immersive experience wiki / Being a CETL researcher

This is a joint immersive experience story of two CETL researchers... We both were brought into CETL (Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning) to facilitate the evaluation process and to promote staff engagement in pedagogic research and scholarship. LJMU CETL is focused on students’ preparation for the world of work, and developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

While we are placed in the Learning Development Unit, our main work is with staff and students from two Faculties. One of the faculties is a top rated research school (Science) and the other one is more heavily focused on teaching while developing their research profile in educational/pedagogic research (Education). Subject areas of the CETL - Sport Science, Sport Development, Physical/Outdoor Education and Dance were completely new for both of us. The project was already in its second year when we started and it was very important to start ‘crossing boundaries’ as soon as possible.

What were the particular characteristics of the situation that engaged you in an immersive way?

Since we had no previous experience of working within the above mentioned subject areas, everything was new- teaching styles, learning outcomes, terminology etc. The structure and politics within and between Faculties were unknown for us; perceived aims of the CETL project were interpreted differently in both areas. In order to understand these issues and be able to discuss, evaluate and inform their pedagogic practice with the staff we had to ‘immerse’ ourselves into their daily life…

The particular challenge was that we were simultaneously having two immersive experiences. ‘Education’ was relatively easy to become engaged in; from the beginning we gradually became members of the team assuming the same responsibilities, awareness, level of engagement etc in all ongoing initiatives. Being both a facilitator and evaluator at the same time proved challenging as you must remain impartial…

Making our way into Science was a different process: CETL was seen there as something threatening staff research territory. Common answers we were getting to our requests or suggestions were the following - ‘I reflect upon my teaching practice, but without any outputs’ and ‘I’m busy with discipline-based research’. Also we were not physically located there and were seen as peripheral rather than integrated.

In order to be able to build bridges and engage Science staff in evaluation and scholarship activities, we had to gain insights into their motivation, apply distinctive

What forms of learning / personal development/change emerged from the situation?

In order to be able to successfully cross the boundaries and engage with people, initially you have to be prepared to sacrifice your time.

Being observant and reflective is very important

Its important to try different strategies to achieve your goals and be proactive - ‘If they don’t answer your second email knock on their door’.

To be self motivated when you have a large amount of freedom within your job role

Huge amount of a broad/general and subject specific knowledge acquisition happened as a result of this immersive experience

It is very useful to appreciate what others are doing. For example, we volunteered to participate in their body fat analysis research and this enhanced a feeling of joint co-operation.

It’s vital to take part in staff development days and attend events such as workshops and research seminars (even if you don’t need to). Your attendance shows you are interested in what they say /do. phenomenological methods like informal conversations, interviews, observations etc. Gathering these bits of information and ‘cutting through the clutter of taken-for-granted assumptions and conventional wisdom’ (Lester,www.sld.demon.co.uk/resmethy.pdf) helped us to understand their subjective experience and apply strategies that started to work.

Words/concepts/feelings that describe the immersive experience

Overwhelming

Enlightening

Enriching

Distressing sometimes

Isolated

Heartening

Perseverance

Time consuming

Beneficial

Highly rewarding

Principles or lessons can be drawn from this story

There were two of us – so we could discuss/reflect on difficult or problematic situations, interpret them and develop new strategies of engagement (importance of reflecting, sharing and discussing these experiences, especially negative ones).

Importance of choosing right ‘boundary objects’ (Wenger, 1998) – topics/questions that could engage people – these ‘objects’ could be identified through interaction with these people.

When people come to you instead of the other way round you know that you are part of the team.

If you have a range of options for any given opportunity and are willing to persevere you can reach your goals. Take time to reflect/celebrate your progress or you lose motivation.

immersive experience

Being a CETL researcher

Page Information

Wiki Information

Recent PBwiki Blog Posts