TASK 6a: My Pilot Interview & Focus Group

Acting as like a follow up to the observation. I really like the idea of doing a post observation interview or focus group discussion. I am instantly drawn to the tools of interview and focus groups, I've learnt that research rarely goes to plan (Fox et al, 2007) and the flexibility of the interview and focus group does lend itself to the idea of allowing the data I'm collecting to breath independently. Allowing the conversation to flourish and grow, will give opportunity to make room for ideas I didn't expect to emerge and not preempt the findings. I am aware that focus groups can be limiting, in that people could be subject to answer/comment differently in the presence of others. But I believe it could also be a beneficial factor to the growth and energy of the conversation. I decided to design the interview and focus points with the same discussion point. My thinking here was that it would be interesting to compare what arises in the interview and the group discussion in terms of group dynamic. I think recording the conversation and then extracting the data I need with reflection would be my way of analysing this data.  I have decided to pilot this on a fellow BAPP student. Anyone interested in being my dummy?...

Intro

Who am I?

I am a student at Middlesex University, studying on the BAPP programme.

What’s my research?

I wish to inquire about the transitional journey from actor or performer to teacher. Exploring the change in approach and concept to the practitioner's practice, the steps that need to be taken to get there and the transferable skills a practitioner already has. The questions and research will guide my steps as I make changes from actor to teacher and act as preparation for teacher training. The inquiry will not only inform myself along this transitional journey, but will become a useful guide to future practitioners wishing to learn about becoming a teacher, both on the BAPP programme and beyond.

Ethics:

Any information is confidential. Please state if you prefer to remain anonymous. Please note that all questions are asked from a neutral and from anon-bias position.

Pilot Interview and Focus Group

Discussion Topic: The practitioner as teacher.

The following questions are themed around the idea of practitioners of drama, dance or the arts that also use their knowledge in an educational environment.

Is there a connection between being a practitioner and a teacher and are the skills transferable? 

Have you had any experiences that support your opinions?

Experienced practitioners are more respected as Tutors. Is this statement true or false?

How do you feel about this statement?

What's the difference between your art as a product and as a process? Is this idea linked to teaching?

Should people who teach and perform separate their practice or see it as one whole?

Does there have to be a change in the concept of ones work/art when teaching? 

Why do people decide to teach what they know?

Do performers teach because they want to share a passion for their subject or is it just the next best thing?

Are teachers failed artist or 'has beens' and why?

Is there anything else you would like to add to conclude this topic?

Discussion Topic: The teacher/practitioner in training.

The next section of the discussion is based on the idea of training to be a qualified teacher.

If you were to employ a teacher, one candidate has a degree and the other has over 10 years practitioner experience, which of the two would be more appealing to you and why? 

Some practitioners have a degree. Are they more knowledgeable? How would you argue this?

Does QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) make you a better teacher and why?

Is there anything else you would like to add to conclude this topic?

Discussion Topic: The teaching environment.

The final part of the discussion is based on the educational environment.

What are the main differences in teaching an arts subject and teaching an academic subject? 

Instructor, Tutor, or Teacher. What do you call yourself and what is the difference between them?

What do secondary students want from drama? Is this different from professional students?

What's the difference between Drama and the Theatre Arts as a subject? Do you think both are useful in an educational environment?

Is there anything else you would like to add to conclude this topic?