My light-hearted thoughts on the Campus sessions.
It has almost always been a relief to have attended the campus sessions offered to us.
Each time I've attended, a little more of what is expected from us becomes clearer. I found this course challenging at most times to say the least. Three reoccurring questions pop into my head;
- what exactly does that mean
- how exactly am I supposed to do it
- how do I start writing it
It's all very clearly defined by the structured processes laid out in the modules booklet and handbook.
But for me it has clearly been the campus sessions where the fog begins to lift for a short while as we come together for discussions, reassurance and group interactions. Is it only me that understands 50% of what was being explained? I put it down to the 'Academics'. Academia is another planet and I'm an Alien with hope of an accelerated integration into the system but with my unrefined, gung ho, brash approach to my answers, have at times, been halted and re directed me in my endeavours. OK! I know, they have the upper hand on psychology and theories.. But I ask you to be gentle with us as you break us down and then rebuild us. On a serious note, I would have liked more campus sessions and I wish I had attended the sessions I missed...
Campus Session
Paula conducted the campus session on 21st November 2012. Her presentation slide is now on her blog. It is a very good guide, prompt, reminder and break down of what is required for this section of the inquiry.
Some of the points highlighted prompted me to think about;
1. Where are we in the time line. Apart from being at a certain point in the 5 stages we need to be aware that the 'Artefact' should be in our minds as well as our 'Oral presentation'. Date to be confirmed 23rd or 24th January 2013. Paula mentioned that Your Oral presentation could be your Artefact. This is an option I will consider.
2. Bibliography. I have started to do this already, it seems a sensible thing to do rather than leaving it all till the very end and panicking because you can't find the web site or mislaid your literature especially if you had borrowed a book from a library.
3. Triangle.
See slide 10 of presentation on Slide presentation 21st Nov'12 - campus session mod 3 - Paula
The main point for me was to write about my experience and understanding from the data collected as evidence and literature knowledge I gained from experts and specialists in the field and beyond.
This was also raised and discussed by Adesola in the morning campus session on 31st Oct'12
4. Analysis of surveys and interviews
Interviews
An example of how you can start to write; I interviewed seven people, two said............, four said.....etc.
Surveys
An example of how you can start to write; In five surveys I found people said......etc.
Talk about them individually.
5. Findings within the tools and Findings as a theme.
See slide 15 of presentation - I found this clearer to understand.
6. Analyse the interviews first and themes second
7. Self Critical Reflection
I will think about;
- How my mind set was at the beginning of the BAPP course
- How I managed the changes during the course
- What have I discovered about myself and how have I developed during the course
- What have I understood during my learning journey
- How do I see myself now and how do my piers, professionals, family and others see me now as I approach my final stages of the BAPP course
- How am I going to use this acquired knowledge and has my personal development been enough to find the right job or continue my career in dance.
My Artefact idea
My inquiry is about Salsa Dance Fusion, the culture and history influencing the modern dance styles today. Salsa is a word encompassing a variety of traditional dances from the Caribbean Islands and beyond. My findings give reference to the different dance styles within Salsa and the music that influences modern Salsa. My interviews are with the teachers of those dance styles and my line of questioning is based on their knowledge, experiences and teaching methods. My surveys were completed by the dance practitioners and my questions based on their knowledge and understanding of the origins, culture and history of Salsa.
My very first idea about an Artefact was to video record the dances but at that time I didn't fully appreciate what was going to materialise through my analysis or exactly who my audience would be.
During a discussion at the campus session, Sarah Pearson made a point about how she would like to see these differing dance styles. I then realised that I could go with my first idea.
I would like to video record the three different dance styles in a documentary format showing how they are taught. The recordings should demonstrate how this social accessible dance style as accelerated some non trained dancers to professional level.
My audience would be dance practitioners and teachers. Dancers could see how learning additional dance styles could be an advantage within their dance repertoire. Teachers could see how by adding another dance style to their list of classes offered, could bring a wider range of dance practitioners to their business.
My reasons behind the idea for a video recording are;
1. My confirmed award title is; BA (Hons) Professional Practice in Dance
2. My Salsa teaching experience can show, explain and compare the various dance and music styles
3. I want to continue developing my skills in presenting and editing
In addition, I have also been researching Middle Eastern Dance and had intended to include this in my inquiry but then realised via comments decided not to as the subject became far too broad and ambiguous within the time frame given to complete this project. I was encouraged by Paula and Kate to include some data in my analysis findings which I shall do. If time permits, I may consider adding some video footage of classical Egyptian dance and some dance fusion.
I am also considering the idea of using my Artefact for my Oral presentation.
I welcome ideas and comments.
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