Module 3 Session - What are we doing in terms of research?
Hi! Well, we are off! Module 3 has begun whether we are ready for it or not. 😳⏳🗓
It was a nice session last evening hearing from some classmates and our mentors. The breadth of the research topics is so interesting and everyone who spoke did a wonderful job. I was intrigued. I agree with Helen when she said that the session went by quickly!
I didn't get an opportunity to share what I am doing, so I will summarize a bit here. I liked the idea Helen presented of breaking down your study in bulletpoints. So I have spent some time today doing that.
Here is my MA research study broken down using the 5 W's + How🕵🏻♀️:
Title: An Investigation into the Relationships Between Spoken Language and Dance Pedagogy in a Non-Native Setting
What: I will use an embodied approach to dance pedagogy as an entry point into research surrounding communication and learning in a non-native setting - all examined through a pedagogical lens and from a social constructivist epistemology (= lived experiences and interactions with others lead to the construction of multiple realities).
Why: I have 20+ years of training and teaching in non-native settings (abroad) and in languages other than my mother tongue. I have a great interest in researching the world in which I live and work. (social constructivist). My personal lived experience will influence and shape my research (social constructivist research approach). I'm particularly interested in how/if/why personal pedagogical choices are altered when teachers/students are unable to communicate with a common spoken language.
How: I will conduct a narrative inquiry by using open ended questions throughout the interview process. I also have a reflective journal that I will refer to and incorporate. I have read much (and will continue to read) literature that sits in my area of research. Focusing on: pedagogical practices, learning theories, language, linguistics and communication.
Who: I will interview 5 multicultural , professional dance practitioners. I'm not yet able to confirm the specificity of gender/age/race. Participants will be recruited based on a minimum 2 years lived experience teaching dance under the conditions outlined in my study.
Where: Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom/Skype video conferencing.
When: Now until the final submission date in December 2021. However, this project has already lead me towards more questions and greater interest. I feel this is really just the beginning...
I will print and keep this visible to me on my desk as I drive my way through these next weeks. Hopefully it helps me to stay on track and focused.🧐
Come with questions if you have any. I'll do my best to answer!😊
Just to finish today, here are my three "key takeaways" provided by our supervisors in last nights session:
1. Helen: Focus and clarity and be ok with just scratching the surface
2. Angela: Be mindful/careful/considerate of the "terms" we use in our writing. They could possibly have altered meaning/implications. Define them.
3. Mike: Go for it and just start! I also like the idea of summarising your work in 2 sentences ( not one! I didn't like that! 😉)
Good luck, everybody! 🍀
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. That's such a great research idea! Speaking a few languages myself I find it fascinating how little one needs actual words to communicate sometimes. Especially in dance settings where the most significant communication is non verbal. Sounds like you got yourself well organised and shared all the key points so I'm not asking any questions, just want to wish you best of luck :)
Hi Lena!
DeleteThank you so much! I'm so glad that you can relate.
I am really looking forward to the outcome - actually, I am looking forward to the entire process. :) The topic hits quite close to home for me and truly sits right in the pocket of my practice. I'm hopeful that will keep me motivated and excited throughout the term.
And yes, isn't it incredible how and how much we communicate in a dance setting without actually using spoken language?!
Thank you for the good luck wish and I send one right back to you, as well. :)
Hi Natalie, finally i am here on your blog....and I must say that you did a wonderful job to explain your work to the details. I really appreciate this effort:) I love your working title and I would love to hear more about it, so I am really looking forward to hear it on VIVA presentations. I just finished with first phase of the research and I must say that explaining the theme to the practitioners and to all of you on that Monday discussion was a totally different thing, so I guess when you want to speak in front of academical world there is always kind of "issues" but when you starting act and when you deal with a real (still virtual) people and explain them with the simple words what exactly you are doing then everything is so simple, and easy. Anyway, I am glad that the right information came to the right ears, and I could also put some bullet points on my research and say that I am always trying to stay simple and clear, offered enough information, considerate the terms i am using in the research, and like Mike said, just start, but maybe wit a bit more than two sentences:))
ReplyDeleteI really do not know what life will bring into my research in next 6 months but I would love to continue this floating journey and for sure go much deeper and get clearer picture of what I am doing. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's (famous flow theorist) model of flow is really helping me to understand model of flow, how to enter Flow State and lose yourself in the moment...haha who knows maybe that Monday i lost too much of myself ...Anyway, I am back on the track and if you have any questions for me, I am here:)
good luck in your further investigation:))) and support!