Collaborative Writing Processes Explored Through Art
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 10:45 AM
End Date
14-1-2021 11:05 AM
Abstract
In academia, publications are emphasized as an indicator of productivity, despite the absence of formal curricula in graduate programs. This leaves graduate students to navigate the writing process on their own, through their own efforts or informal collaborations with experienced researchers beyond the classroom. While informal collaborations are encouraged, there are no guidelines on how to navigate a collaboration process in conducting and writing research which can be daunting for inexperienced researchers. There are many examples of studies conducted collaboratively and interdisciplinary settings, however, there is limited research on the process itself and how novice and experienced researchers navigate the process. In this paper, we share the experiences of four scholars from different backgrounds, locations, and experience levels in qualitative research collaborating online in writing for publication for over a year. The initial framing of this interdisciplinary collaboration shifted from writing for publication towards including the aspect of a learning community in engaging with qualitative research in addition to writing together over time. The learning community setting provided space for us to discuss different aspects of research including research methods, data analysis, writing, selecting journals to submit, paper preparation and submission processes, and to emotional support throughout. During this process, the boundaries between mentorship and partnership became permeable.Drawing from each researcher’s reflection journals and the conversations that took place during regular research meetings, we demonstrate how we navigated this process and what we have learned about collaborating, writing, and publishing as a community of researchers through using arts.
Keywords
collaborative writing, arts-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration
ORCID ID
0000-0001-8907-5620
Collaborative Writing Processes Explored Through Art
In academia, publications are emphasized as an indicator of productivity, despite the absence of formal curricula in graduate programs. This leaves graduate students to navigate the writing process on their own, through their own efforts or informal collaborations with experienced researchers beyond the classroom. While informal collaborations are encouraged, there are no guidelines on how to navigate a collaboration process in conducting and writing research which can be daunting for inexperienced researchers. There are many examples of studies conducted collaboratively and interdisciplinary settings, however, there is limited research on the process itself and how novice and experienced researchers navigate the process. In this paper, we share the experiences of four scholars from different backgrounds, locations, and experience levels in qualitative research collaborating online in writing for publication for over a year. The initial framing of this interdisciplinary collaboration shifted from writing for publication towards including the aspect of a learning community in engaging with qualitative research in addition to writing together over time. The learning community setting provided space for us to discuss different aspects of research including research methods, data analysis, writing, selecting journals to submit, paper preparation and submission processes, and to emotional support throughout. During this process, the boundaries between mentorship and partnership became permeable.Drawing from each researcher’s reflection journals and the conversations that took place during regular research meetings, we demonstrate how we navigated this process and what we have learned about collaborating, writing, and publishing as a community of researchers through using arts.