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 ...