I'll be blogging my Professional Practice journey and using this blog as a reflective tool to aid my creative work.
Beginning a Practice Based Inquiry
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And we are back.
Beginning module 3 feels rather daunting. Through module 2 we created inquiry process plans in preparation for module 3 and now it's time to bring this research project to life.
I assumed the aim of a research project was to find answers, to solve the question and shed light on an area of knowledge that I felt important to recognise. However since reading through the module 3 handbook I have discovered that this is not the case. This project is about reflecting on the process rather than searching for a result. Thinking about how you take the journey rather than the destination itself. Throughout Module 3 I shall keep a journal where I will note down thoughts and reflect through comments to help my journey. This will help keep me on the path of reflecting rather than searching for answers! This is something I wish I had done from Module 1!
I decided to delve straight back into this module with the help of a TedTalk video that was suggested in our module handbook "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Adichie. See the video below.
This TedTalk is all about seeing things from one perspective and taking that perspective as the only narrative. This is something that you must avoid when taking on a practice based inquiry. Within this video it is suggested that as humans we are impressionable and vulnerable, therefore we must be aware of this to allow us not to just make assumptions. We must use our privilege and power to look at stories from different perspectives and not overlook details that may be of importance. We are encouraged to not just search for differences but similarities too. Do not just accept something because another person says they are right, question this, argue it and probe for different sides of the story.
Qualitative Research is not a clear path with a "right" answer at the end, its a bendy road with multiple turnings and routes for exploration. Only by exploring these different routes do you discover new information. Is it always comfortable? Of course not. Walking into the unknown is never a nice feeling, but sometimes its the only way to find a hidden gem, discover a beauty spot and even learn more about yourself. By assuming you know where it leads could stop you from growing and broadening your research.
Bibliography:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED Talk:
Hi Emma, This is a great post and really resonates with me and how I'm feeling at the moment. I usually like things to be very clear, neat and organised! But that is not how this research works and I am now seeing the beauty of that and realising all the things I could miss if I did keep my narrow thinking mindset. Thank you for this post! Alys xx
Hi Alys, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. Glad that its been of help and hopefully will help encourage you keep an "open mind" with research. This is something that i too struggle with so will be a good challenge for the both of us! xx
Hi Emma, thank you for sharing the TEDtalk, I found it so insightful. I'm in Module Two, but this was a nice little reminder that there is never one story. I love how you have described Qualitative research as bendy road with no definitive end, I'm excited to discover this more throughout the term. :)
Hi Alice, Glad you enjoyed the TedTalk video. I would defiantly encourage you keep to reminding yourself throughout module 2 of the bends in the road. Throughout module 2 I was so determined to find the end destination I missed loads, which I then had to go back and find. I look forward to hearing about all you are discovering on this course! x
Thank you for your advice Emma, it is really helpful. I think I am beginning to learn about these 'bends' but I also know that so much more is to come. I'm just trying to take my time to absorb as much (relevant) information as possible. I look forward to hearing about your progress through Module 3 x
Hi Emma, Thank you for this interesting blog. Going into module three also, I completely relate. I loved what you said about reflecting on the process rather than searching for a result from your inquiry. I suppose that the reflections we make are the result of our inquiries! I think this TedTalk is so insightful and as we grow and meet different people or have different experiences we should embrace and alter our assumptions, broadening our mindsets. This is one thing I will definitely take away from doing the BAPP. Sending you the best of luck with everything in Module Three, Lauren
Last week I got stuck into my Module 2 handbook and started noting through each section. To say I have feeling overwhelmed is an understatement! I remember this feeling from Module 1, but thought coming into Module 2 I would feel clearer on where and what i was doing. However, I must accept that its okay to not know everything at the beginning and just to take it step by step. Therefore, I set myself the challenge to investigate "Little Wonders!" These are the areas of our practice that we feel we need to research and investigate into. The areas that we find fascinating and want to know more about. This "Little Wonder" will become the centre of our inquiry for Module 3. An area that I find interesting and often wonder about is the link between the creative arts and mental health. Isn't it interesting that dance, drama and music are used as therapies to help those suffering with depression and anxiety. Yet for some individuals it is the world of dance, drama a...
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Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and really resonates with me and how I'm feeling at the moment. I usually like things to be very clear, neat and organised! But that is not how this research works and I am now seeing the beauty of that and realising all the things I could miss if I did keep my narrow thinking mindset. Thank you for this post! Alys xx
Hi Alys, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. Glad that its been of help and hopefully will help encourage you keep an "open mind" with research. This is something that i too struggle with so will be a good challenge for the both of us! xx
DeleteHi Emma, thank you for sharing the TEDtalk, I found it so insightful. I'm in Module Two, but this was a nice little reminder that there is never one story. I love how you have described Qualitative research as bendy road with no definitive end, I'm excited to discover this more throughout the term. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alice, Glad you enjoyed the TedTalk video. I would defiantly encourage you keep to reminding yourself throughout module 2 of the bends in the road. Throughout module 2 I was so determined to find the end destination I missed loads, which I then had to go back and find. I look forward to hearing about all you are discovering on this course! x
DeleteThank you for your advice Emma, it is really helpful. I think I am beginning to learn about these 'bends' but I also know that so much more is to come. I'm just trying to take my time to absorb as much (relevant) information as possible. I look forward to hearing about your progress through Module 3 x
DeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this interesting blog. Going into module three also, I completely relate. I loved what you said about reflecting on the process rather than searching for a result from your inquiry. I suppose that the reflections we make are the result of our inquiries!
I think this TedTalk is so insightful and as we grow and meet different people or have different experiences we should embrace and alter our assumptions, broadening our mindsets. This is one thing I will definitely take away from doing the BAPP.
Sending you the best of luck with everything in Module Three,
Lauren