Getting stuck in!

Last night I finally managed to catch up and have a chat with Paula.

 I don't know if anyone else has the same issue of being so busy you forget what day, week, month, time or year it is? well that is how I am currently feeling at the moment. However my Easter break is upon me, which is why my main focus has been completing my research before my holidays, as after Monday, I am then done for a month!!!! which is AMAZING for me, but not so good for research purposes! So it has been all systems go observing/interviewing/focus grouping!

I managed to discuss a couple of interesting points with Paula last night. One thing that we discussed was "discussion" Throughout this process I have managed to have a few really nice discussions without really realising!  Just about things such as the environment for play, and sparking up discussions about creating the right environment for play, and how these discussions then begin to develop and flourish for one of a better word. From these discussions, I have been able to delve deeper into my topic.

A discussion that I also had with Paula last night was the unpredictability of children! I had my focus group today as part of my research, and it was so interesting some of the things that they came out with! (some of it quite comical, but ever the professional trying to keep a straight face!) but they also came out with some really interesting points! (blog to follow later on tomorrow)

Anyway, I feel that I am quite on top of everything at the moment and really enjoying my literature reading, ( again blog to follow)

I would be interested to hear how people are getting on with analysing their data that they have received. I have not yet tackled this, and feel that it maybe a sticking point for me, however after having a chat with Paula last night, I think I am just going to get stuck in - give it a go and see how I get on.

Finally Feeling Back On Track!

After a crazy couple of weeks at work which have involved putting on a production, preparation for ballet exams and Arts Award moderation, it's safe to say that I feel that I have dropped off the radar slightly with recording of my studies, and also indeed to where I was up too, if I was on track or not!!

Anyway after this evenings session with Paula and my fellow module 3's I am feeling so much better and encouraged that I am on track and for now (I say searching my flat for some wood haha!)

I will start by giving you the brief summary of where I am currently up too;

• Continuing with literature and trying to delve further into looking in to the "Magical Realm" 
• Focus Group permission letters sent home - This is planned for Next Friday 
• Interviews taking place this week
• Couple more observations to do 
• Continual reflection in my journal. 

Tonight we had a really good discussion as to where we are all up to in the process and again referring to the stages of inquiry (I believe the image is on Paula's blog)

One exercise that I found extremely helpful to emphasise the importance of drafting was, that I tried to explain some of my research and link it to some literature or practitioner. Lois may then had to try and see if she understood what I was trying to say. Lois then asked me to repeat what I had said, and I re phrased it slightly differently. This is first degree drafting, and I didn't even realise it at first!

Some other vital points that I took away with me from today's session is to look for patterns in your research, common themes and key words that keep cropping up. Look for common looking themes. Take an idea and explain it more, don't be afraid to have a play around with your ideas. Try keep writing concise and to the point to don't make this sacrifice your explanation. Talk to people before you write, it's a massive help.

Finally I can honestly say that I am looking forward to all of this and keeping up with the research and seeing what I can discover! The small thing called the Artifact is looming at the back of my mind, however  I feel that once I have got all this research done dusted and analysed I can start thinking of a quirky interesting artifact!

Would love to hear how others are getting on whatever module you maybe.

Further to yesterday's post about the news.

Below is a link to video report about learning through play with lego and Cambridge university!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGQalbgtX0&sns=em

In The News This Week .....

For anyone who is looking at Learning through play, take a look at this that was in the news this week!


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-33107832

Catching up and moving forward!

After finally getting back into the flow of work life and everything else this week, I have finally managed to catch up with peers and paula very briefly!

Firstly this week I caught up with Lauren. We discussed where we were up too how we are feeling as we embark on module 3. It was so nice to finally catch up and discuss feelings of uncertainty at this present moment in time, but also the eagerness to get underway with what we are doing and researching. Despite looking into different topics we are still keeping regular contact as we have both found this really helpful throughout the second module, and I think I can say for both of us that it's really beneficial to speak through ideas with someone, and also feel that there is someone there if you are in a bit of a mad flap! 

Secondly this week (despite only being able to be there for the first 30 mins) we had the first module 3 session of the study period. We managed to discuss where we were all up too and our ideas thus far. One thing that I specifically took away with me was something that paula said "it's okay if things are still a little cloudy at the moment" I can relate to this as currently I know exactly what I am looking into however the end product is a little hazy, but I just need to keep telling my self that is fine for now. We also spoke about what else we are taking with us through this process I explained how when doing observation I am picking up tips and advise and reflecting upon it and will be taking some of these things with me when I commence my pgce course in September. I am planning to catch up with Lauren regarding the rest of the session. 

Finally I have finally managed to have a hat with Skye. We are looking at similar topics and have just found out a little ore about how we are each going about our research etc. We plan to meet again once we have under taken some research to discuss our findings and how we may plan to go forward. 

So it's been a pretty productive week for me!! Would love to hear how everyone else is getting on! :) 

Have a great weekend! 

Feeling a little overwhelmed

So I'm not sure about anyone else, but I am for sure feeling a little bit overwhelmed with what is to come in the next 12 weeks or so!! anyone else feeling the same? whether you are just embarking on Module one, two or like myself about to start Module 3.

I think I do feel slightly more apprehensive as due to being unwell I missed the orientation sessions last week (typical over the half term!!) However, I have read some of the blogs that went up after the session which did ease my mind a little, and I do think once I have spoken with the rest of the Module 3's and Paula on Friday I will feel a little more on track.

I have managed to respond to my feedback and and starting to get under way with observations and such, but I feel like I just need to get cracking now.

I am also slowly hacking my way through some more literature too!

So here's a shout out; My inquiry title is: The Magical Realm: Exploring the Power of Play for Dance Teaching, and I am looking how this can benefit age groups other than pre school, going up to the upper key stage one age. So if anyone else is looking into a similar topic it would be great to have a chat and see what ideas you may have and what angle you are taking this from? Would be great to hear from you!! :)

Another Module Done!

As this module comes to a close, I thought it would be nice to do a concluding blog before I get back into the crazy new term that has just begun.

I feel that personally this module has been a bit of a roller coaster - from having firm ideas set in my head to changing direction and being unsure to then having a mini melt down days before submission over my ethics form! (you maybe able to tell from my writing that it is a bit erratic!)

A massive thing for me this term has been the support from talking to fellow students who are on the course. I have especially had a lot of contact with Lauren on module 2 and I think that she would agree with me that it has been so helpful to be able to talk to each other regularly and express our feelings ideas have discussion and most importantly somebody that actually understands the process.

One thing that I think I have slacked on a little this module is the blogging side of things, but I do think that this is because I have spent more time having personal conversations/email chats with different people, so I really don't think it has been at all detrimental to my experience of this module.

As if I don't already have enough to do with working and doing a degree. I decided that it was time to apply to do a PGCE in Primary education to commence in September and amazingly I have gained a place so deferring is not an option now haha! but it's all very exciting, but it has made me realise how much a WBL course has helped me to manage my time and think about things slightly differently. It was one of the things that interview panels commented on. Working so many hours yet still being able to complete a degree. I do actually feel quite proud of that.

I would like to hear how others have found their modules - whether they are 1 2  or just completing the whole degree, but for now time for a short rest from BAPP and get prepared for what is about to come in module 3!