-----Mon, 1 Mar 2004 12:14 PROF. CHRIS N. HOELSON -----
Wrote:
Thanks Robyn for your affirming comments and confirmation of reciprocity
and
an atmosphere of security in fostering exploration and collaboration in the
supervisory context. You are most welcome to put it on the list.
My colleague, Phumeza, who is from an urban Xhosa cultural background and
is
trilingual (Xhosa, English and Afrikaans) is interested in researching the
interface between urban Xhosa parents who are having their first child and
their
own parents. She is concerned about the perceived cultural differences and
lack
of support between the new parents and also between the new parents and
their
parents and wants to research this aspect in a manner that does not further
traumatise or harm the participants. At present she is still exploring an
appropriate methodology that may include action research.
My particular focus, as her urban bilingual (English and Afrikaans) white
male
colleague and supervisor is to use action research (as a novice) to
research and
improve my supervision of her studies in a manner that mutually empowers,
motivates and creates opportunities for increased self development in the
context of our cultural, power, gender, historical and academic
differences. My
concern is that we also work collaboratively and harmoniously but not
patronisingly towards our own research goals.
At this stage it seems to me that I need to write a tentative research
proposal,
which will map my intentions and form a framework for planning this project
as it
may give a better and more holistic view to others of what we intend to do.
Kind regards
Chris
------On 27 Feb 04, at 4:02, Robyn Pound -----
Wrote:
Ooh how lovely to think some one is actually reading it! The interesting
thing about the research process I found is that I struggled with some of
the contradictions about myself - of course. Theres probably nothing
strange in that. I found it easier to be more public about my failings
when they became understandable to me or I managed to change them a bit and
to feel happier about them.
What helped was to be allowed to come to new understanding at my
own pace as I was able. This seemed to be in a climate where
people were supportive and affirming (I believe we need that -
well I do), and I was given time by people who were geniuinely
interested enough to think with me in greater depth than just
saying, 'that's nice'. I had no problem receiving critique from
people i had a close relationship with and I think it became
absorbed within the process of learning. Critique from people
displaying positions of power I was more likely to be affronted by
and I wasted time defending myself. So this tells me that
reciprocity speeds up engaged learning for me. In the supervisory
role reciprocity is probably easier to create when both are asking
questions about what they are doing. However, 'containment' I
also found is important through crises when I wanted the other to
take charge for a bit. On another day it might happen the other
way around and i take responsibility for what happens. Its fine
tuning stuff isn't it getting that relationship right. For that
reason i now believe that creating a strong connection with the
other is just the most important thing. Its more difficult if I
instinctively don't like them but worth the effort and in some
strange way more exciting! The strong warm, safe feelings to be
had from feeling connected with another make it easier to explore
and take risks. Getting it wrong seems not to be so disastrous as
there is a cushion of trust, cooperation, security to absorb the
blows. Good Luck. Can I put this discussion on the list then it
might be interesting to others? Robyn
-----On 27 Feb 04, at 13:04 PROF.CHRIS N. HOELSON-----
wrote: Hi Robyn I have just joined
the list at Jack Whitehead's suggestion and was very interested to
follow this conversation as I am in the process of planning a
collaborative action research project with a PhD candidate who is
also a colleague of mine.
At this stage we are still busy formulating an initial research
proposal about increasing the congruence of our personal,
research and professional values in our research supervision
relationship. We would value any comments etc from you or any
other interested parties.
I have accessed your thesis and am busy reading it at present but
have already experienced much stimulating resonance with your
ideas and values.
Kind regards
Chris
|