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"We define Micro-Scholarship as the process of making visible the smallest accessible and assessable steps that document a scholarly journey, which can then be assembled and presented as an outcome of academic scholarship." (Goh, Roberts-Lieb, and Sandars 2022)
Poh-Sun
'A (completed) journey is composed of a series of many (visible) steps. Each step counts and can be counted.' - Poh-Sun Goh, 16 December 2021 @ 0618am, Singapore Time
The essential 'innovation' or idea behind 'Micro-Scholarship' is to make each step of our journey as scholars visible, through open (access) digital practice. Implicit in this is both the Micro-Asset, or (digital) product; and Micro-Practice, or (digital) process (of Micro-Scholarship).
Micro-Scholarship is not only how we start our journey but are the building blocks which allow successful completion of any scholarship project. Micro-Scholarship forms the simplest, small steps which we can use to refine our recipe (Micro-Scholarship as key ingredients in a cooking recipe), or composition (Micro-Scholarship as the key themes, components, or pieces of a larger piece of work). Our professional CoP, and an internal iterative personal reflective process, progressively refine not only our completed work, but each step or component which these works are composed of. Through peer feedback, inspiration, review, acknowledgement, and endorsement.
[revised 30 second elevator pitch - 15 January 2022, 0727am, Singapore Time]
(Iterative) Meta-reflection is a key practice in Micro-Scholarship
Meta-reflection involves a consideration of multiple points of view. Iterative practice of meta-reflection leads to a progressive refinement and generalisability of the small steps, the components of Micro-Scholarship as well as their combined funnelled outputs of Macro-Scholarship. Ultimately broadening their appeal and resonance with an audience, a Community of Practice (CoP) or Interest (CoI). Poh-Sun Goh, 26 March 2022, 0825am, Singapore time
'The "essence" of Micro-Scholarship is ... capturing value ... showing value .... to offer value .... in small, doable, 'chunks', pieces, steps ... for others to engage with, and build upon ... through open (digital) practice.' Poh-Sun Goh, 25 January 2022, @ 0405am, Singapore Time
'Committing to a path of open professional practice, engaging digitally, in analogue (in-physical-person) and mixed modes within a Community of Practice (CoP), is a key starting point, a key step, in a journey of progressive mastery of an area of professional practice, increasing engagement with and adding value to a CoP, in service to this CoP, as well as driving personal and professional growth.' Poh-Sun Goh, 27 January 2022, @ 0815am, Singapore Time
see also 'Motivation' section - https://microscholarship.blogspot.com/2022/01/micro-scholarship-toolkit.html
or
'through (committing to) (future) Performance, Art' - Poh-Sun Goh, 27 January 2022, 0819am, Singapore Time or Performance Art (Instagram)
Sol
Medical Education needs more voices, perspectives, and ideas to push the envelope of teaching and learning practice. To do this, we need a more accessible way for faculty and staff at all experiences to contribute to the growing body of knowledge. Micro-scholarship tears down many barriers of scholarship by allowing scholars to Cultivate existing knowledge, curate the practices and research that are of interest to them, create their own micro-contributions to the field, and converse in supported communities of practice along the way.
When the barriers of publication, word length, editorial boards and formal research training are minimised, more voices are heard.
When scholars share, in open and respectful learning environments, they can grow and improve their work before it is published. This cycle allows for continued growth and exploration in medical education.
When open source and freely available digital technologies are used, all scholars have access to the same level playing field to communicate, share, and connect with each other.
Micro-scholarship provides the stepwise approach to scholarship that contains all of the aspects of traditional scholarship is a smaller, stackable, customisable, and community based approach.
John
I consider that Micro-scholarship is a step-wise process of iteratively developing a product that can be considered as an outcome of scholarship. These outcomes can be teaching related, such as a new module or programme, or more academic, such as a presentation or publication. The iterative process is supported by the ubiquitous use of a wide variety of collaborative technologies, such as social media, and begins with sharing new ideas that are then developed within a wider community of practice. An essential underpinning aspect of this process is personal reflection to develop professional artistry as an educator.