This module has been a intensive learning experience for me, it has increased my knowledge or research methods and data collection tools/ the process when conducting primary research, developed my analytical and evaluation skills, nurtured my academic writing skills, developed my secondary research skills, and enhanced my organisational skills (in particular time management skills). I have found the process of completing Module 3835 has taken my academic learning to a level that I have not experienced before and although the experience has been demanding I have learnt or enhanced a multitude of skills that will be crucial to both the research project for this course and for my professional practice.
At the start of this module having read the handbook and the first few chapters of the recommended text by Judith Bell I was rather over- whelmed with the enormity of information and confused over the various social research methods. My first diary entry that I wrote on the way to the first campus session (unofficial diary entry not on blog) focused on my confusion on what exactly was involved in each research approach and how the application of these could transfer to my situation, a number a re-reads of the Bell text was required before I formed a basic understanding of the methods however through further research, attendance of the campus sessions and a particularly useful conversation with my academic advisor (see Learning Blog 4) I now have a comprehensive understanding of the common social research methods and how they apply in an educational setting. I now understand that the choice of research topic can dictate the method that you use, it depends on what you are trying to find out as to which method will work best. Having said this I found that it can be very easy to over complicate matters (see Learning Blog Four) and this is never productive. Looking back I believe that my confusion was caused by a combination of me reading a vast amount of material in a short space of time, not fully comprehending the material and not allowing the material to ‘sink in’. This process quickly took me from knowing nothing about research methods and tools to having a vast volume of information in my head that I had to process however once I had systematically organised my thoughts on paper I was able to take what I had learnt about experiments, action research, case studies and ethnography and deduce what would be most appropriate for my study and why.
Looking back at my learning Diary and blogs I can see the though process and development of ideas, one re-occurring process that I looking back I have noticed is the evaluation of my experiences and the formulation of action plans/ questions for future use. The questions that I formulated in Learning Blog Three were a true test measure on whether my final idea for the topic of research was feasible, the enabled me to structurally analyse my project idea to ensure that the idea was feasible and then make the appropriate amendments before starting the cycle again. I state the word cycle as although I was not aware I was doing this at the time, the process that I was completing was representative of Kolb’s learning cycle that was looked at in Module 3002. The process included a concrete experience (formulating the research idea), reflective observation (applying the questions), abstract conceptualisation (analysis of what the answers to the questions mean) and active experimentation (coming up with ways to combat any problems of experimenting with new ideas). Similarly the reminders that I produced in Learning Blog 5 have given me a guidance to follow when that can be applied to my final research project proposal, the research project and any future write up of a work. based research project that I may conduct thus making sure that I produce the best work that I can in an respected academic style and in a time efficient manor. This analytical skill I will be able to apply to a innumerable number of situations and I believe one of the most important learning skills that I have developed.
This module has propelled a vast amount of learning however I can now see how the activities and projects set in Module 3002 were the foundation building blocks of skills that are required for a research proposal and project. The tasks of finding resources that we use for our professional practice, analysis of what has been passed down to use from our teachers, our influences, Kolb’s learning cycle and learning to write in an academic writing style, were all preparation exercises for the research, analytical and academic writing skills that have been required for this module.
Throughout this course I have found my the learning environment to be very different from my previous academic learning experience as my previous learning has always been extensively supported by teachers telling me what and how to do things, however in this module the focus of study what completely under my control and when I became stuck I had to solve the problems by myself rather than just asking my teacher for help. Through the process of this module I have been able to develop my problem solving ability as now I am able to conduct self- sufficient research and analysis to solve a problem a skill that I can use both in academic work and my professional practice. Although there were guidelines and advice throughout this module this was not specific to my situation and study and therefore I have had to evaluate this advice and see what can be applied to my work and how. Having said this I have also learnt the benefit of consulting with one’s peers when facing a problem as they are able to offer advice and they are able to look at scenarios with a fresh pair of eyes. The blogs and campus sessions have been crucial to this as they have given me the opportunity to converse and discuss problems and ideas with others who are in the same situation as me.
This process has taken me through a journey from having a few sketchy ideas right through to a formulated and precise research proposal. The formulation of ideas has come from looking at my own professional practice, how I can improve this while also considering my future aims. There were a number of ideas however looking at my interest in the subjects, the feasibility of the project and the notion of ‘who cares’ I was able to formulate a research project that I feel will be most worth- while to my professional practice and to that of other private sector dance teacher.
This module has provided me with many difficult problems which at times I thought were almost impossible to overcome however it is through these difficulties that I have accomplished the most fruitful learning. I have developed a number of essential skills that will be integral as I continue through this degree programme and throughout my professional practice both in the present and in the future. I am sure that I will come across a number of problems in my professional and academic future and now I have the analytical and research skills to overcome these problems. The prospect of actually now doing the proposed research is somewhat daunting however I am certain the I will learn even more doing this and I am excited about the information that I will uncover that I am sure will have a profound effect on my professional practice as a dance teacher.
