Conceptualizing the Academic Life: Graduate Students' Perspectives

摘要: Envisioning a Faculty Life A faculty member passes John R. in the hall during his sophomore year and remarks that seems to have an academic bent of mind. Another professor, addition being great teacher classroom, engages discussions her office from time time. R., beginning see himself this role member, looks more closely at life around him lead. He notes--and likes--the fact he sees professors coming going as they please, determining their own daily schedules, teaching advising now then. enters graduate school with very positive view or, least, possibilities few embodied for him. However, soon recognizes lead different than which had imagined. scrambling find research funding publish. Although somewhat taken aback by new information, believes can create line undergraduate vision. modifies original vision only extent includes reality has begun do, if must. Graduate education been topic interest investigation higher last 60 years (Baird, 1990; Berelson, 1960; Brink, 1999). researchers consistently paid attention issues associated education, lately approached vigor. The reasons renewed enthusiasm are many varied, ranging lingering concern about graying speculation replacements, such perennial overproduction Ph.D.s who never land tenure-track position. Added mix questions stemming realities experience produces individuals steeped world when large number positions institutions continue reward teaching, albeit amidst growing commitments receiving grants. Much focusing on (e.g., Bowen & Rudenstine, 1992; Seagram, Gould, Pyke, 1998; Tuckman, 1991) concentrated structural variables time-to-degree) or factors (such presence mentors, fellowships, assistantships) operating lives students deemed be successful, typically defined those not complete doctoral work but also full-time, position academia case sciences engineering, private sector. small body literature attempts move beyond analysis single, discrete order probe fully its complexities. Anderson (1996), Conrad, Haworth, Millar (1993), Golde (1998), Lovitts (2001), among others, provided insights into how themselves school. these takes us "inside" experience, thus providing context necessary understanding education. concept socialization reigning paradigm investigating student date. apprenticeship model assumes student/apprentice will socialized profession mentor We must note here prevalent relationship between mentor/master apprentice is based where become master--that is, scholar-teacher university. When we began our research, assumed person planning embark career would systematically seek information regarding both professional personal aspects chosen career. made it clear does account patterns discovered. …