Teaching an epistemology course in a Canadian university for the professionalization of emergent scholars

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24452/sjer.48.1.9

Keywords:

epistemology, teaching and learning, doctoral programs, Canada, SoTL

Abstract

In Canada, doctoral programs provide advanced research training by developing student knowledge and skills (Maymon et al., 2019). The subject of epistemology is critical for PhD students to better understand research paradigms and facilitate their professionalization as novice scholars (Dayer, 2009). In this article, we use the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (Gayle et al., 2013) to examine the foundational, meta, and humanistic knowledge (Kereluik et al., 2013) learned in an Epistemology and Research course taught at the Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa. The results from seven dyadic interviews (Morgan et al., 2013) between a university professor and her former student reveal how lived experiences (mis)align with the intended conception and implementation of the course.

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Author Biographies

  • Mariette Théberge, University of Ottawa

    Mariette Théberge, Ph.D, has taught at the Faculty of Education at University of Ottawa since 1990. She holds master's and doctorate degrees in Education and is a Full Professor whose research addresses identity, teaching and learning, epistemology, and research methodology, as well as art education and the implementation of the creative process.

    University of Ottawa, Faculty of Education , 145 Jean-Jacques-Lussier Private, Ottawa K1N 6N5, Ontario, Canada

    E-Mail: mtheberg@uottawa.ca

  • Catherine E. Déri, Université d'Ottawa

    Catherine E. Déri, Ph.D, is an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Education at University of Ottawa. The topic of epistemology piqued her interest during her doctoral studies on the socialization of Ph.D. students to the scholar profession. Her transition into the field of higher education comes after a 25-year career as a Logistics Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

    University of Ottawa, Faculty of Education , 145 Jean-Jacques-Lussier Private, Ottawa K1N 6N5, Ontario, Canada

    E-Mail: cderi2@uottawa.ca

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Published

2026-05-29

How to Cite

Théberge, M. and Déri, C.E. (2026) “Teaching an epistemology course in a Canadian university for the professionalization of emergent scholars”, Swiss Journal of Educational Research, 48(1), pp. 99–109. doi:10.24452/sjer.48.1.9.