ARP

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Link to my Summary-ARPDownload

The Action Research of:
Getting to know some of my students a lot better through a focus group.
Supporting on the Business Design Management year’s 2 and 3 at LCC Spending time with students working on great briefs. I got to understand that as well as being a busy students, distractions and outside challenges can impact on the journey of completing assignments, projects and collaborative working. In this research, I created an optional space of a practical fun focus group where students could attend, to share, reflect and take away influential strategies and practices formed by myself and their peers to enhance abilities. The objective is to leave empowered having extra knowledge and confidence with the ability to make better decisions with an intervention they can add to their studies and life experiences as they grow, if they wish. This angle of focus looks at the psychological ability and determination to concentrate.

Positionality Statement

Why I chose this method of a focus group because engage with the literature

References

references-1Download

Project Findings

I have learn an ethical way on conducting research along with methods to use and how to run a focus group.

According to the World Health Orginisation Wellbeing is being in a good state of total physical, mental and social well-being a student who is well will be happily demonstrating all three of the categories.

Individuals may attribute wellbeing to good quality of life being healthy and wealthy, what we have acquired and what we have achieved.

This list below from Farheen Gani (2017) encourages strategies for learning new skills. We are never to old to learn and as there is nothing new under the sun, so we can always learn from others and continue to grow. I love being around people that know more than me. The point of No. 5 learning from someone with more experience is something I believe in. These are some pointers I will be definitely sharing with my students.

  1. Set clear goals
  2. Adopt a growth mindset
  3. Use active learning strategies
  4. Use different learning mediums
  5. Learn from someone with more experience
  6. Practice
  7. Take frequent breaks

The NHS have 5 steps to mental wellbeing
1. Connect with other people
2. Be physically active
3. Learn new skills
4. Give to others
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

There are some similarities with the list but I believe if we practice these things we should have an increased percentage of a positive life.

A topic about how work loads and study times effect students.
In the document of Studies in Higher education, students were asked to keep a study diary for some time to capture data on study time and work loads. They were asked questions to describe scenarios about things they were doing. Students were asked to keep a study diary for a week to capture data on study time and work loads. They used a Likert scale to capture findings on motivations towards learning and perceptions of workloads. Looking at the quantity of work that was completed by the students and how they approached activities.
The findings ‘It seems that, on average, mechanical engineering students in Hong Kong work significantly longer hours than students in Europe’.
Kember, D. NG, Sandra, Harrison TSE, Eric T.T. Wong & Mike Pomfret (1996)

I absolutely loved this website creativity of and layouts defiantly one to refer to in the future for learning and delivering Gonzalez, J. (2018)

Exactly what it says in the title “You MUST Share with Students“

Students need reminders and self help starters, sometimes as simple as it may seem we all need a point in the right direction.

• Meal preps / Sufficient food
• Timers for allocated time intervals
• Taking walks & breaks
• Procrastination tips
• Effective planner
• Good light in the room
• Physical activity

Percentage of people by age struggling with focus

The idea behind Focus Groups was developed by, Paul Lazarsfeld a director of the Bureau of Applied Social Research, along with his colleague and sociologist Robert K. Merton.

Free Listing Method
Free listing is a simple but powerful qualitative strategy to explore specific subject matter. Participants are asked to list down all the items they can think of concerning a given topic. Principe, L. (2022). 

Ranking Method
In this activity, focus group participants are asked to put a list of items in order according to a specified dimension. This exercise is typically used when a researcher is interested in establishing priority among elements or identifying which items are most and least preferred by your target audience. Principe, L. (2022). 

Labeling Method
Labeling is used to answer the question: “What words come to your mind when you think about…?” In focus groups, a label is a word or description stated by participants that correspond to the topic under discussion. Principe, L. (2022). 

Rating Method
This exercise consists of participants indicating their levels of agreement, frequency, or satisfaction towards individual items. In some cases, the rating process itself can be a source of conversation amongst respondents. Principe, L. (2022). 

The golden rule in moderating is that the more comfortable someone is, the more likely they will be honest and engaged in the discussion. Principe, L. (2022). 

Companies are paid millions to keep us distracted.

Illing, S. (2016) Sullivan, A. Mentions from the blog “There’s a war for your attention. And you’re probably losing it states “our attention is nowhere and everywhere at once. Ads, smartphones, apps, social media, the internet —we’re captive to an endless parade of distractions”. He also stated “We’re always being stalked by advertisers and product peddlers, always being sold something by someone, whether we know it or not”.

I was introduced to a focus expert and later had an amazing Teams video discussion, with Nina Maklin, Associate Lecture at LCC, sharing some interesting information on the topic focus, Nina looks at it from a point of view, from stress and burnout recovery. She also mentioned we need to analyse conditions we need to allow creativity. “We should be listening to our bodies” In brain memory research has found, the structure of our brain over the years have never changed. After meeting with Nina. I said I would defiantly let her know how I got on and be sure to cite and quote her,
“We have learnt to distract ourselves and picked up bad habits” Maklin, N. (2023

Because we have learnt to distract ourselves, it’s a good idea to reign ourselves back in with meditation and mindfulness. It’s good way to bring us back into focus and alignment.

Understanding the importance to citing people. After an in class session, reading a document about the importance of citing people. Kwon, D. (2002)

Citations 4_Kwon 2002Download

Deductive coding = Begin with a set of pre established codes
Inductive coding = Create sets of codes based on the data

Reactive to research I had to make this work, the original amount of students that was supposed to turn up didn’t only one. It was the last week of term, Christmas was the following week and I was desperate to conclude this focus group as the deadline was approaching. it was all planned and the room was booked. Its a good thing I had additional copies of all of the forms available consent, EE etc. I looked for students I could run this focus group with. I saw some students sitting around a table, talked with them and told them what I needed to do. I gave them all the forms got the consent and They were more than happy to join me and we got started. That was a close one

Contribution ideas to resource from students:

The cycle of Flow, Steven Kotler explains that we go through 4 stages in order to get into flow (performing at your best)

Stage 1– STRUGGLE. Stage 2– RELAXATION / RELEASE Stage 3– FLOW Stage 4– CONSOLIDATION/ RECOVER

Pomodoro Technique is used widely by students to maintain focus while studying. As students are known for their habit of procrastination, the technique can train the discipline and help stay on top of studies. The Pomodoro technique makes you pick a focus point for each session by setting a goal and working solely on that. This focus helps driving tasks through to completion. https://luxafor.co.uk/pomodoro-technique-time-management-life-hack/

I’ve got stuck into the book that my tutor recommended and decided to get an extra one because the title looked so interesting.

Malkin, N (2024) Amazing Teams meeting, with Focus expert.

Marshmallow test Delayed gratification Lindsey J mentioned this in the tutorial

Found a great website with Attention and Concentration strategies for my students. https://canadacollege.edu/disabilityresourcecenter/attention.php.
Suggestions like:
Creating a Study Environment
When to Study
How to Study & Concentrate
This will accompany the printed pdf intervention

Draft Presentation Ideas

Draft presentation mid way for tutorials.

Draft-PresentationDownload

Another draft Presentation

Another draft -Presentation-5Download

Final Presentation

Final-Presentation-6Download
Link to my Summary-ARP-1Download

Resources booklet front cover

Draft Resource bookletDownload
Booklet-coverDownload
A-page-from-the final resourceDownload
x 2 A3 poster ideaDownload

Participant-facing documents

Focus-ARP_Information-Sheet-from-ethics-Tonias-projectDownload
ARP_ParticipantConsentFormDownload

Ethics

TV-Ethical-Enquiry-Form-2023final-Copy-Jan-2024-CopyDownload

TV-Ethical-Enquiry-Form-20232nd-draftDownload

TV-Ethical-Enquiry-Form-2023finalDownload

The feedback from my tutor, is that my research question was too long. I reduced the question to make it simpler. Also learning styles wouldn’t be a strong topic to include as some companies see it as an opportunity to make money

Research Methods

Idea question from my First draft EE form

 

Focus GroupFocus group
Place card selection activity

Loaded annotated data into memo.txt

Also allowed the students to submit their own themes and data

Action Plan

To try something fun and different, I used Composite Characters to hide Identities of the students..
Names like The procrastinator, The Sleeper and nature lover were though of.

Cycle
Planning and cutting for Focus group
  • Work in progress
  • Ethics form – DONE
  • Draft activity plan/brief – DONE
  • Get feedback – DONE
  • Refine activity Print and prepare bits for focus group – DONE
  • Double check with students, they are still happy to attended- DONE
  • Prepare observation templates – DONE
  • Run activity and capture data
  • Reflect on session
  • Collate feedback
  • Presentation slides arrangement
  • Show tutor presentation layout midway – DONE –
  • Show tutor presentation again a week before deadline -AWAITING 3rd Feedback update
  • Prepare for the presentation – ON GOING
  • Create the intervention START JANUARY 24
  • Print a few copies A WEEK BEFORE PRESENTATION
  • Communicate with a peer before deadline, test presentation.

Reflections

I achieved my aim by getting to know my students better, my reflection I believe it worked well, it was fun and engaging, everyone who started took part and stayed to the end. This project was of interest to me because, I can relate to this topic as I share personal experiences on facing how to focus and avoid distractions in the last year I managed to identify a weakness of sometime a lack of focus and have used the positive as an advantage. This has been my mobile phone. Focus is an important factor in study life and sits under psychology and mental health so this is a continuous learning situation even after studies and into future work life providing personal development. Continuous improvement is important so its important that the students get it right or learn to manage this area in their life as soon as possible to be productive. Its a wider interest as “Companies are paid millions to keep us distracted“. J, Lindsay (2023)

If I didn’t have a deadline I would have consulted with the students again for appropriate time that wasn’t before the end of term (Christmas) and agree something suitable for
the majority

If I were to do this again, there would be a few other questions I would loved to ask. Topics like the difference between studying abroad if they are international students. Asking them if they had any questions for me, on how I approach the Focus topic. When they have gone away and used the intervention to meet with them in 3 months time to practice some of the suggestions and methods. It would be good to have additional feed back after 6 months to see how the improvements worked out. Asking if they were to over come the battles challenges they were facing. Did they use the intervention and strategies. Have they improved personally at all.

All students were happy with the reflection and contributed
ideas for the intervention, Received insights to apply better study and life balance. A non judge mental environment

Problems, Had some miscommunication with the person who was supposed to support me by observing and taking notes, with all the preparation and organization, I forgot to book her in although we discussed this weeks before I forgot to confirm. I had to do this myself. I should have added this to my plan and tick list

Professional Development Some of what the students suggested I took to my own personal practice.

I would encourage buddying of peers

Timing is always important when approaching student for research, surveys and focus groups. Don’t attempt before Christmas, after the new year and leading up to important deadlines and hand in dates. I would consider the Spring and Summer seasons as general people seem more cheerful and happier around these times, so it would be strategic to approach students at this times. I am also aware that research incentives increase participation.

This was the first time I voice/recorded and saved to transcribe.

Make lists, Our brain loves ordered tasks Zeigarnik, B (1920)

Rationale

Who else has written (published) about this and could you include a few quotes here to augment your own thinking? Delete

100% of the students who took part, said they would welcome an intervention as they would consider they have nothing to lose using it.

My method I chose was to do a focus group. Which would have always been my preference of delivery. I asked 9 random if they would prefer to undertake surveys, questionnaires, or take part in a focus group. Majority of them said a focus group. As they feel there would have more of a voice an impact and they dynamics of engagement. Sometimes students may find surveys as a negative experience, my reasoning and answers from others. Too many questions, questions sound the same and unclear. There may be no benefit to take a survey unless there’s an incentive or a change that will benefit the partakers immediately. Also, some people don’t have that extra time on their hands to fill them in.

Originally I was going to use my Artifact for my ARP and realised, this idea would work for beginner students and wouldn’t fit to the current 2nd and 3rd years students as they were already on there way and possibly confident on their study journey. So after brain storming I thought of ideas after students conversation to get to know them and support them. With something that would improve and compliment the rest of their journey.

To solve a problem

Extra bits along the way.

Blog Tutorial – online session A great thinking session

Limber Up an exercise to start you off writing, making a creative list to inspire and generate ideas. To inspire my work. Getting words down on a page to do some free writing. Ideas: looking at colours around the room or listing family members.
This worked well Looking at my project how I think about documents and observations

Mnemonics tool: A pattern of letters that help in Memory making.
Using my name TONIA, to generate ideas using the letters of my first name or surname relating to my project.

  • T Teaching – teaching in the creative field within my practice
  • O Ordering – I’ve been ordering books from Amazon relating to the topic
  • N News – taking in some relatable topics from news programs
  • I Insightful – enjoying the ARP and learning
  • A Aspiration – to keep growing and learning

Positive feedback for me to take away from Rachael below
“I’ve used the mnemonics to reflect on my experience on the ARP each word is speaking to a different aspect of how I’ve engaged with the unit. Word of reflections to think about and how they relate”. M, Rachael 2023

These words helped me reveal feelings and emotions. Note to self, could I take this further with literature, theory and definitions?

Remember a pattern of letters for memory making a word generation exercise using letters add more from little shades book here

Ethical Approvals & Assessment Notes:

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I am responsible….to protect the rights, safety, dignity and wellbeing of research participants (Google 2023) 11 Jan 2023

Me, processing and noting key points from recordings in Moodle
“Action doing a thing and seeing what happens observing and doc what happens and plan what im going to do what to do next seeing what happens, reflecting”
Jordan, L (June 2023) ARP briefing recording

Tasks

Arranging Documents

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Note to self:
Themes catogries, case examples, multipul methods to collect data, to get comparasions. Interviews, visits, observations questionnairs, surveys.
Questions to ask when doing observations.
Consider patterns changes not precise or accurate. Could even use a contribution to what I am investigating.

Race

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Captured on my phone. Wondering what this ment

Race Blog Shades of Noir (SoN) website

The Shades of Noir (SoN) website is a great tool exploring social justice in education and identity. It’s an amazing programme that provides safe spaces and offers critical discussions plus opportunities. Exploring reflections of life with a growing community focusing on Equality and Diversity.  

I could share the information as an additional support link to all students. By sharing this resource, the students could explore the service and concepts they have available. With insightful journals and work from students sharing their experiences there will defiantly be great substance and valuable insights to learn from. Introducing some of the previous TW students to share and join a workshop on the course to support, share and highlight positive outcomes their journey.

It would be good to present a number of small mockup scenarios for the students to read in small groups and discuss the appropriate way or the best methods to deal with the situations on helping a diverse group. I am also aware that the Shades of Noir team have supported and represent many ethnicities. This organisation provides a lot of support to students through Pedagogies of social justice through representation and Cultural currency plus more.

If it wasn’t for TW I would defiantly not be on this PgCert course today. It’s sad that my group will be the last one. I just made it in. In this world, not everything will be perfect, but there is a saying 2 heads are better than one. One person’s strength can be the other person weakness and vice-versa. Partnerships and communities working together build strength and unity.

‘A pedagogy of social justice education: social identity, theory and intersectionality’

I agree with Tapper Hahn, it’s a good foundation and starting point to have a level playing field regarding starting practices and models with integrated social justice education with elements of reducing conflicts between groups it will be a negative start to any situation.  

The more I read this, article about social justice in education resolving conflict between groups in theory and practice, the more I am able to recognises the same instances, familiarities of behaviors plus breakdown of communication and separations of partnerships within work places, and institutions I’ve been a part of and seen operate.

I have even witnessed some scenarios where organisations and communities have worked with one another for a number of years and eventually it’s evident that a race war was involved. A dear friend of mine shared a situation that occurred a number of years ago, luckily a community that represented her many years ago, she spoke very highly of them. She sang their praises and spoke about the amazing support and work the community had done in representing her. It turned out she was bullied because of her race, a lot of clear unfair situations and eventually the person offending was exposed, questioned and was guilty of negative actions. This was a very uncomfortable on-going conflict. Eventually people who stood for fairness was able to support and it was resolved well.

When things don’t work out what are the main reasons.
My reflections

  • 2 Strong leaders or communities either side
  • Bad intentions or negative exposures
  • Unconscious Bias
  • Racism
  • Feminism
  • Out growing the space
  • Other opportunities have presented itself
  • It was just time to call it a day
  • Strong opinions
  • Directional change
  • Social Justice issues

A strong-minded person

“On the contrary, the more radical the person is, the more fully he or she enters into reality so that, knowing it better, he or she can better transform it. This individual is not afraid to confront, to listen, to see the world unveiled’ Freire, P. (1998).

A Pedagogy of Social Justice Education states “dis- cord between groups will inevitably
continue despite practitioners’ best efforts.” Freire, P. (1998) Tapper, H (2013) 


Looking at some of the reason of the breakdown of partnerships, I could use this resource going forward to encourage students to look at the examples of the importance of collaboration, partnerships and fairness. Some projects require support from peers. Also in the future life of the students they are going to need to learn how to work in teams and share resources and equipment even desk spaces.

It’s good to start off on neutral grounds not thinking that no one is better than the other. No matter how educated we are, everyone has a weakness or undisclosed disability no one is 100% perfect. The resource also mentioned “It is impossible to think of education without thinking of power.

I’m doing the PgCert to add to my teaching experiences to grow and learn from like-minded people and to improve my academic practises.

(Freire 2006) mentioned “A teacher needs to create experiences with, and not for, students, integrating their experiences and voices into the edu- cational experience itself”  

I desire to be the teacher that wants the students to learn from me and I am happy to learn from the students. That’s how we grow. I am glad I am a person who desires the best for everyone. I believe in treating everyone fairly and with respect. My upbringing was from a stable and un racist home. 

“Teachers and facilitators are understood to be guiding, rather than leading, students through this process, assisting in steering the experience while not actually piloting it in a top-down, dictatorial manner, always using and reinforcing academic methods of critical thinking along the way”. (Freire 2006)

With Freire using methods to move his students towards freedom creating a model of an educational structure where the teacher and students constantly reflect critically. It demonstrates a balance in. I am aware that evidently there has to be a balance between the teacher and student levels. But the approach and delivery is important to allow the student to feel comfortable and approachable within in the environment and to get the best out of them. To be confident and happy at the same time.

“Witness Unconscious Bias” video.

“If an unconscious bias is really unconscious What else do we have to do and say and write and talk about and present on for intelligent people who are educating the next generation of young people and not so young people and Spear heading grounding research”. Josephine Kwhali (2018)

Looking at the content from both Kimberlé and Josephine Crenshaw, K (2018) she stated that “African American girls are 6 times more likely to be suspended than white girls, probably race and a gender problem” Josephine became conscious of racism from the age of 4. She was aware at that early age what is was. It’s a shame she had to experience that. At that age young people should be focusing on toys and play.

The big question.

Do we all need some more training? Maybe it should be a standard Continuing professional development (CPD) like the health & safety and first aid training at work. Staff training on inclusivity. Equality and diversity, focusing on areas of faith and ethnicity with content to support and inspire teachers. Although policies and procedures seem to be put in place to maintain a standard to protect and make people feel comfortable. I’ve been aware of ethnic and race circumstance where the whiteness still subtly digs in. To implement this information into my teaching we could look at percentages and situations within industries and institutions to do with race as a group.

We could look at figures like:

• How many black graduates get jobs

• How many people of colour gets attacked at work

• Percentage of Abused

What is CPD and why is it important?

“Continuing professional development (CPD) is defined as learning experiences which help you develop and improve your professional practice. This can include building on your strengths, as well as developing yourself where you have capability gaps”.

Why is CPD is necessary for professional teachers?

“It ensures teachers keep pace with the current standards of others working in education. It keeps their knowledge and skills current so they can deliver high-quality teaching and impact positively on pupil outcomes. It makes sure that they become more effective in the workplace.”


‘Retention and attainment in the disciplines: Art and Design’

I have learnt that there is an obstacle to achievement within Art and Design and wonder why the percentage of students leaving Art and Design with no award is so high. I always assumed the BAME community were automatically creative as I was aware of the stereo type while I was in school. It was always a thing the ethnic or cultural community were good with their hands or excellent at sports. Could it be that the lecturers were failing them and they weren’t getting all the support they needed? It could also be that while marking or assessing it’s not understood what is trying to be portrayed and there for not recognised as a constructive piece of work causing it to look like a failure. If students see themselves as experts, then they will probably be set in their ways.

This was my own personal reasoning then I later read that a White South African fine art student was steered away by from African inspiration and caused her to spiral into confusion If a student is also left to do project completely by themselves with little or no guidance, how would they know if they are on the right track.

I can relate to this, when I was studying my foundation course I don’t feel I has the amount of support I needed as I saw some of the other students get. I just continued hoping everything was ok and tried to understand and work towards it to the best of my ability. I am glad I am the opposite to those that are documented. I have the willingness to see students thrive with a nurturing and caring nature. Like its mentioned in the NUS (2011) report. I want to be a lecturer that is a positive role model, offering a range of perspectives that enhances learning.

I have also learnt that if you are not strong minded as a student and if you don’t believe in yourself you will be broken and manipulated down to seem less than what you actually are from lecturers that are not really supportive. Some lectures thrive on the fact that they are in charge and they have the power, displaying intimidating behaviours especially while critiquing and giving feedback.

“Art and Design educators need to be aware of the power they have in encouraging
or discouraging students to develop their own practice”
Richards, A. and Finnigan, T (2016)

With the terms of ref SON using some of the information based on race I would implement a questionnaire around black history month where there would be multiple choice questions and answers paper based around ethnicity the content is to create awareness on race and share knowledge to enlighten. Some of the answers will be talking points and it will spark great conversations for learning and development aspects.

Shirley Ann Tate was apart of the 1.7% of th UK professors by gender and bme, she has now left and gone to Canada. I wonder what the % is now?

SoN around Race

The Shades site has great content, with diverse information some of which I can relate to. The information will defiantly empower me and will be a great on a reading list resource for others to explore, to gain insight and knowledge from intersectional marginalised communities, exploring concepts of whiteness. While reading testimonies and personal experiences this will develop further understanding.

Prejudice defiantly affects a lot of people in some way shape or form and I think most of us will be able to identify a time when we have witnessed it or been a part of it. Thinking back to or relating to a time when we may have encountered this, I guess when you are from a specific race knowing that you are privileged and have never had to endure situation it could be possibly hard to relate to. Some people may tread carefully by not feeling comfortable talking about race as they don’t want to offended or possibly say the wrong things.  

“I haven’t really experienced prejudice I don’t know what it’s like to be a black female like you and you will know more about this stuff than me.” SA (2018)

Some scenarios are defiantly intentional and aggressive, I was listening to LBC radio
broad cast and they were talking about racism, within healthcare and the presenter mentioned. While he was in hospital with his mum a patient was adamant that he didn’t want to be looked after with a nurse with brown skin. The presenter’s opinion was that, your lucky to be looked after at all, if you are going to bring those attitudes into a hospital. He also mentioned whether its white privilege or not, you cannot imagine what it would be like to be that nurse in that moment”. LBC (2023)

The continued discussion from the LBC presenter about racism in healthcare lead me to look into the conversation, calling it the Institutional flavour, he mentioned new groups complaining about overseas Visa’s.

“Enter the proposal by a small group of rightwing Tory MPs complaining that the overall level of immigration into the UK has eroded public trust in the government. They want to cut the number of care home visas, thereby reducing immigration, so they say, by 82,000 people. It is like preparing for the Battle of the Somme by slashing infantry numbers. The MPs also want to cut the number of overseas students and their dependents, raise the income threshold for visas to other British jobs, and limit incoming refugees. Overall, they say, this should more than halve immigration, which in turn should make people feel better in “red wall” seats. They do not ask how people would feel in hospitals and care homes”. Jenkins, S (2023)

To integrate the research/work I could allow students to pair up and interview their
peers in the same manner from White Academia does it affect you, article, coming from, a students or privilege perspective following the layout from the article. We could also anonymise the answers. Then have a student reflection in the future.

Reference:

Shades of Noir (no date) Shades Of Noir, Shades Of Noir. Available at: https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/ (Accessed: July 2023).  

Liasidou, A (2012
Intersections of disability, race, gender and class pdf  (Accessed July 2023)

Ldoceonline.com (2022) Two heads are better than one https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/two-heads-are-better-than-one(Accessed July 2023)

Tapper, H (2013) ‘A pedagogy of social justice education: social identity, theory and intersectionality’

Freire, P. (1998). Pedagogy of the oppressed. (New rev. 20th anniv. ed.). New York: Continuum.
https://envs.ucsc.edu/internships/internship-readings/freire-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed.pdf (Accessed July 2023)

www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Witness: unconscious bias. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6XDUGPoaFw. (Accessed July 8 2023)

‌

Crenshaw, K: (2018) What is Intersectionality?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc
(Accessed July 2023)

www.google.com. (n.d.). why is cpd important for teachers – Google Search. [online] Available at: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=why+is+cpd+important+for+teachers [Accessed 19 Jul. 2023].

www.advance-he.ac.uk. (n.d.). Retention and attainment in the disciplines: Art and Design | Advance HE. [online] Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/retention-and-attainment-disciplines-art-and-design.

Shades of Noir. Peekaboo We See You: Whiteness. ‘White academia: Doers this affect you’, by Aisha Richards, Founder of Shades of Noir. P26-3 https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/peekaboo_we_see_you_whiteness

Jenkins, S  www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/03/cutting-carers-nhs-new-conservatives (Accessed 21 July 2023)

Elmes, J (2017) mixedracestudies.org
https://mixedracestudies.org/?tag=shirley-anne-tate

Extended Resources The Room of Silence

The room of silence is a real thing and can be uncomfortable for students. I’ve been on both sides of the fence. Some people would rather say nothing at all, rather than offend. Not critiquing if they do not understand what is being showcased. If everyone expresses and crits then at least there is something to draw from, for everyone.

I have learnt that as a lecture or person of position and power I need to be able to understand and process different points of views, not being offensive as I should lead by example, addressing situations in a good manner. Even if it’s not my culture.  I guess in the initial beginning having conversations with students about their work and journey to allow me to see from their eyes before a final crit.

We all know that race can be a tricky subject and even trickier if people around the room does not understand the concept or art piece.

It’s got me thinking as some arts maybe easier to understand than others. Especially if you cannot relate or not from the same culture. A lecture could see it as tool for learning from others as the person creating. The student would be the expert especially if its from their heritage.

Silence can be awkward, I guess we could learn how to we crit in a positive way or even how to empower the other students piece of work making encouraging gestures. “If no one wants to say anything how are going to get feedback?” Person no2 in video (Sherrid, 2016)

Reference:

Sherrid, E. (2016). The Room of Silence. [online] Vimeo. Available at: https://vimeo.com/161259012.

Theory

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Note to self:

What are the uses of theory?
Theories also offer an efficient way of generalizing research findings across different types of participants and settings and help frame research aims/questions, identify the methodological stance, design data collection/generation tools and consider frameworks for data analysis/interpretation (Google 2023)

Why is it important to apply theory to practice?
The connection between practice and theory is important as it demonstrates your ability to use evidence to increase your understanding of key concepts, justify your decision making, and inform future practice.

The definition of collaborative learning

Through defending their positions, reframing ideas, listening to other viewpoints and articulating their points, learners will gain a more complete understanding as a group than they could as individuals.

Reference:

Applying theory to practice
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=apply+theory+to+practice&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 (Assessed June)

Valamis (2023) What Is Collaborative Learning? Available at: https://www.valamis.com/hub/collaborative-learning


Faith

6 Replies

‘Religion in Britain: Challenges for Higher Education.

Religion and knowledge of religion in UK universities I have learnt that there is still a great number of students who are still practising religion in the UK, as some of the older universities are fading religion out. Some who are still participating allowing students to worship weekly. Its good as it will keep those ones still dedicated committed and encouraged to do so with other like-minded peers. Its great the option is still there. So it hasn’t been faded out completely. It would benefit those religious students of faith to be mindful of the Universities they choose.

The public sphere.

It is evident that Christianity and faith has declined over the years and a lot more categories/practises have evolved and has slowly found its way into connecting with mankind. With all of the additions and ways of life, some may seem confused and for others it’s a way of life and if newly found an answer or stable pathway for life.

My positionality as a person of faith believes that the original scriptures or manuscripts shouldn’t be changed or tampered with to fit people’s life styles. But everyone should do what is right for them and what makes them happy.

Even though everyone won’t agree with some of the thing its states. There is a positive foundation about life styles and the way of life how to live with others. For example, the scripture talks a lot about loving your neighbours and doing good to others. Which we can all benefit from. Years ago, when I was at school. We as students use to pray or lead a prayer at the beginning of the day. This was just us acknowledging that we need guidance and help to do and say the right things for the day. It was like a form of empowerment. No matter how hectic the morning had started out everybody settled and gave respect and came into agreement when it was prayer time.

Modood, T & Calhoun, C (2015) “Despite nationally low participation in organised religion. Religious engagement is an important part of satisfying academic life for many students”

Levine, S (2019) mentioned “Prayer is not banned in public schools. Students can pray by themselves or with friends as they wish. However, they have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to pray. COMPULSORY prayer in schools is what is banned, not voluntary prayer.”

Applying this resource into my teaching practice.

I could offer an optional breakout session about faith in the beginning, allow individuals and people of faith to share and express their different traditions, including the diverse intersectionality’s. Not discussing what is right or wrong. Avoiding topics that could cause outrage but more of sharing but expressing how it helps their family life, routine and sociably. Brining to light interfaith, I could also share the Religion in Britain pdf and the Shades of Noir, Higher Power: Religion, Faith, Spirituality & Belief link on website as it covers a great insight into religion, universities plus how some institutions operate in this current age.

So that the students are familiar with each other and can gain knowledge about other faiths and beliefs. Setting a critical pedagogy, I would open some padlets of groups where they meet 2 or more people from their class who practise different faiths and beliefs to find out any positive information about it then come and present it back. This would then allow them to have an understanding of the different types of cultures and ways of life in their environment, understanding the people they share the room with while respecting their space and cultures.   

Terms of reference from SoN around Faith

I have some of the same beliefs and understand what Bridget Crutchfield has said in her article questions and answers.  For me I believe faith and spirituality can play an important part of my life in everything I do in terms of it increasing my ability. When I feel things are impossible I supernaturally rely on my creator to guide and support me.

The beliefs and entities and strategies will differ depending on what you believe.
Some will say they need to pray, meditate to focus while others, may have something they call a guide. If It works for you, then it works for you.

Reference list

“Quora – A Place to Share Knowledge and Better Understand the World.”
Quora.com, 2014, www.quora.com/.

Modood, T. and Calhoun, C. (2015) Religion in Britian: Challenges for Higher Education.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah . The Reith Lectures. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds (Accessed: 1 July 2023). 

Shades Of Noir. https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/journals/higher-power-religion-faith-spirituality-belief/ (Accessed 28 June 2023)

Boston, YW  (2017) What is intersectionality, and what does it have to do with me? https://www.ywboston.org/2017/03/what-is-intersectionality-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-me/ (Accessed: 1 July 2023)



Kwame Anthony Appiah Reith lecture on Creed.

By sharing Kwame’s audio, it will defiantly stir some thoughts, beliefs and ideas in religion.
I mentioned before that there are so many views and practices that have evolved over the years, some students may not even practise faith or religion. Kwame listed many points of views from faiths and religion, it would be nice to allow the students to illustrate in a creative form what faith or religion means to them.

I would allow them to choose whatever medium, material/concept they choose to express themselves about this topic and then talk about it, and they dont want to talk, leave it open to intrepretation.

Kwame spoke about interpretation and I guess it’s up to the individual how they perceive it, while it’s good to ask questions and speak to someone who may be more skilled and knowledgeable than they are in the same faith.  I read scriptures and sometime because I may find it hard to understand I would often use the basic English versions and Hebrew and Greek translations to get my understanding. Also using context would help, also to see who the writings were actually for helps.

As there are so many belief and ideas I have learnt not to get into arguments or long-winded conversations with others or religious people about interpretation, I’ve done this in the past and it’s just a waste of time, people just trying to claim why their religion is the right way.

The Bible states “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (New King James Version) The Greek word translated “fear” in this context can equally mean “reverence” or “respect.” So, I take from that, I will work out for myself what I need to do in life. (Philippians 2:12)

 “So, then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)

Whatever we believe I feel that one day we will all answer to someone about our lives that we lived. I was amazed Kristina Reece’s question at the end, who is an activist in the church of England. She asked is there a truth beyond all the religions that incorporates them or is there something other. I thought that was amazing because I believe there to be one truth.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah – Mistaken Identities. The Reith Lectures, at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds

(Bible New King James Version)
https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-12.htm (Accessed July 2023)

https://www.hereford.anglican.org, Exploring the creative expression of faith through Art https://www.hereford.anglican.org/exploring-the-creative-expression-of-faith-through-art.php (Accessed July 2023)

Extended Activity ‘The Little Book of Big Case Studies’

We do not discriminate here…..(A subtle gesture from myself)

From a faith point of view, I guess Aalimah may have been a little offended but at a point where she wanted to express her opinion and share her beliefs. With the negative comments that she is sexually oppressed she is right to have felt disturbed and even attacked. With my statement of we do not discriminate here, would be a positive reminder to students of the rules and boundaries we have in place. It would be a good idea to set aside an area or table/ information rack, where people of faith could bring in hand outs and share content of materials for students to access at any time and we could agree how long to have them displayed.

It would be nice if people of faith wanted to share knowledge about themselves during an introducing of who they are in educating others so everyone gets an understanding of each other’s background.

In order for students to share openly without situations leading into heated discussions It would be great to set some ground rules that everyone can agree on so it’s clear when to reign the conversations in, so vulnerable or targeted people feel safe knowing there is a cut off point.

If for any reason the situation got out of hand beyond control not making it a safe and inclusive environment, pointing vulnerable people to using anonymous report if they felt it got way out of hand but this would be the last resort after approaching higher leads and services.

Shades of Noir Case Study (2015)  Faith
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/shades_of_noir_case_study_-_faith_
(Accessed July 2023)

UAL (2022). Tell Someone. [online] UAL. Available at: https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/help-and-support-for-students/tell-someone [Accessed 27 Jul. 2023].

Positionality Statement

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I see we are living in a world now where situations, people and things are becoming more acceptable. It’s a lot better now than in the past, as the years continue to unfold and some traditions and biases are fading out. I see a balance especially where some older and middle-aged people are still set in their ways of thinking, not willing to budge and others are open and willing to change. This culture of diversity, equal rights, forums and communication allows people to now have a voice, share opinions and be heard and also accepted.

Because of my race, class and abilities, my thinking 20 years ago would be that I would no way be able to start or get involved in a PgCert. I would have assumed it was out of my league. Sometimes I battle with my mind constantly convincing myself that I am a community person and not an academic. Constantly asking myself am I doing the right thing and equally on the other hand knowing confidently I am a person of professional influence that has worked within recognised and creative industries. I am a character that brings change and able to transfer skills naturally, communicate and engages well with others, I’m the person that can brighten up a room, the person who walks with compassions, willing to listen and talks to anyone and has time for people in need, which to some people would be a chore or a struggle. You either have it or you don’t. Maybe its maturity or do I have an interest, I didn’t realise I had, I now find myself watching more news than ever before and enjoying listening to phone-in and talk radio stations and enjoying the informative conversations. I have a desire to understand what is going on in the world. Is this because I feel more involved or because I have a responsibility to share information, or am I trying to improve my knowledge on life’s circumstances. Whatever it is I’m happy doing so.

Teaching and supporting the students on the Business Design Management course at LCC is brilliant. It’s rewarding when the light bulb moments click in with the students with in depth conversations allowing them to explore and challenge ideas, while developing and enhancing their portfolios for presentation days.

Disability: Terms of Reference Journal

2 Replies

I read an amazing statement in the Terms of reference Shades of Noir.

This is such a true statement, no matter how much money we have in the world or how educated we are, even have the fastest car, everyone will be challenged with one weakness or another or even a vulnerability.

Some people may hide it well for years and later on in life end up crumbling because they have not been honest with themselves. If everyone focused on doing a little to be supportive and inclusive, this would be a better place. For some these changes have made life easier and provided a better quality of life. We cannot forget those who are less fortunate and can’t keep up the advancement. Although this world has progressed and advanced in social justice issues and technology There have been some instances where people have had to communicate with robots and systems who would rather talk to an actual person. For the ones that are not internet savvy and don’t have the patience, I feel sorry for them. That could be me in 30 years’ time. How will we cope. The voice of many is a very useful booklet tool. It covers areas and aspects of life, plus current scenarios that are relatable to most people. That some people wouldn’t know how to address. My eyes have been opened to never asume and over look.

I found this statement really insightful.

“Using the social model of disability as a theory instead of the medical model can change people’s outlooks on what other people can achieve, and how organisations and our environments should be structured. People who follow this way of thinking will be able to see past the outdated policies and procedures that can be a barrier to people with learning disabilities leading full and active lives”.  

Refrence:

Timlin and Rysenbury, (2010)

SoN (Aug 12, 2020) Disabled People: The voice of many
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/disabled_people (Accessed 26/June/2023)

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (2016). Social model of disability. [online] Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Available at: https://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/learning-disabilities/a-to-z/s/social-model-disability (Accessed July 2023)

Extended Activity: SoN around Mental Health

Mental Health, It’s ok to say you don’t feel okay, article

Juggeling life

I am amazed I am reading this at a time when I literally feel like I’m juggling everything.

I have so much…….

To do

I have to do….

I want to do….

I need to do….

I don’t want to do….

Wishing there was change immediately on some of life’s circumstances. I’m taking this article as a message of inspiration, a word of encouragement. Although I feel my mental health is intact. I have to make sure I don’t run into burn out. It states to take time off once in a while without feeling guilty but sometime we fear in loosing time especially towards deadlines and managing a working life we can’t afford to take our foot off the peddle.

While reading and taking notes, a news article alerted me on my phone, Sinead O’Connor dies and the cause of death mental health battles. Wow, we just never know what people are going through or what they have suffered and even how their foundation started so it’s’ good to be kind. I’ve defiantly heard this so many times this week, Look after yourself!

“Mental health theories strive to explain human development behaviourally, psychologically, and socially”. positivepsychology.com (2019)

This resource has been encouraging. I would apply this to my teaching practise by collecting a number of sentences listed in the article and present them as positive pointers reminders around the classroom.

Reading something like:

“Don’t pressure yourself to perform if your battery level is low”

“It’s important for us to find moments of calm in all the chaos”. SoN (April 2017)

I have just realised I haven’t been to the Spa for a while, I’m going next week for my wellbeing

Notes to self: Five schools of thought, that attempt to explain mental health. Some professionals like counsellors and therapists use from this list.

Behaviorism
Behavior is a result of life experiences, not the unconscious mind. We learn through our experiences with our environment. This approach is all about conditioning. It is present focused.

Biological
This is a medical model of treating mental disorders. The idea is that something physical is the cause of mental illness. Symptoms are “outward signs of the inner physical disorder” (McLeod, 2018).

Psychodynamic
Like behaviorism, psychodynamic therapists view behavior as a result of experiences. One of the differences, though is that psychodynamic therapists focus on past experiences. They assert that unconscious forces drive people’s behavior. The client and therapist revisit explored ground to achieve more understanding. This therapeutic process can take many years.

Cognitive
The emphasis of this theory is on thinking, not doing. A feedback loop exists between the person’s assumptions and attitudes, their resulting perceptions, and the conclusions drawn from them (Grace College, n.d.). These therapists work to assist a person to change their thoughts. Doing this leads to a change in feelings and behavior.

Humanistic
This approach is characterized by three different therapies that can help people achieve their highest potential.

References:

Shades of Noir (April 2017) Mental Health & Creative Healing
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/mhchtor

Daily Mail (June 2023) Sinead O’Connor dead
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12341117/Sinead-OConnor-dead-Irish-music-legend-dies-aged-56-years-mental-health-battles-18-months-17-year-old-son-Shane-passed-away.html

positivepsychology.com What Are Mental Health Theories?
https://positivepsychology.com/mental-health-theories/ (Accessed July 2023)

positivepsychology.com What Are Mental Health Theories?
https://positivepsychology.com/mental-health-theories/#list (Accessed July 2023)

Deaf Accessibility for Spoonies: Lessons from Touring Eve and Mary Are Having Coffee’

2 Replies

Reading this pdf was relatable, it puts me through the mind of what my mum is currently going through now with her health condition. My mum started working from a very young age and she has worked the majority of her life. In fact, I don’t ever recall her being without a job. She loves to help people and is good at communicating, she always worked well within customer service jobs and has a passion to help in times of crises, she’s also an amazing host within her home cooking and entertaining with music, outdoors she will talk to all cultures of people.

My mum had a trip/fall at her work place a number of years ago and the long-term result of it, is she now has extreme wear and tear within her bones on her hip. The employer let her go on the basis that she is no longer fit for work within their establishment.

I’m seeing her now struggle to get to the job centre appointments, the grief they give her to come and visit the location, crazy times at like 8:30am, sometimes she hasn’t even rested well the night before. Having to commit to showing up to be able to prove she is unable and unfit for work.

My mum is also not computer savvy so the rigmarole of continuous meetings, checking’s and proof of doctor’s evidence has caused her great distress along with the bone pain. She told me because she was afraid she would lose her claim and have no money for her rent, she went up the stairs to her advisor interview in pain.

She has been waiting for a hip operation for over a year and seeing her in pain is heart wrenching.

I was so annoyed I had to step in and visit the job centre myself and explain you can’t treat somebody this way. She has been struggling. Although they have now moved her appointments to telephone calls it makes me wonder how much more other people are going though disabilities like this, with not much support.  It was encouraging to see that the performances did not stop. Barokka, K (2017).   “I am 98% of the time kneeling or laying down, performing poetry and performance art while refusing to stand and cause myself pain, whether seen by others or not“.

I guess disability or not if you can, the show must go on.We just have to do our best in all things.

It’s great that there was a conference in Illinois 2001 about how scholars and educators might broaden the scopes of conceptualizing disabilies in education arenas, I guess this would high light the needs for users but what is being addressed now, it’s amazing that from 2007 to 2010 it grew to Belgium, enormously attracting many leaders from a number of countries. How could this be implemented or applied to in Great Britain.  

Connor, David J. (2008) “Disability Studies and Inclusive Education — Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice.” International Journal of Inclusive Education, vol. 12, no. 5-6, Sept. 2008, pp. 441–457, https://doi.org/10.1080/13603110802377482. Accessed 7 June 2023.

Barokka (Okka), K. (2017). Deaf-accessibility for spoonies: lessons from touring Eve and Mary Are Having Coffee while chronically ill. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 22(3), pp.387–392. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13569783.2017.1324778.

#DisabilityTooWhitefont article/interview

1 Reply

I’m not sure what the main reason would be why the media wouldn’t use a person of colour with a disability to play a disabled role. I don’t think that there is a lack of them. There must be some type of barrier or miscommunication of why the original person or thing is being portrayed. Why isn’t it authentic or real. If there hasn’t ever been a movement or campaign about it I guess the time is now.

I guess this #DisabilityTooWhite hashtag was a great way to get the movement active, I guess it has to start somewhere and the fact that it started organically and people paid attention to is, it’s a starting point for voices to be heard for development and change.  Now from this hashtag people have been able to connect with others and build a powerful support group.

This type of thing reminds me of when I went to watch the Bob Marley musical in the theatre ‘getupstandup’ in the west end a few months ago. The main actor who played Bob and 98% of all the actors in the musical were not Jamaican, but from other Caribbean island. That to me wasn’t a true representation. I heard what I would call the fake Jamaican accent.

Get Up Stand Up. (n.d.). Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical. [online] Available at: https://getupstandupthemusical.com. priority_high Webpage author priority_high Date published (Accessed 3 June. 2023)

Shades of Noir “Disabled People: The Voice of the Many.”,
https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/journals/disabled-people-the-voice-of-the-many/ (Accessed 7 June 2023).

Connor, David J. (2008) “Disability Studies and Inclusive Education — Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice.” International Journal of Inclusive Education, vol. 12, no. 5-6, Sept. 2008, pp. 441–457, https://doi.org/10.1080/13603110802377482. Accessed 7 June 2023.

This was a very interesting read