Logo image
An exploratory interview study of university teacher resilience
Book chapter

An exploratory interview study of university teacher resilience

K. Helker, C.F. Mansfield, M. Wosnitza and H. Stiller
Resilience in Education, pp.185-201
Springer
2018
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

Although teacher resilience research has blossomed in the last 5–10 years, the resilience of schoolteachers and principals has been the main focus of research. There is little research exploring the resilience of university teachers. This chapter presents findings from an exploratory study regarding university teacher resilience. Participants were 26 university teachers, 17 from Germany and 9 from Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the challenges, coping strategies and work-related emotions of participants and how they view resilience in the context of their work. Findings revealed challenges such as heavy workload, interpersonal relationships, time management and finding the right balance between teaching and research activities. Strategies include social support, time management and consciously maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The findings are discussed in light of a model of university teacher resilience, which is adapted to take into account specific aspects of university work.

Details

Metrics

135 Record Views
Logo image