I am researching aspects of the doctoral learning experience as I engage in my doctoral thesis (doctoral dissertation in the U.S.) toward a PhD in Educational Research, specifically in e-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning.
Working Title
Navigating Liminality: The Experience of Distance in Doctoral Education
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of doctoral students, studying at a distance, whose postgraduate experiences involve passing through troublesome periods in understanding concepts or processes that shape their identity as independent researchers or expert practitioners in order to provide insight for tutors who engage in distance supervision. In plain English, I am looking at liminal experiences that occur during doctoral studies related to learning leaps or aha! moments.
Abstract
This research explores the experiences of doctoral students who study at a distance and whose postgraduate activities involve passing through liminal or troublesome periods in understanding or experiencing elements of concepts or processes. These thresholds commonly involve ontological or epistemological shifts, resulting in transformed ways of seeing one’s self and/or one’s research. The challenges posed through using technology in such doctoral supervision are often not acknowledged. Twenty-three interdisciplinary doctoral researchers from around the world were interviewed, with narrative inquiry as informed by an actor-network approach used for the analysis. This research seeks to provide insights for tutors who engage in remote supervision.
Research Status
My research was approved by the Department of Educational Research, the Graduate School Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Research Ethics Officer (institutional review board). I completed data collection and am currently analyzing my data and writing up my study.
Please contact me if you have any questions about my research.