On Tuesday evening from this week, I joined the group Skype Session with Adesola. The meeting was very productive. We discussed about a number of things from Module 3 inquiry research process such as referencing, interviews and professional artefact elaboration. Also, we had the participation from one Module 1 student, who asked about time management during the course and if we had the idea for our inquiries since Module 1 term.
I find the group Skype Sessions very useful for the study process for every Module. More than just asking and answering questions, those sessions bring on discussions that help us to reflect differently over issues and also bring on new ideas. At my current Module group, the students are from distinct professional fields and have various ideas for inquiry. This brings on different perspectives and makes the discussion very interesting. For example, when we were talking about the interview process, the way I will carry out will be probably different from the others (for example I will have to translate quotes and questions from Portuguese into English); Bernie mentioned that she wants to make her interviews in a more informal environment, Pip Spalton mentioned that she will aim for clear questions and also be flexible in case further discussion is needed. All this discussion made us think further on how important it we be as close as possible from what the interview we wanted to mean. I was very worry about this fact, because of the translation necessity, and after this discussion I got other point of view. Made me think that the caring with the meaning and truth should be taken in every interview in any occasion and also made me realize that I need to be careful with the way I will address the questions.
During those discussions what I find also useful, is the fact that we have to expose our ideas. When telling to others about my current planning or questions, I fell that my thoughts get clearer and maybe even bring on new issues. Because one thing is to reflect and plan in our minds, other is to explain to someone what you really mean. After this session, I felt much more clear on what should I plan for now and what I am aiming for on my inquiry research.
We talked about giving tips for time management during the course process...so here comes mine! I was always very busy and I am not going to lie, sometimes was very hard to don’t be behind. For every busy student like me, what I found crucial was to keep a journal with me. The reflections that are brought with the studies should be going on during our daily routines. Many times, ideas would come during rehearsals and classes and other points of view from my work colleagues. Writing them down helped me to elaborate works later and saved time, as I was already focused on what I wanted to write about. Also, I always have at least one free day each weak. I try to make sure that I separate some hours for the Uni work as I knew I wouldn’t have so much time available during the working days. I hope I helped !
Good to chat to you the other night, thank you for the advice! I hope your interviews go well.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Hi Julia, great blog entry. I find the Skype sessions really useful too, I always plan around them and try my best to make myself available. One session I joined I found that I was the only person from Module 3. Initially I was quite disappointed because I felt that I wanted the chance to discuss very particular things with peers doing the same work as me e.g. the inquiry/professional artefact etc. But I actually found it very refreshing to be able to offer my insights to those students on Modules 1/2, like you mention here with time management. I believe we were discussing the Ethics section of Module 2. Although we are obviously past that point, I realised that it didn't matter if there weren't any other Module 3's involved in the conversation, everything we were talking about was still relevant to me!
ReplyDeleteAlso, you make a point here about translating your interview responses because of the various different languages used. During my inquiry, I found that in order to ensure that all of my participants remained anonymous, I had to change some words in one of the teachers answers as she in American, and I found that she was using words that are not so familiar over here. I checked with her for her permission to edit out/change words that might have given away her identity. How's the rest of your inquiry write-up going? OK I hope!!!
Pip :)
Hey , Pip
ReplyDeleteI found the Skype sessions important too. Unfortunately, the time difference between Brazil and UK brings difficulties and I am not able to be part of all of them. I always try , but on the last Modules a lot has changed on my routine. I understand your disappointment. I would like to discuss with the other students as well, not only from our Module.
During the whole inquiry research process , I had to translate some things...not only during the interviews but while discussing with teachers and students. It was hard sometimes but better than I expected...sometimes when I am writing in English, I am still thinking in Portuguese...then it doesn't make sense. The Portuguese structure is very different from English , and sometimes I struggle with this. It is not only the structure , is more the way to develop a idea... I had to be very careful with this during my writing.
I was just concluding the Critical Reflection , the last part of the project. I feel a great relief ! It was an intense period, but I enjoyed very much. The elaboration of the Professional Artefact was actually very fun and maybe one of my favorite parts of this research process. Now I can't even believe that is almost over... I hope we all do well!
Julia xx