Nimble Thinking and Research- Module 2 Skype

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 these individual processes/thoughts/actions are to create 1 whole image/idea/ creation. Lots of little things create 1 big thing.

What is Research?

We also spoke a little about what research is and why we research. We are looking at non-positivist, qualitative research. This means that as researchers we are trying to gain a deeper understanding of a certain topic. We are not trying to find a definitive answer to a question. Once we have collected the research it is about analysing it and questioning it. Is it a universal truth or the truth for that one person? Why did we get the answers or observations we did? It is also important to be open with your research. I have to try to go in without expectations for how I want the research to turn out. I need to try and be aware of my own assumptions and question them.

We can research in many different ways. Whether it be questionnaires, interviews, observations or even googling something on your phone. We are constantly researching by experiencing things. Throughout every day, we take on tasks and challenges that we may or may not have done before, but each time we will learn something new. It can be argued that by experiencing things, we are researching them as we are gaining new information. Can we really understand something fully if we haven’t experienced it ourselves?



I found this on Instagram and I thought it was an interesting take on the idea of knowledge and experience. Is knowledge the foundation and experience gives us a deeper understanding? Or are they 2 separate things that need to be treated differently? Do they work in harmony together? 

I shall research more into this as I go through module 2, to try and gain a deeper understanding between the idea of knowledge, experience and research. 

Bibliography 

 https://www.instagram.com/factsdailyy/

  Schön D. (1987) Educating the Reflective Practitioner: Toward a New Design for Teaching and Learning in the Professions, San Francisco, Jossey-Bass


Comments

  1. anushkaconway30 September 2020 at 11:13

    super interesting idea Alys! looking forward to hearing more on what you find! i've just done a blog about the Skype too if you wanted to check that out! xx

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  2. Theresa Tan30 September 2020 at 11:29

    Hi Alys!

    Wow, the last part of the post really got me thinking about knowledge and experience. I believe they can't be separated from one another because experience provides us with more knowledge about something, however, without any prior knowledge of it we might not be able to identify the experience we are going through. This is an interesting topic - I guess I'll also be looking into the idea of knowledge and experience! Theresa x

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    Replies
    1. Alys May-James3 October 2020 at 04:24

      Thanks Theresa, yes it is interesting looking at whether they always work together and go hand in hand. It's an interesting idea that do we really have knowledge if we have never experienced it. I look forward to seeing what you find! Alys :) x

      Delete
  3. Anonymous1 October 2020 at 01:56

    Hi Alys. I was unable to attend this skype session so reading bogs like your's help to fill in the gaps. I really like your idea of nimble thinking both in relationship to the course but as well as in ballet. That idea is resonating with me so I will try to think of both sides of our assignment moving forward. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Alys May-James3 October 2020 at 04:26

      Hi Jacqueline, Thank you. I'm glad it helped! I think the fact things are always changing as well means nimble thinking is such an important skill to use. Alys :) x

      Delete
  4. Paul Flannigan4 October 2020 at 03:14

    Hi Alys, thank you for another great blog post! I particularly love the image of the chair of demonstrating knowledge and experience and it raised some similar questions in which you ask. I had never made the connection between 'knowledge as experience' until Module One. I believe they are both interconnected into one now and overall knowledge improves as we work with both of them together. You may know how to 'do' something but sometimes it is only when we 'do' it that we then realise other possibilities and without experiencing it, we could possibly not have obtained this knowledge. Paul

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    Replies
    1. Alys May-James4 October 2020 at 07:20

      Hi Paul, Thank you. I found the image right after our discussion on skype and I thought it fitted perfectly with what I wanted to blog about. It is interesting how we think we know something, but until we actually do it, how much do we really understand it? Like you said, there are many things we could be missing out on without realising it! Thank
      Alys :) x

      Delete
  5. Lauren Mitchell6 October 2020 at 07:52

    Hi Alys, it is Lauren here, I am in Module 2. Thank you for sharing what you have found, as I was unable to make the Skype call it has been very useful for me to catch up.

    I find it interesting to think that experiences can directly provide us with knowledge, but knowledge cannot provide us directly with experiences? They could indirectly, through the knowledge you could feel confident and aware and capable to take on a new experience, or explore it.
    Although they are for sure connected, they don't seem to go precisely vice versa. I am not sure if I've explained that thought process very well, but hopefully the gist is there?

    I also love the image you have found.

    Thank you
    Lauren

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    Replies
    1. Alys May-James6 October 2020 at 11:18

      Hi Lauren,
      Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Yes I get what you mean and I agree it is interesting how they both link to each other but aren't always necessary for each other. I look forward to reading some of your blogs and ideas :) Alys x

      Delete

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