Living Theory in Action: Preparing a New Generation of Educational Researchers

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.

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