Politician-Turned-Doctoral Student’s Narrative Identity at an Australian University: A Case Study

This study aims to explore the narrative identity of a politician-turned-doctoral student at an Australian university with a particular focus on his academic and social encounters based on his English resources and experiences of learning and living in Australia. This case study is unique in the way...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inIAFOR journal of education Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 161 - 176
Main Author Nomnian, Singhanat
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published International Academic Forum 01.09.2017
The International Academic Forum
Subjects
Academic Discourse
adult education
Aging (Individuals)
Australian university
Career Change
Case Studies
Cultural Pluralism
Doctoral Dissertations
Doctoral Programs
doctoral student
Educational Experience
Engineering Education
English (Second Language)
Foreign Countries
Foreign Nationals
Graduate Students
Group Discussion
Language Proficiency
Multilingualism
narrative identity
Philosophy
politician
Professional Identity
Public Officials
Qualitative Research
Self Concept
Semi Structured Interviews
Australia
Thailand
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:This study aims to explore the narrative identity of a politician-turned-doctoral student at an Australian university with a particular focus on his academic and social encounters based on his English resources and experiences of learning and living in Australia. This case study is unique in the way that very few Thai politicians would end their political career and join in an academic community because of different philosophies underpinning these political and educational agendas. Drawing upon a narrative inquiry, the 60-year-old former Thai politician who decided to undertake a PhD in Engineering (Water Resources Management) found his academic experience positively challenging as he had to familiarize himself with Australian academic discourse such as conducting research, writing his thesis, and taking part in class discussion. Being a competent user of English, he enjoyed living in a multicultural and multilingual society in Australia. This study offers an optimistic outlook at career change through a lens of a politician who became a doctoral student and serves as an example for adults who are transiting their midlife career path and considering stepping out of their comfort zones to venture into something new and exciting. This study hopes to shed new light and hopes on adult education in an era of aging society.
ISSN:2187-0594
2187-0594
DOI:10.22492/ije.5.2.08