Living Theory in Action: Preparing a New Generation of Educational Researchers
Emerging Directions in Doctoral Education
ISBN: 978-1-78560-135-4, eISBN: 978-1-78560-134-7
Publication date: 30 March 2016
Abstract
Educational researchers and practitioners work in dynamic and diverse arenas, informed by various political, social, and cultural discourses. The complexity of the human relationships that underlie these dialogues necessitate a new vision of how we prepare the next generation of educational researchers. This different vision is grounded in collaboration, creativity, and institutional flexibility as it seeks to foster the development of those interdisciplinary approaches that reflect both holistic and comprehensive views for emerging doctor-level programs. This chapter introduces an interdisciplinary PhD in Educational Studies program which focuses on nurturing the educational researcher mindset to address the increasing complexity of educational issues, concerns, and needs. What we share in this chapter is a glimpse at the tremendous potential of a PhD program that has been built on an openness to change. Ours is a program with explicit assumptions that undergird our actions, and also a program that is responsive to changes in the environments within which our candidates and graduates will work. Thus, our vision remains current and fresh, which serves as an unmistakably powerful motivator for both our doctoral students and faculty.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
The authors express special thanks to the graduates and current students of their PhD in Educational Studies program, Department of Educational Studies, Teachers College, Ball State University, specifically Dr. Penny Craig, Mrs. Becky Eastman, Dr. Nancy Evans, Mrs. Barbara Johnson, Dr. Ben Hotmire, Dr. Wei Ma, Dr. Josh Miller, and Mrs. Maureen Sanders-Brunner for sharing their insightful perspectives of the doctoral experiences. The authors are very grateful to them for their invaluable contribution.
Citation
Ford, K.L., Polush, E.Y. and Brooks, N.J. (2016), "Living Theory in Action: Preparing a New Generation of Educational Researchers", Emerging Directions in Doctoral Education (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120160000006017
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited