Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grants

Project Title: PhD Students' Identity Development Within a Community of Practice

Chief Investigator: Dr Kelly Farrell

Funded by: 2007 Early Career Researcher Grant Scheme

Project Summary: Using situated learning theory and the concept of ‘communities of practice’, this study aims to: 1) articulate the formal and informal processes by which PhD students develop identities as members of their local communities of practice and, 2) examine the contribution they make to these communities. It will be the first study to furnish a unified picture of the process of socialisation of PhD students within their fields of study, including any inhibiting factors in the development of their identities as members of their departmental communities of practice. This study has the potential to deliver substantial benefits for the way universities manage the PhD experience.