Self-Reflexive Methodologies

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG): ANNUAL REPORT ON SIG ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIP FOR 2017 12 February 2018 NAME OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG): Self-Reflexive Methodologies CONVENOR: Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan, University of KwaZulu-Natal, pithousemorgan@ukzn.ac.za Report The focus of the SIG in 2017 was on preparing for the SAERA Conference SIG seminar. The aim was to facilitate inclusivity of as many interested presenters as possible, to allow maximum time for interaction and discussion, and to respond to the 2017 conference theme by exploring on self-reflexive research with objects in educational research for social change. In April 2017, the SIG convenor invited SIG members to contribute ideas for the seminar. Through mostly email discussions, plans were made for the seminar, titled: “Not just an object”: Making meaning of and from everyday objects in educational research for social change. All SIG members were then invited to participate in the session in the form of a short presentation on “an object that captures or evokes an aspect of your commitment to educational research for social change”. Each submission was accompanied by a visual image and a 200-250 word reflection. Seven SIG members made submissionsto present in the seminar(see the seminar programme attached). Those SIG members who were new to object inquiry or less confident in object inquiry received mentoring from the SIG convenor to help them in choosing their objects, creating or choosing their images, and writing their reflections. The SIG Seminar and business meeting was held on 25 October 2-4 pm. 33 SAERA conference participants attended. Presenters shared their “object pieces”, with interactive responses from the two discussants and audience. During the business meeting, SIG news and publication opportunities were discussed. The SIG resolved to begin circulating a regular SIG newsletter from 2018 onwards. All those present were encouraged to submit abstracts for 2 consideration for article publications in an object inquiry themed 2019 special issue of the accredited journal, Educational Research For Social Change. For 2018, there will again be a focus on preparing for the SAERA Conference SIG seminar, with the aim making the seminar as inclusive, interactive, and educative as possible. The SIG will work on developing a newsletter to communicate research updates, publications, accomplishments, news, announcements, and calls for publications, as well offer a space for self-reflexive research book reviews and ‘think pieces’. We are also in discussion about possible SIG research events that might be organised in addition to the SAERA Conference SIG seminar. SIG Participation 70 academics from 18 higher education institutions have participated in the SAERA SIG meetings and sessions held during 2014-2017.