To Know Is Not Enough: Applied Autoethnography in Research and Teaching

Session Submission Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

The purpose of the session is to provide information to prospective and novice university professors on how to successfully apply autoethnography to address race, class, gender, and religion with a critically reflexive lens upon research and in teaching. This session will target qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods researchers longing for alternatives for what AERA’s Dr. Kevin Kumashiro describes as: teaching against “othering,” while teaching “others,” teaching about “others,” and teaching as “others.” To know about autoethnography and how to begin an autoethnography is not enough as so much “othering” leaves too many peoples living in crisis mode without recourse. Therefore, information will be provided related to applied autoethnography as a process involving 5 key decisions, epistemologies of practice/critical reflexive action research, redesigning syllabi and rubrics, balancing multiple responsibilities with power negotiations, and publishing defensible autoethnography findings in reputable journals. Participants will leave our mini-course with immediately applicable and user-friendly “takeaways” in the form of PowerPoint notes, sample drafts, and pertinent handouts to enhance their research and teaching.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Directors

• Sherick A. Hughes, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Julie L. Pennington, University of Nevada - Reno