801 Maddrell Speaker Final

IDT 810: Guest Speaker Synthesis

Jennifer Maddrell

1

Research opportunity and obligation: We began the semester by proclaiming our license to do research. As we heard from our presenters, research opportunities can take many forms depending upon the person’s interests, as well as his or her chosen career path either inside or outside of higher education. However, embedded within each guest speaker’s presentation was an underlying message that a PhD grants not only an opportunity to research, but also an obligation to synthesize and share the knowledge that is gained with others. As suggested by the speakers, fulfillment of this obligation comes through sustained contribution to the field and is where scholarship lives. Scholarship: Dr. Morrison suggested that in order to be labeled by your peers as a scholar in the field, it is not sufficient to merely conduct and report on your research. Rather, a scholar is fully immersed in deep reflection and synthesis in areas of significance to research and practice and offers a range of sustained contributions to the field, including mentorship and service. Dr. Adcock suggested that attainment of this level of scholarship often requires commitment to an area of specialization. In the case of Dr. Overbaugh, scholarship in our field includes being an instructional scholar who evaluates the quality of specific instructional interventions versus a traditional researcher who conducts experimental research. Also, as seen in Dr. Watson’s career, the path to scholarship may not lead directly from graduate school to a faculty position, but may include research and practice in a range of positions. Read and publish: All of the speakers discussed their past and upcoming publications and stressed the importance of both reading relevant literature and participating in academic conferences and journals. Dr. Overbaugh noted the need to read both prior and current publications in order to ground your work within relevant theory

Submitted: April 11, 2009

IDT 810: Guest Speaker Synthesis

Jennifer Maddrell

2

and research. Both Drs. Watson and Adcock emphasized the value of continuously synthesizing articles and of finding an organizational method which aids in future reference. Dr. Morrison suggested an important reason for writing and presenting is to stake a claim within a research area and to record for others your findings. Dr. Morrison also discussed the significance of publishing in recognized and respected academic journals. However, I struggle to reconcile the previously noted obligation to share gained knowledge with the hiding of intellectual capital behind the walled gardens of academic journals. I believe that scholars in our field must strike a better balance between publishing their works in quality academic journals and fulfilling their obligation to openly share knowledge with interested parties. Scholarship at a distance: Near and dear to my heart are the opportunities for developing scholars who are studying at a distance. As I asked Drs. Watson and Adcock, I question what may be lost when want-to-be scholars are schooled at a distance. What opportunities are lost and can the experience be effectively replicated (dare I say enhanced) through mediated communication? It is possible that the distance can be bridged through the next topic … mentorship. Mentorship: Drs. Adcock and Watson urged each of us to find a mentor. All presenter noted people they met or worked with in their careers who offered support and opportunities which helped to define and shape their area of study. In addition, Dr. Morrison highlighted the reciprocal obligation of mentorship. While it is important to find a mentor as a developing scholar, it is equally important for those established in their careers to fulfill an obligation to the field to reach out and support mentees. As suggested

Submitted: April 11, 2009

IDT 810: Guest Speaker Synthesis

Jennifer Maddrell

3

by our speakers, the success of the person and the continuity of the field are influenced by the support offered by others. However, in reviewing my notes, I realized a lack of discussion with the faculty members of their classroom teaching obligations. How are classroom teaching skills learned in our field? While we are all trained as instructional designers, few of us are trained as instructors. Also, in terms of balancing priorities and workload, how is their time balanced between teaching and research? Is teaching viewed as a task that takes time away from research and publishing obligations? All questions I should have asked. Membership and service: Drs. Adcock and Morrison discussed the importance of participation and leadership in professional organizations, including service as a reviewer for academic conferences and journals. Leadership and service to the field contributes toward the fulfillment of both scholarly opportunity and obligations. However, as we discussed in class, not all levels of membership and service are the same; the level of benefit from participation is related to the person’s level of involvement. Follow a passion: Saving the best for last … I end with the importance of following a passion. While not explicitly stated by all guest speakers, it was clear that passion drives their agenda. My key take-a-way is the guidance to choose an area of study that goes beyond general interest and to prepare for the opportunity and obligation of its scholarly pursuit.

Submitted: April 11, 2009