Alys May-James BA Professional Practice Blog

On Friday we had a skype session with a module 2 focus. We spoke about how the conversation and discussion is an art form. It is not about reaching a final destination but about mapping and linking together different ideas. Nimble Thinking Module 2 is focused on creating an inquiry proposal. We were reminded that we are researching how to research. This means it isn’t just about ‘what’ we are going to research (topic) but ‘how’ we are going to research it (methodology). We spoke about mapping both of these ideas separately but how they work in harmony with each other. Adesola mentioned the idea of ‘Nimble thinking’ where you have more than one idea going on at once. This got me thinking about when I’ve taken a ballet class. To get the correct posture and technique there are many different things to think about; turnout, core engaged, arm positioning, shoulders down, back not arched, head position, pulling up your legs, not rolling your ankles, pointed toes…the list goes on. But all...

This week I attended a skype discussion group for modules 1, 2 and 3. It was great getting to talk to everyone and discuss where everyone is at with the course and general learning and development. There were 2 main points that I picked up on from our discussion. Questions Reflection Questions I am becoming more aware of how important it is to question yourself, not only for this course but in life. By questioning things, it means you don’t just accept what is. Questioning isn’t always about finding an answer, but about gaining more information. Things are constantly changing and we do not have the capacity to know everything. There is too much information in the world for it to be accessed by everyone. This is why when we question, we never get a full answer because it’s impossible- hence why we gain knowledge to develop on, not an end point. As George Siemens talks about in 'Knowing Knowledge' (2006), we should look at ‘knowledge as a river, not reservoir.’ Page 53. H...

The past week I have been going through the handbooks and looking up about the MORE forms that I have to do for this module. At the moment it all seems very overwhelming and confusing! But I remember feeling this way at the start of module 1 and I kept pushing through the unknown and telling myself it’s about the journey, not the destination. It’s ok to not know, but keep pushing forward and have belief that I can do it. ‘It is not ‘not knowing’ that is the problem. It is the lack of doing.’  George Siemens, Page 124 The past few months I have been thinking about the direction I want my inquiry to take. I have had a few ideas- some that link together and some that are more stand alone. After having my supervisor meeting, I have started mapping down the ideas and seeing what comes to me and interests me. One of the phrases in the handbook I really like is ‘little wonders.’ As I have been mapping out my ideas, I have been connecting them with the handbook to see what feels right ...

2020 has definitely been a rollercoaster so far- from starting this course in January, to being in lockdown and not being able to dance, to being a key worker in a pandemic…it has been a very weird time. If anything, it has enforced the need to be flexible and enhanced the use of transferable skills. On Friday I joined the welcome back skype. It was lovely seeing and hearing people from each module. We spoke about a few key areas which I found really useful to remind myself of as I start back for module 2. Blogs- When I started module 1, I found it very helpful to read peoples blogs who had already completed the module. I’m going to take some time to go back as I start module 2 and read blogs from other people. It can be reassuring and inspiring reading what others have to say, as well as helping build a network of professionals. I find it quite daunting posting blogs. To help I have a specific focus for each one which helps me plan, write and then post them. Handbooks- I printed...