Critical Reflection over Module 3

The inquiry research was an intense and rewarding process. A lot has been learned, not only on the chosen theme, but also on how to develop a professional research project. It has also brought new perspectives for my profession, my view as a dancer and desire for other inquires.

However, the whole process has not begun on this final Module only. During the whole course new concepts, reflections and methods have been taught and were fundamental for developing maturity, knowledge and view as a professional. To exemplify here, the Web 2.0 tools, the discussions about networking, ethics, learning methods and the stimulation to enhance our critical reflection over our profession and community of practice were some of the focus during this course. They were all extremely important during the inquiry process. It was an opportunity to not only present and investigate a theme, but also to put on practice everything that has been learned. 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend many Skype Sessions. The time zone difference between Brazil and UK made complicate to manage my routine. However, during this Module I felt that I was more in touch with other students from my Module and enjoyed this fact. I enjoyed exchanging ideas and issues and I am actually, very curious to know more about the other inquiries.

I finished my project this week and concluded my Professional Artefact. Right now I am focusing on organizing the Oral Presentation. I am selecting important information about the research process, interesting materials, analysis and conclusions collected during the process. I aim for a rich, clear and not boring presentation...hope I get there!

Coming back for the reflection over this period, my inquiry theme is very much connected with my personal experience and current needs. The research process then, was totally part of my routine. It became a deep reflection period. For the development of the inquiry new possibilities were brought: I had the opportunity to be with great professionals and look deeply on my practice. The possibility to observe and be part of some classes from the Angel Vianna University was fundamental not only for this research but also for my career. The conversation with the professionals interviewed were a great experience for further investigations and discussions. The personal diary experience, a habit that I began on Module one and will continue to be part of my routine, is a great activity to stimulate reflection and to keep information. The Focus Groups were actually my favorite tool on this research. It was a chance to totally concentrate on the theme of my inquiry. While planning the meeting, I learned how to provide information, organize an activity and stimulate a discussion afterwards. I was also an outsider viewer, observing the participants chosen, which was great for further analysis.

                The Professional Artefact was very gratifying as well. I elaborated a video, as I found that has not a better way to discuss about movement then actually showing them. I aimed to reach a quality of a constant investigation, providing information and images for further discussions. I concluded that a video-making process was a way to exercise my own creativity and new skills such as editing, filming and organizing a film.

                This whole process brought desires to continue investigating, in this case, the creativity theme. Also, new discussions came, and I got in contact with important professionals who provided me new opportunities. . I was very glad with the fact that some professionals were very interested on my research and suggested me to elaborate a Portuguese version of it. I believe it became a way to stimulate a dialogue between techniques, cultures and I enjoyed telling a bit about my experience and current needs, exchange ideas, techniques and reflections between students, institutions and professionals.

                I wish all the best for the other students on this final period….and as I said on the beginning; I am very interested to know about your inquiries. Let’s continue to exchange ideas!

Skype Session with Adesola

  

            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 ! 

My Critical Reflection from Module 2: Professional Practitioner Inquiry

Picking up a topic and elaborating Special Interest Groups 

                 On Module two we were able to use all theories and concepts studied on Module one as tools to reflect and question our daily routine. With a better understanding on my area of practice as well as my role on it , I was able to look back on my experiences as dancer and also observe what are my current needs , current issues I was facing in and current questions I had. Thoughts about versatility , artistic quality, individuality, what would be a "professional look" , were some of the ones that emerged on this period and were the first step for elaborating my inquiry. I wrote about those thoughts on my very first post from this Module (Appendix A). 

                  Reading through Reader 4 and the literature from Peter Senge ("Peter Senge and the Learning Organization") a better elaboration of my thoughts was possible, also to recognize what was from my current area of practice and I had a domain on it and what wasn't or was way too vague. Bringing on my questions and discussions to the professionals around me as well with the other students from the course, a clearer idea was being approached: 

"Reading through Reader 4, more possibilities on inquiries came through and I was also more able to structure my thoughts. Talking with professionals from this field, looking into my practice, daily routine and current issues were helpful as well. (...) However, I recognized that some issues were not actually from my current area of practice or were way too extensive. I wouldn't be able to connect theory with the practice and on this path, wouldn't develop my role as a professional and my workplace. They are important issues, maybe one day I will work on them once I've studied, but I guess we should take one step after the other. And after all, my current role on this environment is as a dancer, so I will use this performing and practice environment as a research foundation." 

("Task 4a: Inquiry Questions, Julia Gil, 2014, http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/10/task-4a-inquiry-questions.html)

              My questions and inquiry themes were brought into my Special Interest Groups. The development of artistic quality was a constant theme on those discussions, about the own self research artists should have, if other techniques could support this research on each one's singularity, and which activities could stimulate this artistic development. I found very few from my Module which had a similar discussion. Lizzie Martin's questions were closer to the ones I had (Appendix B) and  I also could relate my questions to some the inquiry questions brought by Pip Spalton and Della Estlin, on how students could be stimulated (Appendix C). 

Literature Research

               With a better formulation of the ideas for my inquiry , I looked for literature which could support the discussion and the ones which had already studied the themes I was focusing on: 

"During this first process of research, I focused on looking for materials which aimed on personality/individuality/singularity of dancers, improvisation methodologies, dance creation processes, body expression/therapies methods and their affects on dance training. It didn't surprise me that I found great academic researches, books, and inquiries from ones who have a similar point of view as me." 

(Task 4d: Literature Research, Julia Gil, 2014,

http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/11/task-4d-literature-research.html

                 A good amount of literature was found and increased as I continue to research during this period. Quantitative researches on levels of creativity of different types of dancers; definitions and discussions about improvisation classes; articles about dancers' artistic development and diaries about collaborative dance-making process were found (Appendix D) Reading and reflecting about them , as well as continuing discussing with professionals and reading students blogs , I decided my inquiry theme: How creativity dance related practices can be crucial for dancers' artistic development.  

Ethics 

The ethics theme has been constantly discussed on the module 1 and 2 tasks. Bringing on ethical considerations into the inquiry research and elaboration process makes a big difference and requires big reflection and organization to apply it. Reader 5 was very useful to clear some issues we should take and during this period I also analysed the ethical considerations that were applied on the contemporary dance festival I worked with (Appendix E and Appendix F). During this period, I also looked into the Ethics Form we need to handle in the end of this Module and also began to formulate consent forms and discuss with my SIGS and institutions what will I need to be careful about and elaborate previously. Talking with academics helped me to be clear with the concepts brought by Reader 5, and also when I looked into the tools I might apply into my research , I also reflected about what is possible into the circumstances I have and what should I be careful about. For example, most of the ones I will interview and observe will be from my home country Brazil. That means that I need to make sure that they know what the inquiry is about and all consent forms will need to be in Portuguese (mother language) as well. Other issues were proper institution authorization and image and recording rights. 

Award Title and Inquiry Tools 

            When writing the award title form a structure was brought into the inquiry idea. The title chosen was BA (Hons) Professional Practice Dance. On the explanation of the topic, tools, for who is directed to, the importance and what is aimed with was explained (Appendix G). 

             On Reader 6, tools for inquiry research were explained. Evaluating them and also defining which ones I might apply a better structure was once more achieved into the inquiry plan and also taking in consideration what is viable and the ethical considerations already worked on Reader 5 (Appendix H) After evaluating each tools I chose which ones I will apply during the research process: 

"Reflecting about the methods described on Reader 6 from this Module, made it clear how should I plan my research process, take in consideration the advantages and disadvantages of each one and how would be the best way to apply them. From the tools described, I believe I will focus on three of them during the development: observation, interview and focus group. As my inquiry has a more qualitative approach, I believe I might focus more on analysis methods."

 (Task 6b: Inquiry Tools, Julia Gil, 2014,http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/12/task-6b-inquiry-tools.html )

                 After the Skype Session with Paula Nottingham and Adesola a clear idea about the tools, ethical considerations and the forms we should handle in was approached and with this discussion , I concluded how my inquiry was related into my personal experience and how will I be one of the most observed during the research process. With this idea , it was concluded that one of the main tools which will be applied in the inquiry research will be a personal diary which will contain my personal experiences and reflections from my classes and rehearsals and also self and group observations. As an informal trial I chose to report my experiences from a special workshop I did and which is very related with my inquiry idea (Appendix I). 

Conclusion

                    On these last month I have been focusing on my Inquiry Plan , elaborating consent forms, asking for institution support and authorization and continue to read and research for literature. This module was a big step forward from ,module 1, and by the end from this module I can recognize how all concepts and tasks given are very related to each other and allows a better critical thinking and reflection on our role on the professional environment , make discussions possible and elaborate a research into it. 

Appendices 

-Appendix A: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014_09_01_archive.html

-Appendix B: http://lizziemartinbapp.blogspot.com.br/2014/10/4a-pilot-questions.html#comment-form

-Appendix C: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/10/developing-themes-for-professional.html

-Appendix D: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/11/task-4d-literature-research.html

-Appendix E:http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/11/task-5a.html

-Appendix F:http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/11/task-5c-and-5d-reflection-about-ethical.html

-Appendix G: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/12/task-6c-award-title.html

-Appendix H: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/12/task-6b-inquiry-tools.html

-Appendix I: http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014_11_01_archive.html 

Bibliography: 

-Gil, Julia Vargas , 2014, Julia Gil BAPP Middlesex University Blog (online), 

http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/10/task-4a-inquiry-questions.html

-Nottingham, P and McGuiness, R, 2014, BAPP Arts: Reader 5: Principles of Professional Inquiry,London, Middlesex University

-Nottingham, P and McGuiness, R, 2014, BAPP Arts: Reader 6: Principles of Professional Inquiry,London, Middlesex University

-Gil, Julia Vargas, 2014, Julia Gil BAPP Middlesex University Blog (online),
http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.com.br/2014/12/task-6b-inquiry-tools.html

Task 6c: Award Title

                I have chosen BA (Hons) Professional Practice Dance as the award tile for my degree.  The title chosen, reflects on my current area of practice and previous knowledge, and on what I believe will be beneficial for my future career.

                The topic for my inquiry is how creativity dance related practices can be crucial for dancers’ artistic development. I will bring on this discussion, by analysing how creativity is related to professional dancers careers, why is it important and how could be approached. Through literature, observations, interviews and my own personal experience, this inquiry aims to benefit professionals on the dance environment, bringing other discussions and tools for dancers’ development, motivate a better connection between techniques and methodologies and for my own career development.  Already on the title from my proposal, I aimed to bring on a theme which has been present on the current dance scene and which I believe is extremely necessary for dancers’ development

.

                As a professional dancer, whose formation includes two professional schools which apply different methods, who has lived in four countries, has worked with different professionals and dance languages, whose repertoire includes different styles and who also, has a deep interest into composition and improvisation, the inquiry topic is very much about my own previous experiences and current necessity for artistic quality development and self-innovation. With this inquiry, I am aim to share different perspectives on dance, analyse different tools which work around the creativity theme and relate to dancers’ formation, and to be able to analyse my own experience, my current role into the dance environment and reach an artistic and career development. My main reason for joining into this course was to reach a deeper knowledge and have an opportunity to discuss and critically reflect on my current area of practice and role as a performer, subsequently I believe my award title is deep related to it.

Task 6b: Inquiry Tools

                In the last days I began to make an inquiry plan and analyse the considerations I should take when developing it. To plan how will I apply, use my data and connect my ideas and information obtained; think critically about the discussions I have been taking with my SIGS as well as with the literature researched; analyse what do I want to approach with my inquiry and what knowledge I already have from this area; and how is it connected with my daily basis and how will I use my own practice and experience as a research field for inquiry; demands a well-organized plan and a good clarification on the methods and structures necessaries for it.

                Reflecting about the methods described on Reader 6 from this Module , made it clear how should I plan my research process, take in consideration the advantages e disadvantages of each one and how would be the best way to apply  them. From the tools described, I believe I will focus on three of them during the development: observation, interview and focus group. As my inquiry has a more qualitative approach, I believe I might focus more on analysis methods.

                Here, I will share my thoughts of the four tools presented, evaluating their merits and their limits and how I might apply as well:

                Observation is already always part of our daily routine, especially in a work-based study program like this degree when we should reflect about our work environment, our role as a professional on this place and apply studied theories on it. To be able to bring questions for inquiries possibilities, observation was necessary firstly to be able to analyse my own thoughts. To apply observation as a method of study, a critical eye is necessary and deep reflection about it later on (and then recordings, notes, diaries are necessary). I got myself already applying this method as thoughts would come to my mind during classes and rehearsals which I could relate to my inquiry. Recently, especially after the Skype Session I had with Adesola, I concluded that my Inquiry theme is very much related with my personal journey, and a reflective diary will be one of the main resources I will apply on my research. With this conclusion, I realized I will be observing not only the ones around me but me as well. On some situations might be better to be a participant on the event then observing from outside totally. I felt this situation with certain classes when more than observing my colleagues, I could also fell their experiences and share my own point of view with them. Observation might be time consuming, especially if time is reserved to observe specific classes  however, I believe most of the observations happen during the daily routine. It is crucial to plan the manner on how observation could be used to the best advantage and end up with better results. It is necessary then just to keep always prepared in case notes should be taken or recordings, making sure what I am focusing on and being able to relate with the literature researched. Another important point, is the fact the while observing me, as an inside-observer, there is of course, a personal influence. However, while observing others and after discussing about their experiences, considerations will have to be taken to be open to other opinions, perspectives and influences, to balance between my own position, goals, preconceptions and the others as well. During an observation process, sensibility is required.

            Interviews are a very useful way to collect data, share perspectives and open new discussions about the chosen theme: “(…) You can ask the “why questions” directly to people who have knowledge, experience, and perceptions about you topic; their interpretations can be used as data when these views are collected using recognized data collection techniques” (Reader 6, page 16). This tool will be very crucial for my research process. The way the interview is structuralized, defines very much the results obtained and the shape of the inquiry. Questions about who will I interview, where and when will I interview, how will I prepare myself for it and how will I question are extremely important to take in consideration. More than collecting data, it is important to show to the participant the importance of my research , that he or she is part of this process and how could my research be useful not just for me, but for others as well. For my inquiry I believe I will plan an interview on a more informal environment, will set some questions and guide a direction for it however, I will try to be flexible for others emerging issues and create an open and productive discussion. Depending on the professional interviewed, the planning for it might be different.

                This tool of research requires a special attention on considerations that have to be taken. To be able to interview, the researcher can’t be inconvenient and need to make sure that the ones involved are very clear on what the inquiry is about. Also, consent forms are necessary and comply with confidentiality issues according to each one professional and personal situation. The analysis process after the interviews requires also special attention: accuracy on interpretations and also to be able to use the data efficiently on the research process. I believe I will record most of the interviews to able to don’t miss important parts, reflect carefully after and reach well interpretations.

                Focus Groups require a lot of organization. As other ones are involved, the group dedication on the activities and discussions asked is very crucial. For better results, planning is necessary not only to be able to manage to get people together and creating a proper atmosphere, but also to make the meeting productive, bringing up discussions and relating to the data collected previously. Confidentiality, privacy, data protection considerations require also a proper attention. For my inquiry, I am planning to organize two meetings with no more than four people. We would work on three improvisation methodologies and after the activity, discuss experiences together and relate to the material researched. The reason I believe a focus group would be interesting for the development of my inquiry, is to be able to have one more opportunity to exercise methods, observe my colleagues and share in an open and comfortable environment a discussion around my theme.

                Surveys and Questionnaires are very useful methods of research. These tools allow a good range of answers from many representative respondents and access to quantitative results to interpretation and bring up into the discussion. I believe I won’t use these methods for my inquiry, as my theme is a lot about analysis, however I will use surveys and questionnaires previously done by other researches (literature) to support my inquiry. Surveys can be a good start to initiate a research. 

Task 6a: Informal Trial

One of the methods I will use for the research process of my inquiry will be a personal diary from my daily routine. My inquiry will be much based on my personal experience, when since last year I began to get in touch with other techniques and methods and more interested on contemporary dance. It have been also a moment which I am connecting all my experiences from studying and working in different countries, and be part of different processes of education and lines of choreography.

For this task, I decided to report here my observations from a special workshop which happened last Sunday:

Workshop

It was a Sunday workshop, and unique opportunity to work with a great professional with huge experience behind. Her formation includes diverse techniques such as, Release based Technique, Flying Low, Gaga technique, Contact and Improvisation, Soundpainting, Passing Through and others.

On the beginning of the class we moved constantly for 20 minutes, beginning with the lower members until reach the top of the body. During the process she didn’t speak much, just gave us some tips to increase our movements and expand our ideas of ways to get our bodies warm and approach new places. Some of those tips were of dynamics , others were images such as “getting air between our joints” , “fell like we are in a honey jar” and “each part of the body wants to move to one direction”.

Already on those twenty minutes, I could observe some experiences on my body. Because is a non-stop process, there is a moment where I felt tired or without any ideas on different ways to move. After this moment however, I felt that I just let it go and stopped rationalizing too much. At this moment, maybe because the mind fell freer and without self-judgement, non-conscious movements began to happen and continue to follow to other places not before reached. The body gets warm, I felt more concentrated and internalized.  It happened a wish to close my eyes and she mentioned about how important is to don’t close it: not just because a safety issue, but also because we need to be aware of us on that place that we were, to be able to be around by others without losing concentration, and to turn our eyes also a way to move our bodies. I found this last information very interesting: to make the eyes also part of the choreography. To be able to be concentrated in yourself and on what is around you as well.

After these twenty minutes, we began to walk around the room. She asked us to analyse how we were walking, how was the weight on our feet, hips, knees and up body. She then began to ask us to walk faster and make the curves faster. After she began to ask us to drop our weight on the curves, giving a feeling of “rebound” and from this just increased to turns, jumps, and slides. I really enjoy this method which began with a small, trivial action to a bigger and more complicated action. We did this game also very close to each other, trying to avoid the ones around you, as well as redirecting or conducting them to a movement.

The third part was more about Contact and Improvisation. One activity got my attention and made me reflect later about it: after one person has been manipulated/conducted/influenced by the others, she was asked to keep moving and improvise alone. The ones around her had to copy her movements. This generated an interesting dynamics, because at the same time that one shared her movements, the others received and gave their interpretation, stabilizing a cooperative work where all the ones involved would be influenced by each other.

We finished with a sequence choreographed by the teacher. All information shared during the class could be brought into the choreography and is interesting to notice how my body felt more “open” to the movements, and the sequence could be done lighter and more conscious. With all the exercises given, I believe my body had more information and bigger range of movements.

This workshop was an intense and very productive experience. New approaches were given and more possibilities for improvisation, composition and dance quality. Experiences which share creativity stimulus, contact, improvisation, self-conscious and routines on a whole connected package, I believe are very important. Not only because different methods are brought into one class, but also because it shows how is possible to connect all them.  

Task 5c and 5d: Reflection about Ethical Considerations on Professional Inquiry

                Professional ethics have been a constant discussed theme during our course. Each Module, Reader and Task the concept of ethics have been brought and how should be applied and reflected during our activities. For the research process and development of our inquiry, ethical issues are extremely important. Reading through Reader 5 made me re-think on important considerations I should take when developing my inquiry.

                The Figure 2 from Reader 5 which shows the arenas of professional practice and their connection, I believe should be a constant reminder that we should have during our career. The personal ethics is linked with the professional code, which can vary according to the place, and this one is linked with the employer expectation which can also vary. There is a moral and basic ethics we should always have, not just as a professional (and what it is a basic ethics is a very long discussion), however codes and expectations may vary according to the place of work which show the limits and considerations we should take once we sign a contract or have a duty with the chosen place. This situation can be also brought on the inquiry plan: in the case I do a research with a special group from an institution, or an interview or an activity I will have to take in consideration the codes from the place, employer and community.

                When applying ethical considerations on my professional inquiry, I believe certain responsibilities should take special considerations. This is due the fact that even if I am careful, by distraction I can miss one of these conducts: To ensure that the data collected is accurate, relevant and valid ; to ensure that the data is suitably stored and archived and that attention is paid to issues of confidentiality; to manage resources efficiently, such as finances, time and I intellectual property; and to provide feedback of the results of the research to the participants, or at least the intended use of the results, including any intention to publish. For my inquiry, I plan to make consent forms for the ones I interview and make sure that the ones involved are totally clear on what my inquiry is about and give a proper feedback. Also, I had ideas on watching classes, rehearsals and even planning “research/experience groups” and for these, special considerations will have to be taken for permission (to watch , to use the space, to maybe photograph/record), confidentiality, professional codes and employer expectations as I referred above.

                On the section “Power of researcher” from Reader 5, an important fact was brought and I believe is one more issue I will have to be careful about when planning my inquiry: How my status or opinion can influence on the attitude of my inquiry and maybe affect the accuracy of my findings. During the development of my project, I don’t believe my status as a researcher/dancer/student might affect my findings; however I will try to take different opinions and arguments and share different perspectives from the chosen discussion. As my inquiry will work on the section of artistic development (how creativity stimulus might support artistic development) different experiences from different professionals might be shared and I will try to take those in consideration.

                Ethical considerations will be constantly part of the research process for the development of our inquiries. As the Ethical forms are filled in and the discussions with my SIGS groups continue, more situations might come and have to be discussed.