Research Poem

Marilyn Long is currently undertaking a doctorial degree with the Open University exploring:  ‘Autistic students and online higher education: an investigation into equity and inclusion within a non-autistic majority group paradigm’

 

PGR Blogger editorial team discussed this contribution over several weeks before publishing. It does not fit in with the format of our usual posts  – there are no refences and, well – it’s a poem. But it is clearly engaging with the doctoral / research journey. We liked hearing Marilyn’s voice in the literal as well as figurative sense. We felt that the poem highlighted the anxieties experienced by so many PGRs and academics (seasoned and emerging) about the value of their contribution. Academic self worth. Amidst the emotionality of these thoughts is a diagnosis of autism and the experience of being autistic in an environment dominated by neurotypicals.  This is a densely packed poem which inspired  unexpected depths of thought and discussion. 

my research journey: reliable routes, untried tributaries

Please click on the link for access

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_6dp6DeBhjgbzB8FjzofL8umUKQ7NLB/view?usp=sharing

Poem by Marilyn Long.

I am a Year 3 doctoral research student in the WELS Faculty, Institute of Educational Technology. The focus of my investigation is equitable and inclusive provision and support for autistic students in HE, underpinned by the premise that the online education platform has potential to maximise autistic student potential. I am working with autistic students and staff who are allies of this student group, and am passionate about my role as an autistic researcher and as an OU Accessibility Champion Advocate. In the 1980s I gained my B.Ed (Hons) degree and worked as a Primary school teacher, with responsibility as Early Years Co-ordinator and Staff Development Manager. I have also been awarded the MA in English Literature and MA in Online Education, both from the OU.