Alys May-James BA Professional Practice Blog

Last week people on module 3 were invited to a zoom call to see where we are all at with our research. It was lovely to catch up with everyone and see where their ideas and research have taken them. Below are a few key points that I took from the meeting. This process is cyclical, not linear. We aren’t looking for a set answer to end our research but trying to gain a deeper understanding which we can then feed back into our lives and practices which can then bring up more questions. Always link it back to my practice- this is a common theme through our research. Identify themes found from analysis clearly and state why it is a theme. Connect the themes we find in our research back to our professional practice. In our analysis we are looking for patterns, it isn’t about giving raw data. But can use quotes from interviews to show how themes have come up. Include methodology in your overview, what you did, why you did it, how it went, what changed Artefact is a ‘practice-based thing’ th...

At the beginning of January, I had the privilege of watching the previous module 3 presentations. It was lovely to see the diversity of the topics everyone had researched and how it related to them and impacted their practices and lives. Everyone did an amazing job at explaining their research. I especially enjoyed seeing the artefacts that had been created because they seemed so personal and relevant to each individual. Some examples are; writing and illustrating a story book, creating a pop-up book, Russian Dolls, choreographing dances, and singing songs. The freedom that comes with creating the artefact can be really special- it can be whatever is relevant to you and your practice and research.   What was eye-opening to me was how each artefact and research topic revealed something about the researcher. It has got me thinking how research is a very personal thing- especially qualitative research- not only for the participants and the data collected, but for the researcher to...

Last night I attended my first discussion Skype for all modules. I found it very insightful listening to other people and their experiences. One of the parts I have been struggling with is the ‘diagram’ or ‘artefact’, so I went with the intention of trying to get some clarity and inspiration! The information from others was invaluable. It became clear to me, from many of the now module two people, that the essay and artefact go hand in hand. They compliment each other and should work in harmony. When discussing which one should be done first, I realised that to get the best results they should be done together and so become fluid. Yes, they are different pieces of work, but they work together and each enhance the other. It is also important to make a decision and commit to it. 12 weeks will go fast, so if you have an idea, go for it! What’s different about the artefact, is that it can be what you want it to be. Some of the suggestions included videos, spider diagrams and pic...