Coming to writing

Authors

  • Helen Bowstead University of Plymouth

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.v0i3.128

Keywords:

narrative data, transgressive data, embodied texts, autoethnography, academic discourse

Abstract

This paper attempts to engage on a practical and theoretical level with Laurel Richardson’s (1997) notion of ‘writing as a method of inquiry’ and ‘transgressive data’ as defined by Elizabeth St. Pierre. The author has employed an autobiographical/biographical approach to explore the nature of academic writing from both her own perspective and from that of an undergraduate student she worked closely with in her role as study skills coordinator. Through the interweaving of the two narrative voices, and by embracing data that is subjective, personal and emotional, this piece of writing questions the privilege discourse bestows on traditional forms of writing, research and data analysis, and demonstrates the transformative potential of a more ‘heartfelt’ approach to academic research.

Author Biography

Helen Bowstead, University of Plymouth

Helen Bowstead lived and worked abroad for many years before returning to the UK in 2006. She currently works as an EFL lecturer at the University of Plymouth and has a strong interest in the transformative potential of narrative approaches to educational research.

References

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Published

03-04-2011

How to Cite

Bowstead, H. (2011) “Coming to writing”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (3). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.v0i3.128.

Issue

No. 3 (2011)

Section

Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2011 Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education

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