The Importance of Care in the Publishing Process

Lynn Butler-Kisber, McGill University Mary Stewart, LEARN Quebec The Importance of Care in the Publishing Process In this paper we will highlight with stories how, when care is integrated into the various steps in the publication process of qualitative work, it creates a thoughtful dialogue, enhances the ultimate product and scaffolds learning about both content and methodology, without sacrificing quality. Much has been written about the importance of the care in educational contexts (Noddings, 2005). Care refers to “a set of relational processes that foster mutual recognition and realization, growth, development, protection, empowerment, and human community, culture and possibility”—in learning situations (Owens, Ennis, 2005, p. 392). However, little attention has focused on the role that care can play in the publication process. Publications are frequently tied to outcomes such as promotion and tenure with little consideration about how the actual process can contribute to the development of both practitioner and academic authors and their participants. Care in the publication process contributes to how qualitative research gets delivered accessibly, transparently, and poignantly. References Noddings, N. (2005). The challenge to care in the schools. New York: Teachers’ College Press. Owens, L. M., & Ennis, K. D. (2005). The ethic of care in teaching: An overview of supportive literature. QUEST, 57, 392-425