On Thursday (27th September) I attended our first Module 2 Skype session... And I couldn't be happier that I made it to this one! My initial read of the module 2 handbook had left me overwhelmed by the tasks ahead but after discussing with my peers (and discovering that they all seemed to be in a similar situation to me) I feel reassured that my thoughts had in fact been going in the right direction!... Here are some of the insights and tips that I gained from our discussion:
The Literature Review
Before starting this, you need to zero in on your focus. At the moment this will be quite broad (and don't be afraid that it is). For example, I have recently undertaken a few more teaching jobs, so I have been wandering if basing my inquiry on ballet pedagogy could aid my practice best. Obviously this is a huge subject, with many different options for me to explore (such as my teaching techniques/focusing in on specific ballet techniques/student welfare etc.) So I have a focus to start me off...
Now the literature comes into play. Using the literature (and that could be found from many resources such as theatre, books, videos, articles, online, within your own practice, in day to day teaching) you can start to explore your currently broad subject area. As you explore, certain articles and areas may start to jump out at you and it is at this point that the search is starting to narrow down to a smaller question (and not one that is aiming to 'change the world').
As you search, start to compile a 'guest list'. Imagine you are planning a party, and question yourself this - who are the most important people who have to be there? Who absolutely have to be there or the party can not go ahead? These people should go top of the list. This is how you should look at the literature. Which is the most important to me? This is your starting point.
The point of the literature is to offer you a landscape/map. Explore the landscape from all angles until you start to find that one area that interests you most of all. And of course, don't forget to compile your guest list (bibliography) as you go! (*NOTE TO SELF!*)
I hope this has helped anyone who didn't make it to the Skype session. I'm looking forward to discussing the outcome of everyone's guest lists soon!
Your "Note to self" applies to me also. Reading your blog reminded me to make a note of everything I have read wether it be beneficial or not and I am ranking them in order of priority to then cut down my 'guest list' of who NEEDS to be there. I am also looking at literature on my phone in the spare few minutes I get in the day and forwarding the link to myself so I can then later make the log of them all, this could be a method that make work for others on the go.
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