The Ways of the Hand: Knitting and Handicraft as a Method of Research

Abstract

This chapter explains the value of utilizing arts-based research (ABR) in academic advising scholarship and normalizes the use of ABR in advising. Scholarly inquiry in academic advising using ABR methods includes the practice of academic advising and many additional areas such as choosing a research topic, generating and representing data, and analysis. The chapter presents the sets of ABR examples, including one on incorporating ABR into the practice of academic advising and the other on designing ABR projects beyond those related to advising practice. This structure allows readers to orient themselves by integrating the novel concept of arts-based approaches with the familiar territory of academic advising. Arts-based approaches can be utilized in all aspects of a research project. Inquiry is the currency of academic advising. Every day, academic advisors request many different types of information. They ask open-ended questions in conversations with students.