An Exploratory Study of Collaboration in Higher Education From Women's Perspectives

This descriptive, exploratory study investigated collaboration in higher edu cation as perceived by a select group of prolific female academics, known for their collaborative work. The results indicate that these women were influenced to work in partnership in varied ways through which they each developed an ethic of collaboration. The experience of collaboration with school and university practitioners brought many benefits to these scholars, but not without sacrifice and hardship. The authors recommend that if colleges of education are serious about promoting collaborative work, these institu tions must become more attuned to the difficulties involved. In addition, colleges should consider providing support mechanisms for those academics seeking to engage in joint academic ventures within their institutions and with their colleagues in the field.