Active Learning and Improvement
Reflexive practices lead to more reliable outcomes, and enhance the credibility of research. When supported well by good team cultures, humility and respectful interpersonal relationships, reflexive practices can also support ongoing improvement in research, and enhance personal and professional growth.
Responsible Research Culture Framework
Download Monash’s Responsible Research Culture Framework here
What does this culture of active learning and improvement look like?
VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
- Humility
- Care
- Reflexivity
EXPECTATIONS
- All members of the research community have a growth and development plan.
- All members of the research community contribute to a culture of reflexivity and continuous improvement.
FORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND SYSTEMS
- Ongoing learning and professional development are part of the formal responsibilities of roles at Monash.
- Regular health checks of the institution's current practices, achievements, progress, and systems of recognition and reward are undertaken.
BEHAVIOURS
- Leaders create a safe and inclusive environment where concerns can be raised and addressed productively.
- Staff acknowledge and address issues respectfully and without personal judgement.
- Staff engage with others to identify opportunities for improvement and develop plans to address setbacks or challenges.
CREATING MEANING
- Reflexivity and ongoing improvement are acknowledged as essential for personal development, as well as research veracity and benefit.
Useful questions:
- How do you monitor the progress of research to manage and address unanticipated issues throughout the research process?
- What reflective and reflexive practices have you built into your project design and team meetings?
- Is every opportunity given to all members of the research team to pursue professional development?
- How are you helping to create or contribute to an environment of trust, humility and critical reflection?
- Which aspects of your project were not optimal? What lessons can be learned from that experience?