My Mother, Myself: Using a Research Biography

Abstract

Learning that takes place is generally a reflection of people's lives as they experience themselves and others. Therefore, learning is more likely to occur when a student engages in an experience that has personal meaning. The purpose of this paper is to provide the rationale, design, and evaluation of a “biography project, “often referred to by students as the “mom biography.” We describe how we structured the project within a course entitled “Women, work, and leisure.” The values of the assignment, as well as the problems, are discussed based on data collected from students as the assignment has evolved over the years. We also offer suggestions for how the principles applied in this class can be transferred to other leisure studies courses.

Keywords:

• Critical thinking
• interviewing
• writing
• affective learning
• teaching methods

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karla A. Henderson

Karla Henderson is a Professor and Chair, and M. Deborah Bialeschki is an Associate Professor in the Curriculum in Leisure Studies and Recreation Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3185 Evergreen, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599–3185.

M. Deborah Bialeschki

Karla Henderson is a Professor and Chair, and M. Deborah Bialeschki is an Associate Professor in the Curriculum in Leisure Studies and Recreation Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3185 Evergreen, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599–3185.