Monday 25th September
In person
It’s great to see familiar faces back in person and catch up on all our news. As a group we discuss our APR projects, specifically the questions we are posing. Francesco is creating design for social change – I should consider interviewing him for my APR project. The PgCert is on two levels, firstly I am a student, on another level we are all colleagues.
Tim our tutor is also a student, doing his PhD. We participate in an ice breaker activity choosing three pieces of wool the same length but in different colours. In an almost meditative state, we consider activities that resonate for us with our students – arriving, being in the room, nervousness about all that is to come in this unit. Using embodied cognition we think about our worries, care and concerns such as crossing the picket line this morning to come into the building, what should we do for our APR, today’s news etc.
Thoughts – What are you thinking about? Any thoughts? Tie a knot.
Feelings – What are you feeling? Neutral, excited, sad? I am happy, today is sunny, unit 2 went well. I had good news that I can rebook the flight I have vouchers for. Tie a knot for each of these.
Sensations – What have you noticed? If you notice any sensations. Tie a knot. Are you too hot or cold? Do your shoes feel comfortable? Are you comfortable? Have you eaten enough? Tie a knot.
Consider – The quality of your thoughts & the number of thoughts since you first started this activity.
We meet Frederico, he is a sociologist teaching on the research methodologies MA. He reminds us: You are all experts, you know your field, you are in a position of power and agency. Remember your positionality. Challenge yourself to really do the work you want to do. This unit is only three months, you have a limited amount of time spare. Remember to be respectful, listen to each other, give supportive feedback. The in-person sessions are an opportunity to share your thoughts, be supportive and kind. Use Mondays to do your work – the time will go quickly.
APR principles
- Everyone is an expert
- Develop critical friendships
- Ask respectful questions
- Facilitate each other’s learning
- Be kind, compassionate, active listening
- Supportive responding
- Take a break, embrace silence
- Teaching, practice – pace yourself: little by little
- Ask questions
This is an opportunity to develop your thinking, research for your practice. It’s a space to experiment, to explore or test something – it can be connected to further work you want to do. Try something new – you’ve always wanted to try out. Reflect – why did I do it this way? What have I learned by doing this in a particular way? Open new ways of doing. Getting to know your context. I tried something out, it was relevant for me, for my students. ,I know more of who I am through this research. Research shows us who we – conveys our political leanings, our moral standing etc the external things we do as academics. Remember to do something small.
We discuss the importance of critical friendship as a group, this requires trust, critical intimacy & support. Look at Bell Hooks and Paulo Freire. Also, the relationship between the founder of Shades of Noir and Terry Finnigan who worked together, developing citizen and civic friendship and solidarity.
Today, leave with a sense of direction, my next steps, what do I need to do.
APR
- Small scale enquiry (such as interviewing 3 people, Rachel, George, Francesco)
- Masters level research
- PhD study
- Research excellence framework – able to research
This is the time to explore an issue you have found in your teaching practice that is relevant for you. It must also relate to the Ual shared principles for climate and social justice.
It’s all about the process
- Why am I identifying this issue?
- How do I want to explore it?
- Who do I want to speak to?