Bonnar, I D (2007) Not as cool as fighter pilots: an exploration of identity and learning for full-time quantity surveying students. EdD thesis, University of Stirling, UK.
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between identity and learning, in particular the concepts of ‘belonging' and ‘becoming' in respect of professional, vocational education. Adopting a case study approach, the study focuses on the quantity surveying discipline and the degree programme offered by my institution, and one specific cohort on same. As they progressed through their studies, an in-depth exploration of the formation of identity (ies) and the dispositions adopted towards learning was undertaken, involving two key milestones: at Level 1 (first year) when the participants had almost completed their studies, and again at Level 3 (third year) when the participants had returned from their period of professional placement. The conclusions of my study raise a number of issues for professional, vocational education in general, and more specifically, the provision of quantity surveying education within my institution. The outcomes of this investigation highlight three key areas for further attention: the tensions inherent in providing discipline-orientated programmes within a semesterised, modularised, more generic-focused system of delivery; issues surrounding the provision of professional placement opportunities including the emotional aspects of same; and the resultant impacts on dispositions and identity, ‘belonging' and ‘becoming'.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Edwards, R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; education; learning; quantity surveying; vocation |
| Index terms: | vocation, case study, programme, identity, vocational education, becoming, placement, exploration, investigation, surveying |
| Subjects: | management, environmental resource management, data collection methods, health monitoring assessment and metrics, sociology, philosophical process, specialized education, project controls, professional education |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Time Control, Education, Sustainability, Health and Safety, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here