Scholars as Field Builders: Expanding Pathways for Impact at a Critical Juncture for Education

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Education scholars have long held a dual mission: to understand learning and education and to have their research contribute to systemic change. Systemic change requires organized, sustained action across multiple actors and sectors, which is made possible by field building–intentional efforts to strengthen ecosystems of individuals and organizations working on a common cause and using a shared knowledge base. But field building is not yet part of how the education research community typically talks about scholars’ opportunities for social impact. We will explore how scholars across career stages have engaged in field-building roles, from coordinating cross-sector learning and agenda setting to shifting narratives and resources. Panelists will discuss motivations, entry points, opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned for scholars and institutions.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction

Chairs

• Lisa Quay, Student Experience Research Network

• DeLeon Gray, North Carolina State University

Participants

• Stacey Alicea

• Maithreyi Gopalan, University of Oregon

• Mary C. Murphy, Indiana University

• Gina Ann Garcia, University of California - Berkeley

• Marcela G. Cuellar, University of California - Davis

• Nathaniel Schwartz, Brown University