Hi all!
Well, I am 5 days into Module 3 - the research has begun! After spending September getting caught up and ready to begin this final chapter of my Masters, I am now experiencing many mixed emotions.
I feel anxious, nervous, excited, not ready, ready, unprepared, prepared… and so on….
Within the days leading up to the start of this term, I decided to sit down and revisit my research proposal from last module. As I read through my proposal and reflected on my original idea for inquiry I realized that my mind is in a much clearer place now then it was a few months ago. Almost as though having distance and time away from this inquiry created a space for me to realigned my thoughts and intentions. Taking this new found clarity, I re-articulated the key elements of my research proposal - highlighting the main concepts/ideas that I would like to focus on. As I wrote I discovered that my area of inquiry can be categorized into 3 key areas:
1. The relationship between Ballet and Modern technique -
- What is it? What could it be? What elements within them are supportive (similar) and what are opposing (different)? Do adolescent students (12-17yrs old) have the ability to understand this relationship? (more about this below) and… Can the teachers understand, articulate and encourage the supportive elements of this relationship?
2. How do the Limon principles (concepts) apply to Ballet and Modern technique? How does these fit into, influence, affect the relationship between Ballet and Modern in both teaching technique (teachers) and dancing technique (students)? These principles include: Fall and Recovery, Opposition, Suspension, Initiation, Isolation, the Center (Core), Succession, Weight and Rhythm.
3. The study of Adolescent development - how the physical, mental and emotional development of adolescents affects their training. How dancers experience these changes in their training and if or how they are recognized and supported by the teacher.
By simplifying my inquiry, I feel I am more confident about beginning my research and data collection. I have created a framework for what I am looking for. However, all of this said… my struggle is trying to stay unbiased! I continually remind myself that I need to open to whatever the data presents. This will be something that I know I will have to remind myself about over and over throughout this process.
This week I began observing my selected group of participants in Ballet and Modern technique classes. I have chosen to use a particular group of students within my studio who are between the ages of 12-17 years old (at the start of research) as well as 4 teachers from my studio (3 ballet, 1 modern). This group of dancers train 3-5 days a week, taking 3 ballet classes, 2 modern classes and choreography. They have a different ballet teacher for each class, two of which are focusing on ISTD Intermediate syllabus and one who is working on the RAD Intermediate syllabus. As well they have 2 different Modern teachers - one who is teaching a variety of modern and contemporary movement styles and myself who is teaching them Limon technique.
Anyway… Spending a few nights this week focused on observing these students and teachers has already got my brain going! Getting into the studio with my notebook in hand, being able to observe and not teach - noticing so many fascinating things - I am beginning to get really excited about this journey that lies ahead! I spent hours today colour coordinating my notes, so that when the data analysis begins I can easily categorize my findings. This process of re-writing my notes also gave me time to reflect on what I witnessed in class. I plan to make this a weekly tradition so that my very full and busy brain retains this data (along with my many pages of notes). Next week after all of my participants forms are signed, I will begin recording classes as well as conduct my first interview with my participants. I have only planned on having 2 interviews with my students and 2 with the teachers - however after this week of observations, I wish I could interview them weekly!!!!! I have toooooo many thoughts and questions!!!!
I am looking forward to this weekends Skype - getting back in touch with all the other MAPPers, hearing where people are at and what we have to look forward to.
Quick question for everyone - I am curious, do most people plan on completing Module 3 in January - or do you wish to defer it until the spring in order to have more time to research, review data and compile your these? I am wrestling with this. (Even though I know I am not supposed to stress about it, I am!)
Good luck everyone!!!
Ainsley
Hello Ainsley.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog, much appreciated:) I can see we are thinking some of the same thoughts.
It was also great to read through all your reflections about the observations in classes. I haven't started my observations yet as we in Norway have half term this week. I have been walking around like a zombie, just waiting for monday;) I am also changing between being ready and not being ready... It is a tiering feeling;)
It is very interesting to read your blogpost- as we are kind of researching the same theme (adolescence and dance...).
I think I will aim for completing this by January, and cross my fingers that I make it. If you are completing it, will you go to the University for your presentation?
Maria:)
Thanks for your response Maria!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your research on exactly?
Yes, I plan to go to London to present my research in person. But whether that is Jan or May, I'm not sure yet!!