So here we go again, back to the laptop, books and study!
It's so good to be back and have something to do. I don't know what's it like around the world but where I am I can do absolutely NOTHING that makes me-me. No dance, creativity, travel or even work. It seems even the Zooming has slowed down as people wait to finally get back to the studio. So it hasn't been the easiest of times and I'm glad to get back to dance through this course and feel connected to the arts again. Exited to explore new areas of dance education and this Module is all about research!
After reading the handbook and having my one on one I have a general idea of where to start....so the next couple of weeks all I'll be doing is reading!
God knows there's sooooo much to read and research. So maybe it's a blessing in disguise I find myself with so much time. All I need now is the motivation 😋
I find the academic language difficult and actually had to look up definitions of many words I never came across before while reading the Module 2 handbook. So normally after 30-45min of reading articles, books and journals written "academically" I hit a wall and my brain can't take in more. It has nothing to do with English not being my first language, I just don't understand why can't things be put into plain words that everyone understands 😂 One of my friends described studying at this level, researching and writing as learning a new language and that's just what I'll have to do.
I've decided to do a little bit of reading every day while the world is still shut and hopefully with time I'll be able to understand more. I'll have Google at hand to look up definitions of complicated words and power through!
I'm starting with Researching Dance: Evolving Modes of Inquiry while I wait for some more books to be delivered. Just like last term I don't know what I'm doing but this time around I trust the process a bit more and hope it will all become clearer as the weeks go by.
So how is everyone doing? What are your first steps this term?
I can hugely identify with your thoughts here Lena, and English is my first (and only) language!
ReplyDeleteI’ve spent the last few days highlighting words and sentences in the Handbook that I too, struggle to make sense of! I then write the definitions next to the word so that each time I refer back to the handbook I can remind myself and re read things with hopefully a better understanding.
Reading is going to be my first step too - as much as possible. I’m going to start with developing my knowledge on the research methodologies and models. Like you, a little a day and actually as much in book form as possible because my eyes struggle with too much screen time!
I look forward to reading how you are getting on and in the meantime you can take some comfort that you are not alone when it comes to figuring it all out and making sense of the task ahead - It sounds like you are starting well!
Thanks Jo, it definitely makes me feel better I'm not the only one :)
DeleteI must admit sometimes I'd read a full chapter and not understand what I read :P
I usually print one chapter at a time as I also prefer to not read off a screen and highlight things the old fashioned way.
Hopefully things will start to make sense the more we read. Best of luck! :)
Hello Lena,
ReplyDeleteI think we are mostly in the same boat as regards to the academic language. Being trained in the arts, I think we are not used to understanding the developed communication of academic writing. It takes me so long to understand a sentence as I have to read it, break it down, look up the words and read it again!
As you said, we are lucky we have the time now to focus on this.
To be honest, I don't feel entirely clear about the direction I am taking yet, but as time goes on, I'm sure it will all make more sense.
Thanks Jakob, yes definitely hoping clarity will come with time. The language can be a bit discouraging at times. Luckily the book I'm reading at the moment is not too bad.
DeleteHi Lena,
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to how you are feeling, there is so much information to take in at the start of the second module and it really does feel mind blowing! I still have to keep a check on certain words to make sure I am still thinking on the right track. The book I used to help try and understand the process was 'Doing Your Research Project' by Judith Bell, it goes through each stage of the research inquiry process and may help. My advice, is to try not to fall into the loop hole, which I did, of reading and reading and going wider and wider in the area you want to research until you have so much information that your original thoughts become a little lost.
You are right though to feel that you have to trust in the process, no matter of the ups and downs that it will take you on, its all part of the process . Best of luck for the term ahead.
Thank you Susan. I actually bought the book you mention and it just arrived although I might give it time before I start with it so I'm not reading two at the same time and confusing myself.
DeleteThanks for the advice, I will keep it in mind and hopefully things will fall into place eventually.
Hi Lena, I am in exactly the same boat! I have sat with my thesaurus and am writing down a list of alternative terminology as I read through the Handbook again. Then I re-read the sentence placing my alternatives into it to make more sense to me. This is also how I am reading some of the recommended core texts. So you are definitely not alone and to be honest I am glad that so many of you are also feeling the same as me! Keep working!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim. Yes it seems we're all new to this and in the same boat alright. Just have to power through 💪😊
ReplyDelete