Simple Questions and Positivity: Analysis and Reflection of a Formative Advising Session
This manuscript was a reflection on a single advising session with a Japanese university student, following the conclusion of an advisor training course. It combined a reflective practice approach (Schön, 1987) with elements of discourse analysis (Strauss & Feiz, 2014) to better understand the choices I (the advisor) made during the session. Originating as an assignment aimed at personal development, the reflection encouraged introspection on the events of the session. Analysis of the discourse offered further insight, resulting in a focus on three strategies that were used extensively and emerged as valuable on my road to becoming a better advisor: (1) use of questions, (2) use of metaview and linking strategies, and (3) use of positive reframing (Kato & Mynard, 2016). While investigation identified benefits from, and appreciation of, a focus on positive reframing, it also suggested that questions could have been used more effectively. More precisely, use of questions as a strategy might have been improved with a focus on more powerful questions. The reflection concludes with a discussion of insights gained from analysis and addresses some specific questions asked by advisor trainers for personal development. Finally, I offer some suggestions for my own professional development and future research.