Critical Commentary
On reflection of this module 3835 (Project Planning and Development – Research Methods) it has become clear just how much knowledge has been learnt. I have learnt much in the realms of ethics, worker-researched relations, methodology, data collection, as well as analysing and interpreting data.
I started the the module by reflecting on my own working practice and looked into what I enjoy doing and what I already do so I could; “begin my planning on reflecting upon the work already published on my blog and see what I enjoy in my professional practice” (See Portfolio Part One: Learning Diary One 17/2). I also established that I would need to consider which companies would be feasible to work with.
By the start of March I had mind mapped all my ideas to try and create a research question. I included an image of my mind map. This helped me to clarify the two subjects which I enjoy and love working in most: choreographing and teaching dance. From these ideas, I delved into specific points of interest in each and generated a series of research questions to research. I also found that I didn't have to decide between the two topics “In my opinion I don't think you can have one without the other in this industry” (Blog quote: Learning Diary Two 3/3). I made sure I followed the tutors advice of making sure it something you are passionate about, it's importance, whether it's been done before and who it might benefit. It led me to research “picking up” choreography; “I was subsequently left with an idea around short term memory in association with "picking up" choreography (note the blog previous to this!) and methods or processes in which to teach choreography.” (Learning Diary Two). I can see the process of transferring thoughts to paper/blog has improved. I can now understand my thinking clearer than before, which I think has been helped by working through this module and creating a learning diary in addition.
I received a set back in my progress which I reported in my third learning diary; “I spoke to the Principal of one of the schools I teach at and she said she thought I had a very good method of teaching my dances”(Learning Diary Three 14/3). I assessed this comment to be a compliment but not helpful nor constructive. This comment seemed to cause me to reevaluate my idea. So I went back to square one asking myself what I enjoy and it came back down to the same two ideas. “I love choreographing but I need this to be education related to go on to a PGCE” (Learning Diary Three). In the end I settled on the previous idea, and recalled that not everyone is perfect, there is always room for improvement and there would be overall benefits for this research. This is evidence of previous learning when we studied the Kolb learning cycle, reflecting and observing my ideas and to produce conclusions.
Amongst working and writing up about other projects going on in my professional practice; I created a survey on line. This survey taught me so much just from the mistakes I made alone. I received a lot of valuable feedback from my peers. It was helpful creating the pilot, to gain further research towards my project. I found questions that did not need to be asked. “I personally wanted more options” was one useful comment that led me to alter and improve the survey.
Since conducting the survey, I was well under way with the work to be finished. I found the last campus session very helpful, as at that point I had begun each task if not completed them, and for any areas I wasn't clear on we had free time to discuss the problems. “Being able to discuss freely with your peers and tutors really helped me understand the areas I was stuck on.” (Learning Diary Four 21/4). I also received useful feedback about my proposal, which meant I could go away and redraft it immediately. On this day I finally clarified what exactly I was going to be researching. I had already established which methods to use including experimental and to measure these “best methods” I came to the conclusion of focusing on accuracy. Accuracy was an idea I had initially brainstormed that was to be an idea I had interest in. “I will determine an average first (of accuracy- how many mistakes are made) and see if this is improved by changing my teaching methods”. My clarity of thought has been helped by the processes and advice given to us throughout the campus sessions.
My final learning diary suggests I am finishing off all written work and am content with and clear on what and why I am researching. “I am working hard everyday on my module of work, which I am quite enjoying seeing as it is something that I am interested in. I am currently critiquing my own pilot survey for activity seven”. So the process was complete. I found documenting my work in the form of learning diaries and on the blog meant I could physically see the thought process going on inside my head. With the successful networking on the blogs, we can all see how everyone on the course is undertaking each task and problem, to help ourselves and consequently each other.
