Contributors: Karin Rönnerman, Eli Moksnes Furu and Petri Salo with Anette Olin, Monica Nyvaller, Elisabeth Hesslefors Arktoft, Niklas Gustafson, Liselott Forsman, Rachel Jakhelln, Tor- Vidar Eilertsen, Else Stjerström, Torbjørn Lund, Ann Ahlberg, Sigurlína Davíðsdóttir Abstract Nurturing praxis aims to give a contribution to the field of action research. Although there are many books written about this field this volume will have a specific perspective, trying to present a variety of cases dealing with collaborative action research focusing on professional development. All the cases presented in the volume are a partnership between schools and universities in which the partner from the university has the role of a facilitator or researcher (doctoral student). Partners from the schools are teachers who work with children from different levels in the school system including preschools. In some chapters the partners are school leaders (head/principal), which means this volume deals with many aspects of developing praxis where actors from different positions in the school system will be introduced. As the authors of this volume come from the Nordic countries- Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland -we think that it is important to give the reader an overview of the policies in the countries as a background. This will enable the reader to understand the particular developments that will be presented. Action research as part of the Bildung tradition will also be presented as part of this background.