Academic developers using narrative to support our professional development

Abstract

This article illustrates how narrative can be used as a tool to support those of us engaged in academic practice. It stems from a programme conducted with members of the Educational Developers of Ireland Network (EDIN) where the authors used narrative as a framework to critically reflect on our roles and practices as academic developers. Given the rise of managerial values and the drive for sustainability that dominates the current higher education context, this paper argues that academic developers need to find ways to sustain our-selves in our work and to reclaim the emotions and values that define us, even if they are not reflected back to us by our institutions. The process also resulted in very practical outcomes that focused on sustaining and strengthening our network. The authors propose that this approach to narrative not only enhances collegiality and support but can help steer the sustainability of academic development networks like EDIN.