Hello fellow BAPPers!!
It's only February but already 2016 has been extremely busy. I'm writing my first post of 2016 to get myself back in the habit and to get myself mentally prepared for beginning module 3.
I'm pleased to say that during January I had interviews to start a schools direct PGCE in September 2016 and have been successful in securing a place. The school that I have decided to do my training with has a good focus on performing arts. I will be training to be a primary teacher but I am happy that I will continue to be involved in the arts and using it as a great tool in my students education. I am really excited to undertake that new venture but first I have to buckle down and complete BAPP!! I will be moving to Leeds to do the course. After 8 years in London it will be a huge change but great to explore a new city and to be closer to some of my family and friends in Scotland.
I can't believe we are on Module 3 already! The past year has gone so quickly. With a lot of positive changes for me. I think the first two modules of BAPP have really pushed me to reflect on my professional practise regularly. I believe this has had a positive outcome for myself and my students. I have become much more engaged as a teacher, building upon my experiences. I am much more aware of how my practise is improving and developing. I hope that this will continue through module 3. It's going to be a busy 12 weeks, with lots going on at work - shows, exams etc. However, this work is all interlinked with my inquiry topic so I think my work will help my inquiry and vice versa.
I have tried to keep up my reflective journal in between handing in the last submission as my reflective journal will be an important tool in recording thoughts on my inquiry. I plan to blog or write about these on my SIG.
How is everyone else getting on??
Lisa x
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you bagged a fantastic opportunity to train post - BAPP, congratulations! :)
I’ve also tried to stay in the flow for Module 3 and have mostly been reading up on and collecting thoughts on research methodologies and data analysis, as I find those very interesting. However, I am not quite sure how the interpretation, analysis and synthesis of data will actually take shape – it still seems a bit abstract at this point! Makes planning for interviews quite nerve-wracking as obviously I want to get all relevant data in one go (as all interviewees are busy people). How are you planning on making sure you gather enough data and cover all bases?
Lara
Hi Lara,
DeleteI know what you mean about that. I have read some literature on coding framework etc, but it's difficult to picture right now how I'm going to put that into practise with the data I collect.
At the moment I am thinking carefully about what questions I would like to ask participants once I can gain their permission. As you say you don't want to waste the time that we have available. I am also looking out for relevant literature for review, but again worry that I am missing sources that could be more helpful. How many people are you planning to interview? Are they all similar or of different professional backgrounds?
Lisa x
Hi Lisa,
DeleteYes, coding is this dark cloud looming on the horizon haha. I found this helpful video on analysing interviews via coding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRL4PF2u9XA I tend to absorb knowledge faster if it's presented visually, so maybe it is helpful for you, too.
I will have to go broader with my literature review, as there is hardly any peer reviewed material on the reception of German theatre abroad. How are you finding narrowing down sources?
I'm interviewing 6 people (2 directors, 2 arts managers, 2 actors). What about you?
Hi Lara,
DeleteThank you for this video. I will have a lol when I'm home later and let you know what I think!
It's taking me a while to narrow down sources. I am finding bits in different articles videos that are related. I think I am working through this slower than I would have liked due to other commitments such as work. Have you found one stand out source?
I too would like to interview 6-8 people. 2 teachers (of performing arts), 2 examiners/assessors and hope 2 people who work for an exam board. I have contacts within my work and I have been in contact via email with some exam boards who have given me great info about their syllabus. I am yet to see if I will be able to talk one on one with someone who works there.
How is your interview prep going?
Lisa x
Lara!
DeleteI have just looked at the video thank you :). You know I wouldn't have thought to look on you tube for this information. I did find some websites and things on summon about it when doing my inquiry plan. However, like you say seeing things visually helps it to make more sense! It's good because you tube has also led me to other videos that could help with this process.
Lisa x
Hi Lisa, I'm glad it's been helpful! :) In regards to your earlier comment, I ended up finding some good sources and ordered one book from the library which I hope will be my standout source. But I need to make sure to focus on individual arguments of the academics now and make the link between those. Similar to you, I also hope it's all doable in the timeframe. I hope your literature search & review is going well!
DeleteBest,
Lara
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your Primary PGCE place! Fantastic news! I have also decided to train in Primary and secured a place at the end of December. It is a very exciting opportunity for us both. It will good to keep in contact after the course to share our experiences of this too!
It sounds like you are having a good start to Module 3. If I'm honest, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. I am not really sure where to start! I was going to start with the Reader and Handbook (now I have managed to actually download them). I was wondering what you are starting with to get back into your studies?
Congratulations again!
Jess.
Well done Jess!! That is fantastic news :) yes would be great to keep in touch to share experiences. No doubt we will be able to help each other. Where are you doing your PGCE?
DeleteThis week I have also been on half term as you mentioned in your blog so have been wanting to take advantage of that time to catch up on work as well as will friends and family. I have been reading through the module handbook. Mostly making lists and trying to get my head straight. I have been looking at the feedback Paula emailed on M2 and trying to focus in on what I need to do next.
You also mentioned in your blog that your topic of inquiry has changed. Has it changed a lot from when we did your trial interview questions?
Lisa x
Hi Lisa,
DeleteI am doing a SCITT course local to my area.
Yes, I feel even more disorientated starting BAPP Module 3 whilst of half term! I have been doing the same as you with the Module handbook. I am going to work on my draft of the one page summary to send to Paula and begin looking at Reader 7 this weekend and into the beginning of next week. Does this sound about right to you?
No, my inquiry is still focusing on engagement. I decided just to only focus on Drama and English and not 'Performing Arts' to give my inquiry more clarity. I also decided to do this as Drama is now aligned in the English National Curriculum so this made much more sense. I have also decided to focus on teaching approaches and methods of engagement to ensure that the students are not affected by my inquiry (as we discussed with Adesola last term in the online session).
Have there been any changes to your inquiry since we last discussed it during Module 2?
Great to be in contact again!
Jess.
Yes that exactly what I am doing at the minute!!
DeleteThat sounds like a good idea to give your topic more focus. My inquiry has stayed the same really. The focus of my inquiry questions may alter slightly when taking into account the backgrounds of the different people I would like to interview. So much to do! Ah!
x
Congratulations with your PGCE placement! this is fantastic news and i bet it is a great way to push you onto completion of this course!
ReplyDeleteI am just getting stuck into literature research and finding it all very over whelming! Look forward to catching up on blogs and sigs!
Steph
Hi Stephanie,
DeleteThank you! Yes it definitely gives me another incentive to gain my degree.
Lisa x