I'm in the middle of writing up my analysis. It's a tough task. I've literally got four windows open on my desktop, the analysis, literature reviews, my blog and my data notes. It's seems to be a task knowing where I'm at. However, as I near the end of writing it, apart from being ridiculously over the word count (as always), it's fascinating to sit back a read through my analysis. It's like a massive puzzle of pieces within my inquiry that I have pieced together, to make clearer or better sense of my practice. The 'geek' in me seems to have been ignited and I find satisfaction in seeing all my work within data collection and literature reviews on one page. The task of reading it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to know I have collected something worth analysing and that I am able to communicate it to the rest of the world.
My interviews and focus groups have served my inquiry well and the ideas I have been able to extract from them will be of great value to my learning. However, there was an initial struggle with where to place my observations. Where did they fit in in my analysis? I then read through the notes and discovered that again, like my discussions, they were not direct answers to questions. What observations have done, is provide a unique and valuable opportunity to see how things are done by others within my practice. Acting as more of a support to my interviews and focus groups, the notion of looking inside my inquiry to see the work of others, has given me a great insight, thus resulting in my practice improving and being stimulated.
Next step is to take a step back and have a break. Then I can come back to evaluating my inquiry with fresh eyes.
Hi Ahmet,
ReplyDeleteFirstly congrats on nearing the end of your analysis, it truly is a mammoth task not only collecting to quotes of data you wish to include, but the interpretation of it too!
Secondly I found it very interesting reading your view on including your observations. This is a section I am nervous about interpreting as it is already my own view and, well, observation on my inquiry. Have you quoted yourself to support your findings? What angle did you insert this information with relevance to your literature and other gathered data?
Hi Simone.
DeleteThanks for the comment. It is a mamouth task and in away it's hard to put a lid on it. I ready have noticed a way I could improve its structure. I kept the observations as a seperate analysis. But actually the finding in them all point towards something I'm saying in the analysis of the discussions. So it makes sense, just like my literature reviews, to highlight what happened in observation as a way to support my analysis. Thus gives it a sense of oneness I'm looking for.
I began by giving a taster of the finding, the stating what was said, followed by any comparisons, arguments or supporting comments. Then I compared it to what my literature was telling me, then further support came from observations. Then finally bringing it back to my practice and concluding.
Very much looking forward to hearing how yours pans out. Such an interesting inquiry you've got there. Like me, it will guide your steps for future practice.
Ahmet
Hi Ahmet,
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Well done you! I am no where near ( as usual) to writing anything up within a single piece of writing. I commend you - You always push yourself hard to complete everything on time and it appears to work for you!
I find it interesting to read about how you are going to use your observations - am I correct in thinking that alike a piece of literature which "backs up" your findings, that the evidence is visual as opposed to written? It is your job to write down in a non-biased way what you noticed within the class and how the teacher responded to tasks that touch on your "product" and "process" theory?
I always find it fascinating when learning from others. I remember vividly standing in the wings and watching my peers, learning the best part of my trade from experienced performers. I loved it. There is never a day that we do not learn something from someone else. It's great that you are able to transfer this knowledge and understanding back into your own professional practice. What a wonderful warm-up for your PGCE this has been!
I look forward to reading more...
Best Wishes,
Jo
Hi Jo.
DeleteLearning from others is something that has underpinned my practice for many years. Even by how it shouldn't be done. I've taken a break from it now and having reflected. I would like to change the structure of my analysis. As discussed sometimes its good to step away, so that you are not driving from the thick of it, but see your inquiry for what it really is.
As you've pointed out, the observations have been a great great tool for giving me first hand data on the process product argument.
Thanks
Ahmet
Wow Ahmet - you are well ahead of the game...well done! It sounds as though you have a very methodical approach which is great for this time of writing I think. As you say, it's like a puzzle.
ReplyDeleteI had one thought about how you might want to use your observation findings....are there any instances where what you've observed is at odds with what people have said in focus groups etc.? I had an interesting moment the other day when I discovered several cast members views about their producer, which were very much at odds with the producer's comments! I don't think it's necessarily that people lie (although this is always a possibility!) but that sometimes our perceptions of ourselves, or our work, are a bit distorted. For example, a teacher might tell you something about their working methods, but you observe behaviour in their students which tells you they might be mistaken.
I think the best research always contains a balance and perhaps a little conflict, showing both sides of the argument. Perhaps things you have observed in your day to day working life can help provide this?
Hope this makes some sort of sense! I'd love to know your thoughts...when analysing your data, have you had a clear 'answer' to your inquiry question?
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea. Something I touched upon in module two actually. I think you are absolutely right. What a practitioner says and actually does is two very different things. So witness we can surprise our selfs with what we think we are and what we actually are. Great idea. It's now come clear that there is a place as looking at my observation analysis with fresh eyes has enabled me to see that the observations point to what I'm saying on the discussions too. Acting as support or arguements. Yet again, the puzzle continues.
Thanks
Ahmet
Hi Ahmet,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that I have not been commenting recently! I have been reading but I just find it so hard to balance it all, blogging, work, uni work, commenting etc.. just a nightmare!
How is your Inquiry going? I'd love to hear where you are at.
It is interesting what you say about your observations. I decided not to use observations but I really wanted to as I felt it would be so interesting to watch how others in my field teach. You say they don't give you a specific answer but support your Inquiry? I've really found this with the literature, it provides a support and comparison to our own data. It is so amazing to see how our findings link with other professionals!
I would really like to chat some more about your Inquiry, if you get a chance? I know you must be bogged down with work right now. I am also.. over the word count. I am half way through my analysis at the moment. Have you had any ideas about your artefact yet?
Have a nice holiday!
Rebecca xx
Thanks Rebecca,
DeleteI'm still finalising my artefact idea. I want to create something that will seal over any knowledge gaps I have in my practice I think...
I will check out your blog and see how you're doing?
Ahmet