Study Notes on Identity and Teacher Identity

Lecture on Identity

Overview of Identity

  • Exploration of identity with a focus on teacher identity.

  • Importance of understanding how identity is formed and its implications.

Key Quote

  • Janelle Reeves states, "Identity is socially mediated, fragmented, and multiple."

    • Connotations and Reflections:

    • Identity is shaped by social contexts and relationships.

    • Personal experiences of identity as socially mediated and possibly fragmented are encouraged for reflection.

Defining Identity

  • Identity Definition:

    • Linked to self-definition and external perceptions.

    • Multifaceted components:

    • Emotions

    • Social interactions

    • Personal perceptions

  • Multiplicity of Identity:

    • Individuals can occupy multiple roles simultaneously (e.g., student, friend, athlete, professional).

    • Within each identity role, there can be further layers and contradictions depending on interactions.

Ongoing Construction of Identity

  • Identity is in constant evolution, open to:

    • Alteration, negotiation, and change influenced by interactions with others.

  • Importance of discourses in defining identity

    • Work and social interactions heavily influence both self-definition and external perceptions.

Teacher Identity

  • Professional Identity of Teachers (Lexi, 2005):

    • Definition: How teachers view themselves and how they are seen by others.

    • Interrelated with teaching methods and relationships with students and others.

    • Teacher identity is part of the broader practice of teaching.

Theoretical Perspectives on Identity

  • Exploration of identity through various theoretical frameworks enhances understanding.

  • **Key Theorists: **

    • Erik Erikson

    • James Marcia

    • Albert Bandura

  • Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development:

    • Eight stages of development, from infancy to adulthood.

    • Identity forms through a crisis or relationship between self and society, constantly shifting.

    • Development involves exploring choices and making commitments.

Marcia’s Extension of Erikson

  • James Marcia extends Erikson's work:

    • Identity involves crucial turning points.

    • Examines identity statuses:

    • Identity Diffusion: Absence of commitment and exploration.

    • Identity Foreclosure: Commitment without exploration.

    • Moratorium: Exploration without commitment.

    • Identity Achievement: Commitment after exploration.

Bandura and Social Cognitive Theory

  • Self-efficacy impacts identity construction:

    • Higher self-efficacy leads to stronger identity.

2022 Theoretical Perspectives on Identity

  • Various theoretical frameworks identified:

    • Essentialism:

    • Views identity as static, measurable, and linear (contrasted with contemporary understanding).

    • Constructivism:

    • Engages with the dynamic formation of identity through social relations.

    • Structuralism:

    • Analyzes identity as complex and interrelated components.

    • Post-Structuralism:

    • Focuses on multiple representations of self, influenced by social contexts.

Implications of Identity in Teaching

  • Teacher identity is influenced by various structures:

    • Macro structures: Broad social and cultural context.

    • Mezzo structures: Organizational forms such as schools and teacher education.

    • Micro structures: Interactions with colleagues, students, and parents.

    • Personal structures: Personal biographies, values, beliefs, experiences.

Research Findings on Teacher Identity

  • Prior knowledge and experiences crucial for preservice teacher identity.

  • Engagement in professional placements vital for developing competence and identity.

  • Identity as a student influences future teacher identity impressions.

Influences on Teacher Identity (Peter Gedder & Colleagues)

  • Mirrors of Power:

    • Mimicking more experienced or higher-status individuals (mentors, peers).

  • Discourse Influences:

    • Identity shaped by different community interactions.

  • Imagination of Reality:

    • Subjective nature of reality influences how identities are perceived and negotiated in groups.

  • Investment in Experiences:

    • Emotional and intellectual investment affects identities.

  • Role of Emotions:

    • Interplay between emotional and cognitive aspects significant for teacher identity.

  • Influence of Capital:

    • Varied types of capital (physical, natural, psychological, emotional) influence strength of identity representation.

Conclusion

  • Explored definitions and complexities of identity, theoretical frameworks, and factors influencing teacher identity.