How is the internship going anyways? An action research approach to understanding the triad relationship between interns, mentors, and field advisors

What is it about?

This article describes a research project that looks at the relationship between mentors, interns, and field advisors on a theological internship programme by way of the theory and practice relationship as it relates to the university and field context. The work of Hans Georg Gadamer is used as a framework for understanding the interviews using action research to examine and improve the researcher’s own practices in the mentor and intern relationship.

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Why is it important?

Three themes emerged from the research project: 1. Emotional uncertainty of mentors and interns as it is connected with the field advisor; 2. The role of the field advisor as reflective friend; and 3. The field advisor as insider/outsider role. The article concludes with recommendations for field advising and the curriculum.