Scaling the Peaks of Research

Abstract

For many people undertaking research at Masterate or Doctorate level is a mountain too far. Yet for teachers taking on the challenge of research it can open new doors, invigorate practice and help them learn something about themselves. This article looks at the journey taken by one teacher to conquer the lofty heights of academia and the changes brought about through this journey. The teacher had to face the realisation that people often saw her in a completely different light to how she saw herself. Not only did she find that she had a value to others but that there were also expectations placed upon her which she felt obliged to meet. Yet what became most surprising to her in scaling the research mountain was that her own expectations outshone anything others placed upon her. She found that in pushing herself just that little bit further she began to unlock a belief in who she was and what she could actually achieve.