Executing the act of curiosity

Following my last blog, I came across a lot of content that shares how to create good interview questions. This TEDx stood out to me in particular as I feel it relates to qualitative research...

In this video, Dan Moulthrop shares some important tips and stories. He discusses that the way you ask a question is significant to the response you get. For example, instead of asking someone "what job do you do?", ask them "how do you feel about what you do?". 

"Asking a good question is about executing the act of curiosity."

When Moulthrop mentioned this, I remembered a blog I wrote back in module one about assumptions and curiosity. Although I could reflect on my previous experience to write a blog at the time, these ideas did not feel so apparent. Now I am going through the process of designing a research project, I am understanding this in more depth. My curiosity has led to me wanting to find out more about dance education, however, I am having to put aside my personal experiences and preconceptions to allow the development of new thoughts.

 Finally, he discusses the importance of being empathetic and grateful, which I think is a simple skill, but also incredibly powerful!

TEDx Talks, 2021. The Art Of Asking Questions | Dan Moulthrop | TEDxSHHS. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZSY0PssqH0&t=421s> [Accessed 28 April 2021].

Interviewing - Zoom - 18.04.21

I was aware of the types of data collection methods that suit qualitative research (such as interviews, surveys, case studies, experimental, etc.) however, I initially found it difficult to choose methods that would best fit my research. For example, I was concerned that by observing dance teachers during class, the teacher would feel pressure and alter their teaching methods, meaning the data I collect wouldn't be authentic. I was also concerned that by engaging with participants face-to-face they wouldn't feel comfortable sharing information. Although I considered this carefully, I now realise there will be complications with every type of data collection method. How we interpret the data collected is equally as important. 

Sam led a Zoom session last week about interviews. I found it insightful and will definitely be using his tips when I begin collecting data next module. Some of the tips he shared were...

Even if you know the participants personally, you can never predict what they will say. Don't go into the interview with any fixed ideas. Have an open mind. 

The aim of interviews is to collect stories. This is actually the reason I chose to do interviews as a data collection method as I am interested to learn about the teaching methods that dance teachers have adopted and why. What do the dance teacher's stories tell me about dance education? I am excited to find out.

Start by asking a simple question (i.e. "How did you get into your field of practice?") to break the ice. Then, ensure you actively listen to the participants. This might be difficult (especially as first-time researchers) which is why it's important to use a dictaphone to record the interviews. Also, ensure to engage with the participants by showing interest; give eye contact, respond and pick up on key points. It is also important not to offer opposing views on topics, we can simply acknowledge their opinions and move on. 

I am excited to do interviews, but also quite scared. Although there is a lot to consider, it is also important to remember that we don't have to do everything. 5 main questions are enough. And by the time we get to it next module, we will be more prepared and it will feel more natural (I hope).

I have now received my feedback for my Proposal and am slightly overwhelmed with the notes I received. One note was to give a flavour to the type of questions I will ask in my interviews. Sam suggested looking at 'The Ethnographic Interview' by James Spradley but it's not available in the Online Library. If anyone has any tips on how to approach this, I would really appreciate it. 

References

Bhandari, P., 2021. Data Collection | A Step-by-Step Guide with Methods and Examples. [online] Scribbr. Available at: <https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/data-collection/> [Accessed 19 April 2021].

Granada Preparatory School, 2021. job-interview-clipart-243. [image] Available at: <https://chaschool.org/staff/pam-green/job-interview-clipart-243/> [Accessed 19 April 2021].

Spradley, J., 2021. The Ethnographic Interview.

Little 'wonders'

And just like that we have began Module Two. There is so much information to take in, and with only 12 weeks until the deadline, it is safe to say I feel nervous but eager.

The handbook provides us with the first steps to 'shape an inquiry'. I initially decided to start by trying to 'find a focus'. I thought it would be much easier but my brain wasn't producing any thoughts at first. So I went back to my Module One essay for inspiration and recognised a particular theme surrounding Mental health. 

It was almost as if I had pulled the plug and I couldn't stop wondering. Mental health is something that I have encountered throughout my entire practice, if not personally then through the people around me and I have recently been trained to support the mental health of the students my class. 

I haven't had a one-to-one tutorial with my supervisor yet, but after being in contact with other BAPP students, I have realised that I need to to start this module by learning more about a qualitative non-positivist approach to research. 

I am putting my 'wonders' to the side for a couple of weeks and have started getting my nose into some books. I have started the Kortext book 'Qualitative research in physical culture' and am pleasantly surprised. It simply explains the purpose of qualitative research as well as giving some examples and discussing research ethics. I have also had a brief look through 'Doing your research project' and was instantly drawn to a well know quote...

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there" - Lewis Carrol  

I also came across this Youtube channel which explains qualitative research/data... Get Your Qual On

I will be blogging about my research discoveries in the next week and can't wait to read all your blogs too! x

Welcome Back Zoom - 06/02/21

I have just attended the Welcome Back Zoom. It was lovely to see some familiar faces and some new ones.

Helen said something lovely that has stuck with me... Don't tell yourself you can't do it, tell yourself you can but you just need some practise.

I hear that the work load increases slightly in Module Two, and having never planned an inquiry before, I am feeling a bit apprehensive. But just because I have never done something, doesn't mean it will go terribly. And that is what this Module is all about... creating a structure ready to start the inquiry in September. As performers, we are already so used to preparation whether that be for exams, auditions or getting ready for a performance in a professional job, so hopefully this planning won't feel completely unfamiliar.

Going into Module Two, I would like to improve on my communication through these blogs...

I sound like a granny asking this question...

Last term, after commenting on other students' blog posts, I often missed out on their replies because I wasn't receiving notifications. Does anyone know how/if there is a way of receiving notifications from comments and replies?

I am looking forward to starting the next chapter with you all x

The magic is in you

Hi everyone!

It almost seems too early to be blogging again, but after having watched some of the Module 3 presentations and reading the Module 2 handbook, I wanted to jump on the bandwagon again (and give my blog a bit of a makeover). 

I was lucky to have finished work early on Friday 8th January so I was able to catch the final few presentations. The work that was presented by the Module 3 students was really impressive. I felt that each student spoke so professionally and I became captivated by each inquiry. I feel apprehensive to think that I will be in that situation next year, however I remember feeling like this last September and somehow crossed the Module 1 finish line.

Module 1 helped me understand the effectiveness of reflection. It has allowed me to recognise how my practice thus far has unfolded and encouraged me to question certain topics. I have realised how amazing reflection is for learners and I am excited to develop this skill as I move onto Module 2. 

For Christmas my friend gave me a wellness journal which gives me the opportunity to reflect everyday. I am now learning how reflection is also beneficial for my personal life by helping me assess certain situations and encouraging positive thoughts, which is especially helpful during these difficult times. 

I hope that everyone is well and having good start to 2021. I am excited at for the BAPP journey to continue soon...

Lots of love x