Skype 27/02/18 - We're only human after all

After this evenings skype call, I have been left feeling slightly more relaxed. When conducting our inquiries, we need to remember and keep reminding ourselves that we are dealing with human beings that live through many emotions and changes of thought. That includes ourselves.

Just as there may be human elements that affect the participants in our interviews, such as, mood or weather or the days events. We as the researcher may also be effected, which in turn may effect how we ask the question, resulting possibly in different response from the participant.

Human elements, should be acknowledged within our analysis, not ignored. The point of analysis is to draw some understanding from our data. Part of that understanding is how we got the data in the first place and why that data may have been produced.

Using triangulation in research

As I was reading through some literature, I thought it may be beneficial to bring together my experiences that relate to themes within the literature. I then remembered about using triangulation in our inquiry to get a well rounded analysis. By laying the page out like this I can see where I am lacking in each aspect of the triangle. This will also help me compare and contrast my findings.

I would be grateful to anyone who has any ideas on this??

Literature Review

On page 18 of Reader 7, it recommends to read Blaxter, Hughes and Tight's 'How to Research' (2001). Below are two screenshots I found useful:

Reader 7 - Literature Review and Action Planning

Out of the 3 handbooks, I have found this the most engaging and understandable. Perhaps it is all the work we have done previously, that has laid the foundations for this final stage in our BAPP journeys, that has helped.

To help my self and my fellow BAPP er's on their journey, I have picked out key points that have helped me get started.

Module Three Handbook 2017-2018 p.12

Having the different stages laid out in this way has brought clarity to what is required throughout and by the end of this module.

At first, Stage 5 seems quite daunting but the handbook breaks it down further to display everything that needs to be included:

Critical Review

Title Page

Introduction - 500 words

Evaluation of the Inquiry Process  - 2500 words

Analysis of the Findings - 2500 words

Critical Reflection - 500 words

Biography and Appendices

Professional Artefact

Dvd

Poster

Powerpoint

Website

Audio

YouTube video

Oral Presentation

10mins +10min Q&A

Literature Review

website * books * audio-visual * reserchers * policy-makers * practioners

Purpose of review (Hart 1998)

• distinguish what has been done from what needs to be done
• discovering important variables
• gaining a new perspective
• identifying ideas through relationships, establishing context

A review may become an important element in analysing your findings. Findings may agree or oppose current debates.

Relevant questions to refer to-

Who is the author/publisher of the text?

When was the text written?

Who is the intended audience?

What is the authors' intention?

Planning Strategies

Reader 7 recommends this site: 

https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsactionplanning.htm 

The site gives clear explanations and examples of how to prepare for your research.

The following image explains each aspect of planning clearly. Once on the website you can click each section to see a more detailed explanation.

As requested on the Module Three Feedback Form here is my attempt at a GANT chart.

First skype session - 20.02.18

We are not trying to reinvent the wheel, we are contributing to it.

Literature reviews - opposing opinions are just as important as supporting opinions
                               
The answers are sometimes right in front of you


When compiling literature, think of yourself as the host of a party and the different pieces of literature are the guests. You wouldn't just invite male guests, so don't just use academic articles. Not everyone at the party has to be friends, but they share something in common. With your literature, they live under the same umbrella but do not necessarily compliment each other. Choose who your VIP guests are and who is there to make up the numbers in support.

Pilot survey

Here is my pilot survey for my inquiry, which looks in 'What makes a good teacher?'. This is my first attempt at my survey, I would really appreciate it if as part of my BAPP SIG would test it out for me. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, particularly focusing on the order of my questions and the content of them. Also, if anybody has any suggestions of relevant questions that are sparked from this survey.

Thank you in advance :)

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/M55TSBY

Creating my survey/ questionnaire

As I sat down to start producing my trail questionnaire, part of my SIG - fairy godmother Lauren Harper - sent me a useful link on how to successfully create an expert survey. Below is a screenshot of one page, showing how important it is to know what you are trying to achieve from each question. 

Relevant questions provide relevant results.

Here is the link (courtesy of Lauren), I hope it helps others as well.

https://cdn.smassets.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/survey-planning-eguide.pdf?ut_source=content&ut_source2=content_blog_rr_downloadguide&utm_source=content&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=content_blog_rr_downloadguide