Drafts and feedback for Modules that submit for 9th January 2012

Everyone please look at the BAPP (Arts) Libguide Noticeboard where I have put up some advice (as Programme Leader) on dates for handing in drafts for feedback.

1. Right now I am now having a look at Module 3 Feedback and trying to get this back to people so that we can continue discussing the feedback and their inquiries and artefact in the next three weeks. We had originally pencilled in a date for drafts on the 14th of November but that was revised to the 21st November. If you have done your inquiry, it is good to do the writing up while the data is fresh in your mind - so get in touch about sending the draft in and discussing individual needs (bit added later 27/11/11).

2. This week I would like to talk to Module 2 learners about their plans and the forms that need to be filled in -for this Module - these should be compete enough to send in as drafts around the 5th of December. Blogs are now up about the planning of the inquiry - they do not have to be perfect because thrashing out ideas is expected at this stage. Try to be as specific as possible in your plan, but it is an individual process so finalising may not include every detail about who you are going to see and what you plan to ask them. If you can be more specific, do so in your plan and you will be able to carry out the plan more easily next semester. There should be some main inquiry questions and you can title your plan (this is different than the title of your degree). You should have looked at some literature (3 pieces is advised) and tried out some sample tools such as interview, observation , focus groups and surveys (these ARE NOT you final ones you will use on your inquiry  BUT sample ones with friends and colleagues to see how the process works). I just found this on the web for surveys for example http://help.surveymonkey.com/euf/assets/docs/pdf/Response_Rates.pdf?noIntercept/1 (added later 21/1/11).

3. Module 1 feedback is the week of the 5th Dec - so sometime that week - it could be toward the end of that week if you are still actively doing parts of the module. Generally on the blogs in Module 1 I would have expected most people to now be finishing up on Part 3 and in a position to reflect on the progress made in the module. I will be scanning blogs again and commenting as much as possible. There is some very good practice out there and also people who have not had the time to engage - so empty blogs that do not show evidence of learning.

Remember, professional practice assessment is not on the work (paid or unpaid) or work-related topics that you do BUT the learning that can be evidenced about the work or work-related topics that you do.

For any of this BAPP (Arts) coursework, you need to show active engagement with the knowledge and understanding gained from the materials, issues, thinking and peer interaction that makes up the course. That means sharing with the community and developing your ideas and thinking toward the goals of each Module. I find myself saying to people that the course is 'about the thinking', that is the level 6 BA Hons) degree level is about putting theory into practice and evaluating your practice using theory. Theory is a general term, mainly we use research from academic or professional sources, or models (like the Kolb cyle) to inform what we do and help us analyse work we do the the real world. Because we do real world issues, things do not always go to plan, and it is thinking through these experiences that can be challenging and frustrating, but ultimately allow the growth in thinking that improves our 'performance' or how we can do things.

I am now advising people about completing the BAPP coursework while negotiating work commitments. I have had a lot of experience with this 'balancing' work and study, but everyone's case is different. For example, some people are running into a busy Christmas period because they are actively performing - if you are one of these consider the time you have left carefully and plan around this time. Do take a look at the Module Handbook to measure your own performance and then get in touch with me to discuss this. I am around evenings and weekends (after hours in other words) - by appointment- so I can make sure to feedback to you what you need.

So please send me an email or phone me to get in touch about feedback.