Hi Everyone

My response to the question of (1) trust (2) interest (3) Goal

In my oponion, in order one to trust a team or an individual, the first question is do we have a common goal or interest? If the answer is yes, it means that we can trust with each other. of course this is the staring point to establish the trust. In the course of the time, we have to evaluate each other how we contribute to our goal. If we are committed and working for the achievement of our goal, our trust gets more stronger and stronger. If it is in the other way, our trust gradually fades away. Therefore, I trust the team as we are working for the common goal and consequently individual benefit.

Regarding my interest - it is an international team who has diversified experience all of which don't have the chance to have all that experience due to time and distance constraint. I expect that we all learn from the experience of each other. Especially me, who don't have a previous experience to work in an international team, I learn a lot in multicultural education and transfer that knowledge to my university.

Goal: At the end of this research project, I am expecting that I learn a lot in research and that will develop my research career. Besides our research output will be also published on reputable journal and that is another credit I get working in this international research team.

Temtim, Ethiopia

Hi,
my name is Esko. I live in Vantaa, Finland, and work in the University of Helsinki as a project coordinator. Research is something I do sometimes as part of my job but mostly in free time. However, since I have a family with two small kids, my time for carrying out studies is limited. Still I find this initiative an interesting opportunity to enagage in collaborative work with you and try to do my best to contribute as expected.

In my opinion, what does it mean to trust?

I agree with you, Clint, on the promises. Moreover, I think that trust depends on the quality of the relationship with another person. If a person feels that both s/he and another person respect each other, s/he can trust her/him. Furthermore, I should also feel that the other person trusts me (mutual trusting) in order to trust him/her. I trust my wife, because I believe that she respects me and trusts on me.

Why do I want to be a part of this research team?

I'm only taking my very first steps with my PhD project. My initial plan was approved by the University, but now I consider the plan poor and wish to renew it. Since I haven't been involved in any research team, I would love to discuss with you and learn from your thinking on these issues. It's also a great opportunity to get experience of cross-cultural collaboration online!

What are my personal goals for what you would like to have accomplished by the end of this research period (in December)?

I wish I had found a new focus for my study. I also hope to have established good relationships with all of you and contributed to our understanding of cross-cultural collaboration and instruction online.

Kind regards,
Esko