A box is very useful - It can hold things – can provide protection – reveal surprises. Boxes are used to transport food. Children use them as cubby houses. They come in all sizes, shapes, colours, textures. Boxes have been the focus of stories – a particularly beautiful one by Stephen Michael King, The Man Who Loved Boxes, was a favourite with my children.  ​

No one would probably argue with any of this, plus add many more uses for a box. That is because we all have a firm shared understanding of what is possible with a box… or do we? 

The importance of developing shared language and challenging assumptions is a key focus in the NECSTEP research. A lack of shared language inhibits broader understanding of school embedded models and is reflected across what is primarily small-scale research. We need to break through disconnected terminologies so we can elevate and apply research findings in different contexts with confidence.  ​

​Identifying the key active ingredients in school embedded models and framing them within a shared definition will lead to a greater cohesiveness of understanding across future research. In addition, it will help to provide a common foundation for partnerships in new and existing initiatives. This approach is important for enabling stronger advocacy and the long-term sustainability of school embedded models of initial teacher education.