Uncovering the Identities of Ed.D. Students as Learners, Leaders, and Action Researchers

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: A Sense of Belonging: The Construction of Doctoral Identity

Abstract

Colleges and schools of education affiliated with the CPED structure their EdD programs to encourage students to become scholarly practitioners. It is the vision of one program that graduates develop facets of scholarly practitioner as their identity. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the development of students’ identities as learners, leaders, and action researchers and explore program features and landmark moments that contribute to their identities. Nine graduates from an EdD program were interviewed. Results showed that graduates adopted identities of being learners, leaders, and action researchers. Program features and landmark moments in the program were also instrumental in influencing students’ identities. This information is helpful for students seeking programs and faculty developing or redesigning EdD programs.

Authors

• Tiffany R. Williams, Arizona State University

• Ray R. Buss, Arizona State University

• Ron Zambo, Arizona State University

• Debby M. Zambo, Carnegie Project on the Education Docorate