Impostor Phenomenon Responses of Early Career Music Education Faculty

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Sims ◽  
Jane W. Cassidy

This study was designed to examine to the extent to which impostor feelings, symptomatic of the psychological condition impostor phenomenon (IP), would be evident in early career university-level music educators. Those experiencing IP are typically successful individuals yet with impostor feelings that may include debilitating psychological effects related to an irrational fear of failure and exposure as a “fraud.” Participants were post–doctoral degree music education faculty in their first 4 years of full-time college teaching ( N = 54). They responded to the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and to scales adapted for faculty roles of undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching, and research. Results indicated that all participants experienced a moderate or higher level of impostor feelings on at least one of the scales, with five responses indicating intense impostor feelings on at least three scales. Participants’ responses to the Undergraduate Teaching Scale were the most positive. Scores for the Research Scale generated the strongest IP feelings, falling into the frequent or intense category for over 70% of the participants. Strategies that may help faculty members assuage or overcome their impostor feelings include realizing that they are not alone, working with peers, mentors and role models, and acquiring relevant experiences during doctoral preparation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-263
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Sims ◽  
Jane W. Cassidy

Impostor phenomenon (IP) is the psychological construct used to describe potentially debilitating feelings of fraud and fear of being exposed as a phony in individuals who are actually high achieving and successful. The purpose of this study was to investigate the IP feelings of music education graduate students. A total of 130 master’s and doctoral students completed a survey that included the Clance IP Scale, the Graduate Music Student Scale, and demographic items. Results indicated that impostor feelings were present in a substantial percentage of the participants. Full-time student status was associated with stronger IP responses than part-time status, as was working on the degree face-to-face versus hybrid. More frequent and intense impostor feelings were experienced by females versus males, participants ages 26 to 35, students who were not married or in a committed relationship, and those who were the first in their family to attend graduate school. Master’s and doctoral students’ IP responses were not different, but successive year in the graduate program was associated with stronger impostor feelings. Based on the possible detrimental effects of strong impostor feelings, the findings should raise concern for students, their instructors, and their mentors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-169
Author(s):  
Brittany Etmanski ◽  
David Walters ◽  
David Zarifa

Various studies acknowledge the uncertainty many doctoral graduates face when beginning their search for full-time employment within the academic sector. Recent graduates face a job market where the likelihood of obtaining full-time permanent positions in academia is perceived to be declining, and the mobility of graduates within the sector is unclear. Drawing on Statistics Canada’s 2013 National Graduates Survey, this paper assesses whether graduates who pursued a doctoral degree to become a full-time professor achieved their goal within three years of graduation. The results suggest that although a large portion of doctoral graduates pursued their degrees to become full-time professors, relatively few reported obtaining such positions within three years of graduation, regardless of field of study.  


10.28945/4700 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 149-170
Author(s):  
Sue Wilson ◽  
Jennifer Cutri

Aim/Purpose: This particular study aims to contribute to the recent scholarly inquiry of doctoral student identity work within collegiate, attendee-driven writing networks. The study closely explores the implementation and impact of supportive measures in academia for novice researchers in the form of writing events. This paper draws on two case studies of doctoral students reflecting on the impact of their participation in social, academic literacy networks. The project also explores how these individuals were able to think about and mediate their own identities as they developed their reputations as experts in their field. Background: Completing a doctoral degree is a rich, rewarding endeavour; however, it is also a challenging process. Novice academics are vulnerable to psychosocial and emotional stresses associated with being an academic within the highly competitive environment, such as isolation and burnout. More recently, scholarly interest has emerged regarding the academy’s pressures upon novice researchers, such as those entering full-time academic roles after completing their doctoral studies. Methodology: A qualitative research design was implemented where data collection for this project involved in-depth semi-structured interviewing. The nature of the semi-structured interviews enabled professional dialogue with each participant. The semi-structured nature of the interviews enabled flexibility where follow-up questions and probes allowed for richer data gathering. Data analysis occurred within a sociocultural framework. Contribution: Explicitly focusing on doctoral students, we build upon existing knowledge and understanding of how novice academic writers negotiate, interpret, and understand the impact of their research dissemination and roles. While exploring how these individuals think about and mediate their identities during the initial period of asserting their reputations as experts in the field, this study looks at how collegiate, attendee-driven writing networks can support novice academics to meet the demands for quality research dissemination and strive to meet the metrics expected of them. Findings: This research has found that novice researchers who thrive on social interaction may often find collegiality lacking in their professional lives. Furthermore, those who can find a support network that fosters positive self-belief and provides a means for sharing successes benefit from countless opportunities for empowerment as novice researchers work through their doctorates. Recommendations for Practitioners: This research confirms and provides details around how a collegiate atmosphere for novice academics helps mitigate feelings of isolation, vulnerability, and a lack of self-confidence in their scholastic ability. Overcoming such feelings occurs through learning from peers, overcoming isolation and learning self-managing techniques. Therefore, establishing spaces for collegiate, attendee-driven writing events within doctoral settings is encouraged. Recommendation for Researchers: Further research into the benefits of collegiate, attendee-driven writing events and supporting the process of academic writing and dissemination can focus on transdisciplinary writing groups, as this particular study was centred within a specific faculty. Impact on Society: Within the neoliberal context of higher education, novice academics can benefit from attendee-driven writing events intended to empower them and provide growth opportunities. Through participation in collegiate, attendee driven writing networks, which are social and peer-based, we show that novice academics can learn how to combat unsettling feelings of perfectionism, isolation, fear of inadequacy, and failure. The social element is central to understanding how writers can increase their productivity and dissemination by writing alongside peers. Future Research: Novice researchers also represent early career researchers; thus, exploring collegiate, attendee-driven writing events for practicing academics is also encouraged. As noted above, exploring the potential of transdisciplinary writing networks would also be of value.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Etmanski ◽  
David Walters ◽  
David Zarifa

Various studies acknowledge the uncertainty many doctoral graduates face when beginning their search for full-time employment within the academic sector. Recent graduates face a job market where the likelihood of obtaining full-time permanent positions in academia is perceived to be declining, and the mobility of graduates within the sector is unclear. Drawing on Statistics Canada’s 2013 National Graduates Survey, this paper assesses whether graduates who pursued a doctoral degree to become a full-time professor achieved their goal within three years of graduation. The results suggest that although a large portion of doctoral graduates pursued their degrees to become full-time professors, relatively few reported obtaining such positions within three years of graduation, regardless of field of study.


1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gillespie ◽  
Donald L. Hamann

The objective of this study was to identify teacher strategies for attracting school orchestra students to string teaching. Full-time string music education professors at 17 universities surveyed their music education students who were principally string players. Students were asked to describe their background, reasons for choosing teaching, and recommendations of approaches for teachers to use to interest students in string teaching. Results of the 153 completed surveys revealed that the majority of string music education students are female undergraduates who previously participated in school orchestras. Students chose string education because they liked teaching, music, children, playing their instrument, and being a role model for children. To attract others to teaching, respondents suggested that teachers be teaching role models for their students by showing their love for music and teaching, relating positively to students, giving special teaching opportunities and support to students interested in teaching, discussing the rewards of string teaching, and challenging students musically.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1552-1563
Author(s):  
Denise A. Tucker ◽  
Mary V. Compton ◽  
Sarah J. Allen ◽  
Robert Mayo ◽  
Celia Hooper ◽  
...  

Purpose The intended purpose of this research note is to share the findings of a needs assessment online survey of speech and hearing professionals practicing in North Carolina to explore their interest in pursuing a research-focused PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and to document their perceptions of barriers to pursing a PhD in CSD. In view of the well-documented shortage of doctor of philosophy (PhD) faculty to attract, retain, and mentor doctoral students to advance research and to prepare future speech and hearing professionals, CSD faculty must assess the needs, perceptions, and barriers prospective students encounter when considering pursuing a doctoral research degree in CSD. Method The article describes the results of a survey of 242 speech and hearing professionals to investigate their interest in obtaining an academic research-focused PhD in CSD and to solicit their perceived barriers to pursuing a research doctoral degree in CSD. Results Two thirds of the respondents (63.6%) reported that they had considered pursuing a PhD in CSD. Desire for knowledge, desire to teach, and work advancement were the top reasons given for pursuing a PhD in CSD. Eighty-two percent of respondents had no interest in traditional full-time study. Forty-two percent of respondents indicated that they would be interested in part-time and distance doctoral study. The barriers of time, distance, and money emerged as those most frequently identified barriers by respondents. Conclusion The implications inform higher education faculty on how they can best address the needs of an untapped pool of prospective doctoral students in CSD.


The Oxford Handbook of Preservice Music Teacher Education in the United States aims to work from within the profession of music teacher education to push the boundaries of P-12 music education. In this book, we will provide all of those working in music teacher education—music education faculty and administrators, music researchers, graduate students, department of education faculty and administrators, and state-level certification agencies—with research and promising practices for all areas of traditional preservice music teacher preparation. We define the areas of music teacher education as encompassing the more traditional structures, such as band, jazz band, marching band, orchestra, choir, musical theater, and elementary and secondary general music, as well as less common or newer areas: alternative string ensembles, guitar and song-writing, vernacular and popular music, early childhood music, and adult learners


2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Thompson ◽  
Nisha Dogra ◽  
Robert McKinley

Aims and methodThere is a lack of current data regarding attitudes of doctors towards psychiatry. General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly involved in teaching psychiatry, and their attitudes towards psychiatry may affect their ability to promote psychiatry. The main aim of the study is to inform on current attitudes of GPs towards psychiatry as a discipline. The Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP-30) questionnaire was administered to all GPs within Shropshire.ResultsThe response rate was 61% (n = 145 from N = 239). The mean score for the ATP-30 was 113.9. An association was found between GP trainer status and higher ATP-30 scores. Positive associations were found between demographic data (age, length of career, postgraduate experience of psychiatry, involvement in undergraduate teaching, GP trainer status) and individual response items on the ATP-30 scale.Clinical implicationsGeneral practitioners in Shropshire have a positive attitude towards psychiatry. Associations between demographic data and ATP-30 scores indicate that GPs with more experience of psychiatry and those involved in training may have more positive attitudes. The main limitation of the study is the lack of proven validity of the scale for use in this population. The positive attitude towards psychiatry is consistent with GPs providing the role models needed if they are to be involved to a greater degree with teaching and promoting psychiatry as a career. The need for the development of a more specific tool or an update to the existing tool is discussed.


The Advisor ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette C. Daniels

Abstract Impostor phenomenon (IP) is the individual experience of extreme self-doubt in which a person attributes successes and accomplishments to external factors rather than his or her own talent, capabilities, or effort (Clance & Imes, 1978). For students, IP can cause significant and persistent interference in academic and professional experience (Clance, 1985b; Cromwell, Brown, Sanchez-Huceles, & Adair, 1990; Henning, Ey, & Shaw, 1998; Li, Hughes, & Thu, 2014; McGregor, Gee, & Posey, 2008; Oriel, Plane, & Mundt, 2004; Thompson, Davis, & Davidson, 1998). To date, there is limited research on IP in the dental student population, with no known research specifically on the extent to which dental students suffer from impostor feelings. Using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (Clance, 1985a), this study measured the level of reported impostor feelings in a sample of dental students at a dental school located at a small private university in the Midwestern United States. Relationships between gender, class year, race or ethnic identity, first-generation (in dentistry) status, and reported levels of IP were explored. In this study, a majority (58.3%) of the dental students in the sample exhibited levels of IP above the clinical threshold, demonstrating the significant impact of impostor feelings on their academic, professional, and personal lives. Statistically significant differences in CIPS scores were found when evaluating differences between race or ethnic groups (those identifying as Hispanic, Latino, or Latina versus those not identifying that way) and when comparing scores for URM and non-URM students. The study fills a gap in the existing body of knowledge regarding the prevalence of IP in the dental student population. For researchers, educators, and administrators in dental education, this study establishes a benchmark for measuring the incidence of IP, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of how to effectively and holistically educate students in dentistry.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1273-1276
Author(s):  
Thomas G. DeWitt

Developing the academic skills of the individuals who will serve as educators and role models in the community is critical to pediatric resident education in community settings. The main focus of any faculty development program must be on teaching, although for a subset of individuals, the development of research skills should also be a consideration. The three key elements that must be considered for an effective faculty development program include: (1) creating a culture of mutual respect between full-time and community faculty; (2) basing the program on sound principles of education theory, especially adult learning theory, using appropriately trained faculty; and (3) establishing ongoing institutional financial and philosophical support. Effectively addressing these elements should create a faculty development program that will help the community practitioner become an effective role model and practitioner-preceptor-educator.


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