Thoughts on Reader 4........

I must say, it has been hard work actually getting the time to sit down and re-focus the mind into 'study mode'.  So, now I am throwing myself back into the swing of things and I started by really breaking down Reader 4.  As I always say, it was definitely overwhelming on first read but after making lots of notes and re-reading I can definitely see how the Reader provides much useful guidance on the process of the Inquiry. 

What really stuck out to me from the Reader?

The goal of the inquiry is to.....'explore a topic that will benefit your work and the work of colleagues and fellow professionals'.
This has given me a little more clarity into the direction my Inquiry will need to take. The results should be of benefit to my future career and help to improve my 'Professional Practice'.  It needs to relate to me specifically and I need to ask myself 'What will I gain from the findings of the Inquiry?'.

The Inquiry will be about examining what we are doing, whilst we are doing it. The topic for the research will be based on experiences you are now actively involved in!! Make it relevant!!

The Inquiry will help us to take an issue, reflect on it and improve it for future experiences :)

Gibbons (2008) supports the fact that knowledge in the workplace can require a more 'transdisciplinary' approach and he describes it as 'a scope of understanding that crosses the boundaries of disciplines'.  Many of us on this course are aiming to gain a Degree level qualification so that we can go on to teach full time. We are all Professionals and therefore as teachers we will have 'Inter-disciplinary' jobs. We have extensive knowledge on the specific subject we will be teaching, but we will also have to understand the concept of education and the practice of education.
I think it is fair to say that just because you are good at something, does not mean that you will be good teaching it. This form of 'inter-disciplinary' type role proves that you need to know both sides in order to be a successful teacher.

I found the section on 'Capability and Competencies' very interesting! I am often frustrated by job advertisements that demand specific requirements from their applicants. I may not have the qualifications to prove that I am competent in that particular skill, but I most certainly have the capability to learn new skills at a fast pace.  Raelin (2008) argues that only 'organic competencies' can be used effectively, generic competencies can not be applicable to all organisations - what is sufficient in one place, may not be sufficient in another!!
I vote for capability over competence!! i.e. the scope to which a person can gain new knowledge and apply it successfully, rather than what skills/knowledge a person already possesses! I would be interested to hear other views/thoughts on this :)

It is the process of the inquiry where the learning will take place, the end result is perhaps not the most important aspect! It is about examining what we do - how can the inquiry inform and help my practice??

One of the most prominent features will be 'Research Knowledge' - reading about your area of research in lots of different sources  and this will give you an idea on what has previously been explored in that research area.

'Practitioner research allows you to critically think about what you do.  You can then make informed decisions based on the evidence from your research.'

Start big and make small - what I mean by this is to start with a broad topic and  then keep narrowing it down by creating further questions, i.e. sub categories.  It is in this way that you will get to a specific research topic.  I must say I have been worried about  how I am going to come up with the topic for my research, however if you think of it in this way then you will naturally come to a topic of your choice :)

'Pseudo Question' - a question that either expects no answer, has no answer or the answer is already known.
Make sure to really think about the questions you are asking - are you truly seeking to find the answer and the truth. Is the answer unknown to you??

The aim at this stage is to come up with questions that you can investigate in a small Practitioner Research Inquiry.   - 'Start with broad ideas that become more targeted'.

My Approach

I am going to brainstorm all the issues, problems, queries etc surrounding my daily professional life. What am I eager to learn/find out more about? What am I worried about? - often we need to solve our problems so that we can progress in our career, therefore this question could be a good starting point. Where do I want to be in 5 years time? - think about all the obstacles you will need to overcome to get to this point??

So, I am going to brainstorm and see what arises from the brainstorm.  My Professional life has taken a different direction in the past couple of months, therefore I may find that my brainstorming brings out more relevant proposals than those suggested in Task 2D of Module 1. 

I will break these down further and further until I find the specific area that I really want to focus on, constantly thinking about how the result of the research will benefit my future practice??

Discuss the questions with fellow professionals and peers. Do they shed new light on the ideas??

Question the questions I have raised!! Constantly analyse and reflect on new findings/thoughts.

Let's begin....

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Reader....

What stuck out to you? What is your initial approach? Are you finding it difficult or easy? Have your questions given you any surprising answers? How are peers reacting to your questions?

When I am sure on my area of research I will be searching for my SIG members!

Looking forward to blogging with you all :)