Collaborative autoethnographic reflections of facilitators implementing a self-coaching MOOC for social work students

Petro Botha; Linda Shirindi; Gisela Van Rensburg

doi:10.1921/swssr20252404

Authors

Petro Botha University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7958-4824
Linda Shirindi University of South Africa
Gisela Van Rensburg University of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252404

Keywords:

Social Work, student support, reflection, collaborative auto-ethnography, self-coaching MOOC

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of facilitators in implementing a self-coaching MOOC (massive open online courses ) that they developed. The Driscoll Model of Reflection was adopted as the theoretical framework. A collaborative autoethnographic methodology was employed to gather data from the facilitators. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis. The most important lessons learnt were not to own or defend a program, but to be open to collaborate and co-create with all stakeholders within the receiving system. It is important to let the voices of the facilitators and beneficiaries of the program be heard.

Author Biographies

Petro Botha, University of South Africa

Petro Botha worked as a social worker before being appointed as a Professor in Academia in the Department of Social Work. She has published scholarly articles in accredited, peer-reviewed journals, which has enhanced the research outputs. Among other things, she is interested in supervision, coaching, foster care, family and couple therapy, people of disabilities, school social work, MOOCs and student support within Open Distance E-learning institution.

Linda Shirindi, University of South Africa

Linda Shirindi is an Associate Professor in Academia in the department of social work after having practised as a social worker. She has contributed to the research outputs by publishing academic papers in peer-reviewed accredited journals, and book chapters. Her research interests amongst others, include disability, HIV and AIDS, children, youth and social work in health care and student support within Open Distance E-learning institution.

Gisela Van Rensburg, University of South Africa

Gisela van Rensburg is a Professor in the Department of Health Studies at Unisa. She is actively involved in postgraduate supervision, research capacity development and teaching research methodology and health sciences education. Her research focus is on student support strategies, health sciences education and reflective practice. She has conducted national and international research in these fields. A current funded project is on developing a psycho-educational support programme for the mental health and wellbeing in the postgraduate supervision space. Her current international research partnership involves reflective practices and caring sciences in teaching and learning. She has published two research methodology books and various articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals.

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