Writing everything up
Create the habit
Each research project, whether small, medium or large, should culminate in a written report of findings that will be shared with academic colleagues. Developing this habit is a critical skill accomplished faculty members must have, and beginning it early in a career is the best way to build the skill and the expectation.
Expect to be part of the conversation
New faculty members have the opportunity to change the dynamic in their department, college, campus or the field. Those faculty members who expect to be responsible for this change through entering the professional dialogue succeed; those who never enter the conversation do not. No project is too small to write about, and putting off reporting findings is never a good strategy. Take on the task of writing up all research findings, reflections on teaching, and things learned from service in a systematic and ongoing way, and make the commitment to publish them all through informal and formal means.
Write regularly
Every week expect to write for a substantial amount of time out of at least one day. If writing is a regular part of each week’s calendar, and each piece under construction has several possible places for publishing, there is an ongoing incentive to keep writing. Papers can always be revised or reshaped later to fit a particular format or guideline for publication. Accomplished faculty members write regularly and are always looking for appropriate places to share what they have written through presenting or publishing their work.
Keep several ongoing writing folders
Development of several ongoing pieces simultaneously will help move the writing process along, facilitating work for different audiences and purposes. Organizing different pieces into folders helps faculty members keep track of several papers in progress. It is also helpful to move on to another folder when interest in one piece wanes. Each time a new idea for research, an interesting insight about an ongoing research project, or “aha” moment occurs for a project in the final stages, be sure to capture the thoughts in the appropriate folder, to be ruminated over when that folder is the object under consideration. Accomplished faculty members expect to write up every aspect of their work, and are therefore most successful at maintaining a solid research agenda and contributing to the larger dialogue. A system to organize all ongoing written pieces will increase your likelihood of success.
Faculty Expectations
The Mystery of Faculty Priorities
Jaschik, S. (May, 2009). Inside Higher Education (February, 2010)
This article asserts that research expectations have risen at institutions where the missions have primarily been teaching.
Why do Institutions of Higher Education Reward Research while Selling Education?
Remler, D.K. & Pema, E. (May, 2009). National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Working Paper No. 14974
This article outlines a shift toward a higher expectation and reward to faculty members who conduct research, both funded and unfunded. The notion that this trend may harm teaching and thus student human capital accumulation is explored.
Writing Process Encouragement
Writing Up Qualitative Research
Wolcott, H.F. (2009). SAGE Publications
This is a new edition of a book that offers encouragement, insight and practical tips for systematically writing up qualitative research projects. The humor and “get going” attitude help overcome many of the common stumbling blocks to writing.
Writing Research Papers
Caprette, D. R. (updated 2005). Experimental Biosciences, Rice University
This website offers an overview of technical writing for a research article.
Encouraging Academic Creativity in Research
Nagel, S. (2001). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Innovation Journal, updated November 2009.
This paper explores ways to raise creativity and research in higher education, going as far as to suggest new incentive systems, use of tenure, and application of innovation.
Making Time for Writing
Research Funding for Faculty
University of British Columbia
This site describes the types of grants that may be available at campuses to support faculty as they write up research to disseminate.
