Telling tales of a teacher educator: Autoethnography in search of bicultural identity

Abstract

This presentation explores how I have used narrative inquiry and autoethnography to investigate and exemplify my work as a Pākehā (read European) teacher educator working to develop bicultural identity with undergraduate physical education teacher education (PETE) students in the context of the indigenous Māori culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing on autoethnographic research methodology and the narration of composite ‘snapshot stories’ I outline the process of becoming a storyteller of my work; identify the context and role of the Māori cultural experiences in partnership with Māori educators; show examples of student cultural experience; and reveal how various outlooks of the Māori and Pākehā cultural and teaching expertise come together to inform and shape lived experiences of Māori culture in teacher education. My research shows how autoethnographic dialogue, with and through the author, can highlight cultural, educational and sociological agendas that may have remained hidden from view.