‘…without it I would not have thought I had changed’: Phenomenological case study research as a methodology for change

Purpose
This paper discusses how phenomenological research can be used as a tool to support reflection. It draws upon the methodology of a study exploring the lived experiences of 8 primary physical education specialists in their first year of teaching in England and their teacher identity.

Method
The study used interviews and participants visual representations of themselves as a discussion focus. Participants engaged in a reflective activity at the end of the study which analysed their experiences of the research study.

Results
Results are presented as an example vignette produced from the interviews, written in the first person to represent the participants accounts alongside their visual representations and a thematic analysis of the interviews.

Discussion/ Conclusion
This paper will present both the methodological considerations and a summary of the findings from the original study. This paper advocates phenomenological research as an impetus for reflection and empowering for participants.