1st Reflection: Induction Day
What’s in a name!
I was absolutely delighted when I got the news that I have been accepted onto the
PCGE Teaching Art, Design and Communication. When I was applying, I had my
doubts as I am not an ‘art practitioner’. Paperwork all done and
dusted I was invited to an induction meeting at the beginning of December. So far so
good. Feeling fab.
Then I read the instructions…please bring something to draw with!! My heart sank. I
can’t draw. Had I completely misunderstood the course content? Had my application
form somehow slipped through the application process. Imposter syndrome
materialised and came to sit on my shoulder.
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone at any time, although research indicates that
women seem to be more affected, regardless of their proven abilities and
experience. (Breeze et al, 2022)
However, in this instance my doubts about my abilities were founded in the real fact
that I could not draw. So, what else could I do to reassure myself that I was as
qualified to do this course as the next person? How to challenge the Imposter
Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome has been defined by Slank, cited in Breeze et al, as a ‘failure of
rationality’ (2022, pp.4). We tend to examine ourselves and reflect critically on
our abilities, despite a track record that evidences that we are good at what we do.
Research suggests that Imposter Syndrome is associated with individuals who may
Feel ‘othered’ in an institutional setting. Women and other marginalised groups. It is
important to recognize the very real structural and cultural bias in institutions,
including HEs that can define a person position in academia implicitly and explicitly
and feed the imposter syndrome but that is for another discussion. In this instance I
focus on what sparked this particular attack. Why did I feel inadequate?
The title of the course is Teaching Art, Design and Communication. When these
words are put together what meaning can be derived? To my mind Teaching and
communication are straightforward concepts and pose no threat to my confidence.
Art and Design suggest a more specialist skills set. I would never describe myself as
an artist or a designer in the traditional sense. I’m not an art practitioner.
Language is coded and is used to classify and identify in given environments. In my
mind, in the Art school the practitioner is right up there at the top of the hierarchy.
Those that ‘do’ have more agency, are more authentic. Belong. What space do I
inhabit in this context? There has been much discussion regarding what is Art.
Ergo what is an artist? Is it more useful to think of myself as a ‘creative’? Much
more comfortable with that.
Reference
Breeze, M. Addison, M. Taylor, Y. (2022) Introduction Situating Imposter Syndrome in Higher Education. Available at: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk (Accessed 6th February 2025)