My understanding of research at this point in time

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 At this point in my studies, in module two, I am still searching for what I believe will be the most appropriate methodology and frameworks for my inquiry.  I have so many thoughts and questions in my mind but I have set myself a goal to pin them down so that I can keep moving forward.  I do find it difficult to be patient at this point as I want the proposal to be in a clearer place right now but I know that this part of the process and all the reading is so necessary to bring me to that place. I think that part of the problem is ensuring that my methodology and research methods will open the doors to the wonders of my proposal and provide me with an opportunity to continue the development of my practice.

Understanding the ethical considerations and ethical procedures of my research is of course one of the main areas to include.  I understand the importance of ethical procedures, from my teaching practices in both the UK and US, the safe guarding of performers and participants in different situations and circumstances is vital and provides an imperative safety net and measures to adhere to.  However, I believe that ethical considerations are a more personal direction to how and what you consider in every circumstance.  It is up to the individual to have their own rules so that you have considered and will consider what you feel is an essential level of personal guidance for yourself  and those included around you or in that same situation.  During the module two discussion on Wednesday, Helen asked us if we had experienced any situation that prompted us to consider the ethics. I talked about how I consider the students taking class on Zoom and that my aim is to include and give them as much attention as I give to the students taking class in the studio.  Some students come in to the studio on rotation so can take away the experience of dancing in the studio but others have chosen to take class only on Zoom, so its more difficult for them to feel, embrace and remember the experience.   Having taken classes myself on Zoom, I can really appreciate the importance of this inclusion, to feel the social inclusion and community of being a part of a group class and not being in a private lesson. The ethical considerations are a way to connect deeper to our thoughts about a subject or situation and the areas that they take us to.   

Yesterday's tutorial with senior lecturer, Peter Thomas, was really helpful and full of  interesting and thought provoking information.  It was also for me, quite a soothing discussion as I didn't feel that I was out in space on my own.  He advised us and suggested methods on how to help break reading text down and gain a better understanding of  how to interpret it.  I was very pleased when Peter said that one of his methods is to read and then write down what he understands of the text, I have been using this approach and have found it most helpful, I am filling up my note pads quickly!

The language of research is very new to me and it has been a challenge to learn so many new words.  I really want to try and use them and I have surprised my husband once or twice with throwing in some of my new vocabulary into a conversation and it was satisfying for me to see him somewhat impressed.  I still have a way to go and the dictionary is always open, I have looked up the same words over and over again and I will continue to do so until I feel more at ease with their meanings and how to use them in the correct context.  

I have found that charts to compare the methods and strategies have helped me to become more familiar with what I need to understand to start the process of producing my inquiry proposal.  One of them is below that I felt was a straightforward summary and helped me to understand the directions of research, (Apologies for the blurred image):  


https://tophat.com/marketplace/social-science/education/course-notes/oer-positivist-and-non-positivist-paradigm-of-research-dr-rafeedalie/1192/

 I also found helpful Chris Flipp videos on YouTube about the different methodologies and methods that are used in research:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Chris+Flipp&docid=608043382271051926&mid=97317E75E367FC3F695E97317E75E367FC3F695E&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Chris+Flipp&docid=608023990527462653&mid=FE2E0DFB448F14938FB0FE2E0DFB448F14938FB0&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

I would really like to know where everyone else is with their inquiry proposal at the moment in module two and if any module three's have any helpful tips for this stage of the process. Happy researching everyone!

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