemmis & T.J. Smith (Eds.). Enabling praxis: Challenges for education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  38. Kemmis, S. (2008) Practice and practice architectures in mathematics education. In M. Goos, R. Brown and K. Makar (Eds.) Navigating currents and charting directions (Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia). Singapore: MERGA. PDF available via: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.582.1693

Refereed journal articles:

  1. Kemmis, S. and Hopwood, N. (under review). Connective enactment and collective accomplishment: A note in response to Hopwood, Blomberg, Dahlberg, and Abrandt Dahlgren. Vocations and Learning.
  2. Kemmis, S. (in press). Addressing the climate emergency: A view from the theory of practice architectures. Journal of Environmental Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2021.2017830
  3. Kaukko, M., Kemmis, S., Heikkinen, H., Kiilakoski, T. & Haswell, N. (2021). Learning to survive amidst two crises: Can the Coronavirus pandemic help us change our practices to prepare for the impending eco-crisis? Environmental Education Research, https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2021.1962809
  4. Grootenboer, P., Edwards-Groves, C. & Kemmis, S. (2021). A curriculum of mathematical practices. Pedagogy, Culture and Society, Available online at: :https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2021.1937678
  5. Charteris, J., Smardon, D. & Kemmis, S. (2021). Leadership in the built spaces of innovative learning environments. Studies in Continuing Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2021.1928051
  6. Kemmis, S. (2021). A practice theory perspective on learning: beyond a ‘standard’ view. Studies in Continuing Education, 43:3, 280-295, https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2021.1920384
  7. Sjølie, E., Francisco, S., Kaukko, M. & Mahon, K. & Kemmis, S. (2020). Learning of academics in the time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Journal of Praxis in Higher Education 2(1), 85-107. DOI: 47989/kpdc61
  8. Wilkinson, J., Edwards-Groves, C., Grootenboer, P. and Kemmis, S. (2019) District offices fostering educational change through instructional leadership practices in Australian Catholic secondary schools, Journal of Educational Administration. Available online at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-09-2018-0179
  9. Rönnerman, K. & Kemmis, S. (2016) Stirring doctoral candidates into academic practices: A doctoral course and its practice architectures. Education Inquiry, 7(2), 93-114. Available online at:
    http://www.education-inquiry.net/index.php/edui/article/view/27558
  10. Edwards-Groves, C. & Kemmis, S. (2016) Pedagogy, Education and Praxis: Understanding new forms of intersubjectivity through action research and practice theory. Educational Action Research, 24(1), 77-96. Available online via:
    http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09650792.2015.1076730
  11. Wilkinson, J. and Kemmis, S. (2014) Practice theory: Viewing leadership as leading. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 47(4), 342-358. Available online via: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2014.976928
  12. Kemmis, S., Heikkinen H.L.T, Fransson, G., Aspfors, J. and Edwards-Groves, C. (2014) Mentoring of new teachers as a contested practice: Supervision, support and collaborative self-development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 43, 154-164. Available online via:
    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0742051X14000778
  13. Hemmings, B., Kemmis, S. & Reupert, A. (2013). Practice architectures of university inclusive education teaching in Australia. Professional Development in Education, 39(4), 470-487. Available online via:
    http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19415257.2013.796293?journalCode=rjie20
  14. Kemmis, S. & Mutton, R. (2012). Education for sustainability (EfS): practice and practice architectures. Environmental Education Research, 18(2), 187-207. Available online via:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2011.596929
  15. Kemmis, S. (2012). Researching educational praxis: spectator and participant perspectives. British Educational Research Journal, 38(6), 885-905. Available online via:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01411926.2011.588316
  16. Kemmis, S. (2010). Research for praxis: Knowing doing. Pedagogy, Culture and Society, 18(1), 9-27. Available online via:
    http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14681360903556756