In our
class syllabus, the requirements for the “Discussion Paper” paper area as
follows:
“After
your class presentation (and with the feedback you received from it), write a 5
page double spaced paper that attempts to theorize the findings from and
conclusions to your mini study. This theory work should be based on readings
and generative themes from the course, and authors should be cited
appropriately. If appropriate, discuss implications for professional
development and consider imaginative PD strategies that reflect the
contextuality /de-contextuality of the strategy, as well as the ideological
implications of the learning epistemologies.”
I want to
share my understanding of theses requirements and my approach to
fulfilling the requirements with the hope of soliciting feedback.
First and foremost, I don’t believe we are
expected to generate “new” theory based upon our 1-2-3 Projects. After all, my 1-2-3 Project was a qualitative
project based upon a very small sample size (9-interviews). As stated in the “Analyzing Qualitative Data”
paper by Taylor-Powell and Renner, “a qualitative approach seeks to provide understanding
from the respondent’s perspective” and “the goal of qualitative work is not to
generalize across a population.” (p 9). Consequently,
my interpretation of “theorize the findings” means that I will attempt to
analyze my findings using the various analytical lens we studied during the
semester. If I am wrong about this then please enlighten me.
Have
stated my assumptions, I started my quest by re-reading Chapter 7, Implications
for Theory by Dr. Judy Hunter in the of
the Reading Work book. My goal is to get an idea about a possible “framework” on
how to “theorize the findings from and conclusions” to my 1-2-3 Project.
The
chapter provides a good overview of the two approaches to literacy we studied
this semester, e.g. cognitive theories verses social practice theories of
literacy. Additionally, it provides
numerous examples of literacy problems that are either “misdiagnosed” or
significant issues completely missed when using certain types of analytical
lenses. Consequently, I hope to replicate this
process in the context of my 1-2-3 Project.
Last but
not least, I have started to review our past readings in general, and chapter 2
of the Reading Work book specifically (due to the many similarities to my
project), searching for relevant information that I can cite to fulfill the
requirement to “….theory work should be based on readings and generative themes
from the course, and authors should be cited appropriately.”
Bob this is excellent advice, thank you! I couldn't agree more that the work of theorizing has everything to do with misdiagnosis, or maybe we could say--superficial versus root-cause understanding. Thanks for you suggestion to reread chapter 7. I plan to do the same tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteB
Bob, I think this is a great idea. I am doing something similar with my paper. I started my paper by examining the institutional assumptions regarding international student literacy and my own biases as someone who works in the field (I work so closely with this text that it was a challenge to separate myself). Now, I am delving into the findings and using the theories to understand root causes. I don't think I'm quite as organized as you are on this, but it's starting to come together! :-)
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that this post has been really helpful as I've been working on my paper. Re reading Chapter 7 was very helpful!