Coming to Know Theory: Narrative Accounts of Doctoral Students in a College of Education

• In Event: 52.072 - Lives in Research and Pratice

Abstract

In this paper we use narrative inquiry to explore our experiences with theory during our professional journeys as five doctoral students in the field of education. We understand this form of inquiry to include all forms of questions and interpretive searching related to individuals in social contexts. Through dialogue, we became intrigued by each other’s stories, struggles and conceptions of theory. We argue that this research, and more specifically, a narrative approach may be useful for graduate students hoping to understand their own experiences with theory as well as for advisers and administrators whose goals are to develop more supportive programs for their students.

Authors

• Daniel Fernando Johnson Mardones, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Angela Leigh Masters, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Natasha C. Murray-Everett, West Virginia University

• Mor Gueye, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Leonardus Subidyo, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

• Yuni S. Amalia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign