(Re)Imagining Living and Doing Narrative Research: Critical Friends as Coauthors

• In Event: Learning and Living Self-Study Methods

Abstract

In this paper, we used self-study as an approach for exploring and challenging our assumptions and beliefs with the purpose of improving our understanding and practice (Bullough & Pinnegar, 2001).We documented our process of being and becoming critical friends while disrupting and problematizing our narrative lives as teacher researchers. We nurtured our relationship, valuing the lived-through experience, mindful and attentive to our shared narrative present amid the narrative continuity of our individual lives. We formed a commitment based on personal and professional growth. In co-authoring our lived research, we discovered what it means to be and to become critical friends. Together, we realized that, at times, we had marginalized ourselves by conforming to the dominant narrative or by silencing ourselves.

Authors

• Elsie Lindy Olan, University of Central Florida

• Christi Edge, Northern Michigan University