Module One - Considering Ethics

We had a great skype with a module one focus on ethics this evening.

it was great to hear different perspectives.

We talked about words and language and how these may impact others within our practice, about looking within in order to look to wider constructs - What do you value, where do your ethical considerations come from, what are some of the 'codes' or structures around you regarding ethics in your practice?

The notion of conformity, codes of conduct, the need to question and challenge structures, assumptions being important.

How it is important to recgonise and give space for more than one perspective, more than a single story of something.


This TED talk captures this 'danger of a single story' perfectly.

https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en


Do comment with your thoughts and links to your own blogs...

Open discussion skype thoughts

We had a good open discussion skype last night with students across all three modules contributing.

The conversations focused mainly around embodiment - in theory, examples from practice and the idea of 'communicating, using something other than words'. This was prompted largely by those in Module One addressing the diagram element of the Module One submission but the conversations are equally applicable to any module. Looking at a practice-based artefact allowing us to move away from 'words' we talked about the creative approaches we all have to our own practices and how we might value these instead of diminishing them in the overshadowing light of essays with words as our means of communication.  Connecting embodiment with these conversations and the programme itself we suggested exploring more what the possibilities might be for looking more closely through the lens of your practice in order to approach 'other work'. 

A reminder that the programme is in Professional Practice, YOUR professional practice and how you might understand and be able to communicate this in a range of contexts, in a range of ways, more than words alone.

Those in the call please do comment below and link us to your blogs on your conversations from this..

Synthesis of information through Reflection

We had a good skype session yesterday with a module one focus. We looked at the notion of synthesis :

synthesis

/ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/

noun

noun: synthesis; plural noun: syntheses

1. 1.

   the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole.

   "the synthesis of intellect and emotion in his work"

   synonyms:

   combination, union, amalgam, blend, mixture, compound, fusion, coalescence, composite, concoction, conglomerate, alloy; More combining, unification, uniting, merging, amalgamation, conglomeration, weaving, interweaving, reconciliation, marrying; informalmash-up "this painting is a synthesis of elements derived from a variety of different types of ancient art"

   • Grammar

     the process of making compound and derivative words.
   • Linguistics

     the tendency in a language to use inflected forms rather than word order to express grammatical structure.
2. 2.

   the production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials.

   "the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen"

    

We talked about how we might look at our practice as being made up of several components, each a part of the whole, and how through reflection on our practice we can begin to bring the information of the parts together as a whole thing. It is important to do this, not only for your essay in this module, but more broadly as a way of making connections between things, and better understanding the contribution of different parts of you/your practice to something bigger, fuller.  Parts of your practice allowing you to see the whole practice with more depth and meaning, your practice as a part of the wider picture of the profession you identify it with.

Those on the call please do comment here with links to your own blogs so that we can take these conversations further...

ETHICS module two

Module Two you are starting to be at the point where you need to draft a Ethics application (i.e. MORE form filled out). The actual form is due with your other submitted work on December 17th  but you are asked to start working on it and have a draft done by November 23rd for your Supervisor to look at. Supervisors can look at your MORE work on-line through the MORE portal. 

We will be having a two part Skype session on using MORE and this process:

Part one November 5th at 9pm (sign-up below)

Part two November 15th sessions (12:30pm, 5pm) - see regular Skype session sign-up for 15th (which will be posted later this month)

Please sign-up in the Comments on Adesola's blog post for the 5th if you want to attend Part one November 5th.

Twilight Discussion Group - Making Connections

There were some great conversations on last night's twilight open discussion skype group. Thank you.


My feelings were that there were many connections made.

 - We had students across all three modules of study
 - We had people from a range of arts practice disciplnes all discussing similar things within and across their practice
- AOLs seemed a way of connecting different parts of your practice and seeing the connections between them in the process
- We discussed how developing a research inquiry proposal is about making connections outside of your own experience, through the literature, and outside of your immediate discipline
- People shared strategies for approaching certain tasks (in the handbooks and in their practice) we learn from others ways of doing things something more about our own
- Reflection was present in how we connected past to present in our experiences
- There was sharing beyond the immediate BAPP community with reference made and links shared to the work of BAPP Alumni Eleanor Byrne.

There were lots of voices in this discussion we'll carry on these connections through their blogs - do post  the link to your blog on this below..

 

Thursday 27th, Module Two Focus

The first discussion group with a module two focus on Research as Mapping to build understanding was great with some sharing of ideas, areas of interest and questions that arose as we dug a little deeper through questioning.

We talked about the idea of creating a map (visual, virtual, literal) of your field of interest and how you/your practice, the literature, resources around you (BAPP community and your professional practice) all contribute to that map. We acknowledged that what we know comes from our own experience but in order to better know that and to deepen our understanding through the research it is critical to look outside yourself - backwards (historically), sideways (culturally) in order to move forwards in your own development.

There felt at the start of the discussion a want to pin ideas down to one singular focus, and while your research ideas will need to get deeper in their specificity, this will happen with time and through a thorough mapping of the field first. Reading what's already out there is key to beginning your research journey...remember that you are trying to contribute to the wheel, rather than reinvent it!

Naomi, Amber, Laura S, Syanne and Nikita will share what they found helpful from the conversation through their blogs so do go to them to engage more and continue the conversations... 

The second discussion group shared the same focus and we talked around the importance of alternative perspectives. Not looking at something through one lens only, but understanding things more through being aware of multiple perspectives. We had conversations around each others areas of interest - Shanice, Nicole, Rachel H and Sophie will blog about what they found useful as they begin to approach research as mapping to build understanding.

Skype discussion group - 9pm

We had some good conversations on the 2nd skype discussion group today, talking across the modules, connecting our processes of getting started, getting to know what to do, organising our time. We talked about this as a focus of getting into the BAPP programme, whether for the first time, finding your way with the first module, or returning to study and re-starting. We found that connections are easily drawn with how we approach our practice; how do we begin, get started, plan ahead, achieve deadlines etc...

Communication became quite a key focus and we touched on Web 2.0, the interactivity this promotes and how this can be likened to learning - being a process of active engagement and interaction rather than a passive response only mode. Blogs were a reminder of useful ways to communicate ideas and share thoughts with each other and we talked about seeing the module handbooks as a companion with you all the way through each module to keep going back to, not an introductory step-in only.

As those of you on this call asked questions, gained confidence in responding, listened, learnt, all had your own experiences and perspectives to see things through you demonstrated in-action, the benefit of conversations; connecting thoughts, ideas, sharing...not posing a question and having it answered...

I look forward to reading more about your thoughts in your blogs...
Do comment below with your blog address so we can all find each other and continue the conversations!!

Discussions...

Great to have met most of you new to the programme online now at least!

I'm looking forward to our first open discussion group for all modules on Skype this evening.

9pm UK time

Please do make sure you have send a contact request to both myself and Adeosla ahead of time so we can call you easily into the group at the time you've indicated - 

Our skype addresses:
 
helen.kindred2
aonthephone

Also make sure you do indicate which group you wish to be a part of on Adesola's blog!

 http://adesolaa.blogspot.com/

Please not the time changes for Thursday's Module two focus discussion groups 
These will run now at 12.00 and 6.00 UK time.

 

SKYPE one-to-ones

Hi, I'm looking forward to talking with those of you on Module One that have made appointments for a one-to-ne with me, it'll be great to talk through your study plans with you (please do have them on your screen to talk to if you haven't emailed them to me yet)...

I don't have skype connections with you all yet!!

Please do make a contact request to me (stating that you are a BAPP ACI student) so that we can skype easily - my Skype address is <helen.kindred2>

Thanks!

Helen

New starts...

Great to talk to so many of you at the Welcome/Welcome back skypes over the weekend.

The group I spoke to on today's session mainly covered the 3 pillars of learning of the BAPP programme:

Information - Unihub, MyLearning, BAPP Programme Page, Programme and Module Handbooks...
Sharing - Blogs, skype sessions - the process of your learning, making meaningful the information.
Guiding - Supervisors - one-to-ones, feedback discussions, your critical friend!


What were your thoughts, what did you take from the skype today?

Do post comments below, leaving your blogs address so others can hear your thoughts and reflections on the welcome skypes today and don't forget to check Adesola's blog also for her reflections and those commenting from that session.

http://adesolaa.blogspot.com/  
 



We're really looking forward to the term ahead, hearing your ideas, sharing in discussions and being your critical friends along your BAPP journey..Happy new beginnings!

A note on drafts...

As you've been busy writing, we've been busy reading your drafts and offering feedback on them... the feedback is just that - an offering, some thoughts, suggestions, further considerations, questions to encourage you to move on, delve deeper, gain more clarity in the communication of your ideas. 
It is important to recognise that these are not 'corrections'. We are not telling you what is 'wrong' in order for you to correct it and make it 'right'. The idea is not to draft (send for corrections), make corrections (send another draft) await further corrections...etc...sending multiple drafts to be 'marked' until the essay is 'perfect'.

In giving feedback on your work we are offering professional advice from experience, a critical eye/ear, an alternative and additional perspective to your work. We are not telling you how to do it, or when it is 'right'.
The process of developing your work is just that ... 'a process'. 
Something to be re-visited (a draft is not a finished piece of work), re-considered, re-thought along the way in order that it might grow and develop with you. Most creative projects are not linear in their development, most are not 'done' on first draft, first sharing, most are not 'easy' but they take that first sharing to invite others views which may offer something more to your own thinking and perspective. You don't have to take someone else's view as 'correct' or more knowledgeable then your own and amend your thinking, your writing accordingly, but you should be open to re-thinking when you encounter an opinion which questions, challenges or pushes your own a little.
Keep questioning, editing ...it's all part of the process and only you will know when it says what it needs to say...Trust yourself!!

Thinking and re-thinking a plan

Much going on in the skype discussions this week - Tuesday's conversations were around talking about your inquiry plans without just telling us the topic itself. We spoke about (and those in the call tried out) actually trying to introduce your inquiry through WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO, to see if getting a sense of what you are planning to do would lead us anyway to what the topic is.

The tendency is to state the topic (that already exists) and not be explicit about what it is YOU plan to do to deepen your knowledge-experience within and around this in relation to your own practice.

I had the visual image of a map from all if this. The map being your inquiry; made up of lots of towns, cities, villages, some bigger/smaller than others, some more inhabitied than others, all with something to offer and all contributing to the overall picture. Trying to look down (take a birds-eye view) of the whole map of your inquiry to see all the parts; what's there already? what parts overlap? where are the contrasts? where are the more sparce areas, the gaps? What are you going to do to immerse yourself in this map, in your inquiry, how do you find out more (beyond asking others in interviews)?? 

Today's discussion had by intention a module two focus and conversations were rich in the areas of data and analysis; what you gather and what you do with it. The what you do with it being most important, recognising that the raw data by itself is not the research. Those in this call spend some time thinking and re-thinking their inquiry plans, what they were intending to do with the information and experiences collected. Asking questions of the data, considering what it's offering you in the context of what you know from the literature and your own experiences. Looking not for the data to be the 'thing', to answer your questions, but to allow you to question more...

Designing an inquiry proposal is like planning any creative project; it needs some stimulus, some background context, questions, thinking, reading, doing, re-thinking, shifting, editing, refining...it's a process and we want to see and hear that process in your writing of the proposal.

Those that were part of these discussions DO comment below with your blog addresses so that we can catch your on-going thoughts and reflections...

Evening skype chat...

This evening's skype had a module three focus. We talked about the elements that are submitted for this module and talked particularly around structuring (of the Critical Review), where the literature review sits within the essay, how literature is used, the triangulation of data in order to begin to reveal patterns and themes of the inquiry and the role of reflection, noting this development from Module One through to Three. 

Structure and knowing 'where things go' I suggest comes from an understanding of the role of the 'thing' you are trying to place. So rather than a pragmatic exercise in the literature review goes first, the anaysis third etc, try thinking of what each section is doing/saying, how it contributes to the 'whole' of the essay in order to have a sense of the relationship between the parts and how best to place them and structure the essay.

Those that were a part of the discussion will share more around these themes - Lauren, Emma and Jen, please comment below with your blog address for ease of others following your discussion...

We also talked more broadly of what learning has taken place through the BAPP programme, as the end of module three draws near. Lauren, Emma and Jen all shared 'top tips' from their own journeys through the programme and will also share these via their blogs for others approaching assessment for module one and two now.

And the conversation finished with a reassurance that a draft (that you're working on sending in now) is NOT a finished piece of work!!! IT'S A DRAFT, to be re-drafted, re-thought, re-structured, unpacked, edited ...just as you would expect to draft, re-draft, re-think, re-structure, unpack and edit an artistic piece of work - I offered the process of making choreographic work as an example here - it is rarely a linear pathway from start to finish... 

 

Drafts ...

Just a quick note on sending drafts of work - great to be getting some in this week and I'm working my way through them to offer some feedback on your writing.  

A polite ask...Please can you ensure that you start getting into the habit of saving your work with your name on it though!! 

'my uni essay' or 'module 1 draft' may make sense to you on your computer, but when multiple copies titled like that arrive to me they do not help me to identify them on my computer!

Thanks!!

Summer Lab.

We are holding our annual Summer Intensive for the 4th year this August...

It offers a great transition between modules, and a chance to come together and move, share, discuss and write as a group on our London campus.  

Accomodation is offered on campus for around £20 per night, so a great way to spend a week in London, fueling yourself artistically, creatively, academically. 

The campus facilities, access to the library, studios etc are fully open and available to you for this week as well as the sessions we run daily from 9.30am to around 3pm. Last year we also took a trip to the British Library and the Tate Modern... there's plenty of inspiration around!

The week runs Aug 13-17th, 2018 
Cost (for students) £250

For more information and Booking:
https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/cpd/dance-writing-professional-practice-summer-intensive
 

12.00 Discussion Group April 12th

Online in 5mins for the 12.00 discussion group today!!

Module Two focus, but anyone very welcome to attend.

Add me on Skype if we haven't connected yet - helen.kindred2

Look forward to talking!

Skype discussion group today

The second skype open discussion group shared thoughts around the inquiry process; looking for literature, looking beyond what sources agree or oppose your own thoughts, gathering data - the human element to research when it comes to interviews... with lots of input and sharing of resources from those in module three. We talked about defining an area for inquiry (module two), addressing your interests within your practice, letting things be, recognising the breadth of an area before focusing on one aspect in more detail, and about journal writing - why, what for, how??? With those in modules two and three able to share (upon reflection) what was useful about this process you're encouraged to engage with in module one.

Overall their were lots of connections being made; between the learning through the modules, connecting the data with the literature with you, your practice, the world around yo, the role, place and value of the arts in education; with the possibility of looking at the learning through art more than the learning of the subject as such... lots of rich thoughts and further perspectives to consider...

Others in this conversation will blog their thoughts too;

Matt, Jae, Laura, Lauren, Alicia, Emma, Rachel, Jen, please add your blog addresses in the comments here for others to find you and comment!



Here's the Ken Robinson TED Talk that came up in today's discussion for those not familiar with it..

Campus Session

Just to alert you to there being no skype session at 5pm (UK time) today as scehduled on your calendar. This was to be a session focused on the RPL claim process, but we are currently awaiting revised paperwork for this process to be approved, so holding the skype session off for now.

We do have our Campus Session on this Friday March 9th, 12.00-15.00 at our Hendon campus (NW4) if you are in or able to make it to London at all it would be great to have you there is person.

We'll be in room BG10 for this, just go to the main reception desk and ask!

Revealing experiences not answering questions...

The 12.30 skype discussion with Module Three students on Tuesday raised areas around literature and data collection. There seemed to be a lot of weight given to the pragmatics of asking questions and presenting the answers through your inquiry.

I suggested in the discussion that perhaps it would be useful here to press pause and take a look at the role of the literature, the role of the data, the purpose of interviews before thinking about how to present the answers.

Gathering data (through engaging with literature, conducting surveys, interviewing others) should be about extending your learning beyond your onw immediate experience. Revealing the experiences of others in order to offer different perspectives to consider alongside your own/that of your professional environment.

This TED talk by David Isay came to mind, so sharing for you all...worth taking a look at ...

Talking together, learning from each other

One Saturday we had our Narrating the Somatic Symposium at Middlesex University. It was a great day of people coming together to share their practice through ways they felt appropriate.  We had Elders from the dance community, young people, artists, post graduate students, academics, performers and we enjoyed learning together about each others approaches to life through movement, talks, film, reports on projects and news of different festivals taking place.

Coming together, talking with others we believe is really valuable in learning. It is important on the BAPP programme that you make the most of being part of a community of learners, all coming from different perspectives, different areas of practice but with a common ground of studying together on this programme here and now. We offer the discussion groups via skype so that you have the opportunity to come together and have conversations with each other about what you're doing. It is really important that you make every effort to be a part of these conversations, to learn from and with others on your programme.

Your advisors are there to support you on your BAPP journey of course, but a one-to-one conversation with us cannot replace the interaction and more open conversation of the discussion groups. Please do make use of these, and join the conversations of your learning.

The dates of all these skype discussions are published at the start of the year in your Academic Calendar, so you know ahead of time when they are, to be able to plan your schedule accordingly. Adesola will then post on her blog the day of the Skypes asking you to sign up by commenting, which conversation you would like to join (12.30 or 5pm (UK time).

Please do check the calendar if you're unsure of dates and be sure to comment on Adesola's blog so we know you want to be called.  There are two skypes today!!

Look forward to more conversations together...

Open Discussion

Tuesdays 1230 Open Skype Discussion was great to start the conversations of the term between those in modules one, two and three. We talked about the role of literature in our learning, when to look more broadly (mapping the field of our interests- creating a guest list for a party themed by our interests) and when to deepen the focus (identifying the VIPs of the party) We tried to move away from the feeling of needing to look to the literatre, to what others have said, in order to affirm our own thoughts (finding books that 'agree' with our views), and equally, the notion not only of looking for either/or comparisions in the literature (I found some books that agree with my thoughts and some that contradict so I can compare them), but to using the literature to develop a discussion around your subject area with many layers, different perspectives for you to be able to paint a picture rich in many colours.

Those in module one used the discussion to unpack what they were understanding in the readers about Web 2.0 and its relationship to their developing professional practice. As those in other modules shared their experiences and interpretations of this, Matt offered a great example describing Web 1.0 as information being given (suggesting a one-way process of passive learning) and Web 2.0 as information being given in order for you to interact with it (a transaction of learning). This opened discussions of communication, learning by interaction with others, being a part of a community (BAPP) and using our blogs to sound out ideas.

Those in this discussion will blogs further thoughts for you all... do comment with your blog post to help direct everyone to your thoughts so they can comment!

Matt S
Syanne
Jess S
Jess D
Naomi E
Jen S
Rachel 
Jae
Laura S
Eleanor B

A New Term Begins...

Welcome to the start of the new term on BAPP!!

We had some great conversations via the Skype sessions on Friday and Saturday and good to meet those of you new to the programme this term.

As we start the term do take time to clear space (physical space, space-time, clutter...) to allow your studies to be a part of your work/life schedule and take time to figure out or re-balance the rhythms of all the 'things' you do. The beauty of BAPP is that it is about YOUR professional practice, so learning to feel the study as integral to the development of your practice is really important so that it is valuable and relevant to you rather than a 'thing' to have to 'fit in'.

Clear some space at home, find a coffee shop with a space you can work in (and great coffee of course!), listen to your body - when do you work well; early morning...late into the night?? Introduce yourselves and share your 'getting started/getting back into study' tips through your blogs.

Make a note of the skype sessions and campus sessions if you're able to join us in London and check out our symposium coming up later this month as a great place to network, listen, do, think, talk, move with other artists ...


https://mailchi.mp/b959eb62f05e/narrating-the-somatic-symposium-workshops-performance-and-papers-2658705?e=896d46dbef

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Saturday February 24th  Key Note Speakers: Rosemary Lee and Richard Walsh Key Note Movement Workshop: Jackie Guy Workshops, performance, film and discussion with... Namron, Sandra Golding, Pawlet Brooks, Louise Kateraga, Mary Grigg, Chikukwango Cuxima-Zwa, Akosua Boakye, Dominique Rivoal, Jacqueline McCormick, Tom Hobden, Anton Califano, Adesola Akinleye, Helen Kindred, Stephanie Scheubeck, Eline Kieft, Nina Atkinson & Vivian Barbosa. and ISTD Open Day also the launch celebration of the new book edited Narratives in Black British Dance: embodied practices. Where: Middlesex University, London Hendon, Grove Theatre When: 9:00 for 9:30 start to 6pm Feb 24th 2018 Tickets for the day: £5 (students), £10 (individual), £20 (institution) Book on-line here This Symposium follows on from August 2016 event Watch video  Questions: a.akinleye@mdx.ac.uk & h.kindred@mdx.ac.uk

FAQs

Hi and all good wishes as we start off the new year... Submission of work as you know is Jan 5th, with the new term commencing on Feb 5th.

A big thank-you to Hopal for all her support in my absence last term, and to let you know I am back on email/skype as your advisor again this term, if I could please ask you to re-direct your queries to me rather than emailing Hopal now.

With last minute queries flooding in as you're all in the final stages of preparing your work from assessment now on Jan 5th, I thought a few FAQs might be useful to answer here for all...

1. Can I send you my final draft to read through and let me know it's ok before I submit it in 2 days time? We cannot read and feedback on drafts of work at this late stage, if you have a specific question about something please do email your advisor and otherwise ask and trust yourself if your work is ok to submit.
2. If the word count says 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 6,000 words can I go over that? The university has a policy of allowing 10% over/under any word count set for an assignment. So if the word count for your paper is 2,000 words, it is fine to submit 2,200 words, but submitting 4,000 words if missing the mark and not adhering to the criteria of the assignment.
3. How do I submit my professional artefact on turnitin? You don't! You present your artefact at your oral presentation, sharing it with us then, in the same way, you do not submit your oral presentation as a document on turnitin, you share it with us verbally on the day of your presentation.
4. Do I send my final submission of work via email to my advisor?  Yes please to BOTH Adesola and Helen. 

Breathe...leave...read through (aloud) and final edit before submitting now...