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Using LEGO® To Understand Emotion Work In Doctoral Education

Brown, Nicole, Collins, Jo (2018) Using LEGO® To Understand Emotion Work In Doctoral Education. International Journal of Management and Applied Research, 5 (4). pp. 193-209. ISSN 2056-757X. (doi:10.18646/2056.54.18-014) (KAR id:73614)

Abstract

In this paper, we present a project of the University of Kent Graduate School that utilises this paradox of playfulness and creativity. LEGO® is used in workshops to explore doctoral students’ emotions around the complex and solitary experience of a PhD research. We argue LEGO® is uniquely generative for exploring emotion work. After a brief overview of the background and context to the doctoral training workshop, we provide a brief review of emotion work. We then describe the LEGO® workshop we developed for our students, before explaining our approach to data collection and analysis. We then present our results, using verbatim statements from conversations with students around their LEGO® models. We present the interconnected building elements of height, walls and positioning, which are particularly impactful in highlighting the emotion work with LEGO® models. We connect the findings to a brief discussion in relation to the literature around emotion work. We have found that LEGO®’ bricks structure, solidity, and variety ensure its openness to metaphorical investment and promote the creation of narratives. Thus, building LEGO® models enabled participants to engage creatively with routinization of practices and emotion work, as well their positive support networks. We conclude with final thoughts on the value of LEGO® and steps for further developing the existing workshop.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.18646/2056.54.18-014
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: N. Brown
Date Deposited: 24 Apr 2019 14:47 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 12:36 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/73614 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Brown, Nicole.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3307-452X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Collins, Jo.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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