Jim's+Choice+Reading

Hi Kathy and Mel, Here's a theoretical article I found that delineates what makes for a self study. Although I probably won't be designing a SS myself, the article concerns itself with teacher educators. Let me know it you think if bears discussion. Jim

Great choice, Jim! I like him and the subject:) Will read this weekend and post. Kathy

Hi again, Jim: I had a chance to read your article, and I really enjoyed it. I think it has some good points to keep in mind when pursuing self-study. I agree with his notion of what lies beneath the stories in self-studies? The story isn't enough. There must be a purpose for it and ways that these "tensions," "assumptions," and "paradoxes" can fit into the larger picture of education as progressive change. I'm looking forward to hearing what Mel thinks as well. This will be interesting to analyze since our other choices are not solely "theoretical." Kathy

Hi, Jim,

I found this article very interesting...it really makes a good argument for why the "story" isn't enough...practitioners need to think beyond "the stories to find motives and actions, and assumptions." What does Brandenburg (p. 224) mean, "move beyond the teaching as practice alone." ? Wondering your thoughts on this...

I agree with this statement on p. 224, ..."the stories of these teacher educators' work are helpful, and readily indentifiable by others, as ways of doing teaching...However, it is the learning derived from their researching of their practice that leads to the production of new knowledge of teacher education practices." This reminds me other the other two articles, the reflection (the story) is where the authors/participants learned the most. So, the story is the process in which practitioners learn, this needs to be evident in self-study research writing...the story is important because it helps the individual discover new knowledge.