Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry

Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry
N.B All post extracts to be found in appendix 1
With module 2 came the freedom to explore any which area I felt related to my daily practice. This is something that excited me because I felt as if the sky was the limit! Reflecting back upon the first part of this module, I can see that trial and error was a vital part of the process (Post 27/02/13 Trial & Error). I could see that a lot of my themes were based around the unemployed performer, because that is the position I find myself in a lot of the time. Exploring this issue further enabled me to find an article that was very encouraging and supportive; making you realise that you are not the only person out there in this position, therefore wanting to discover answers surrounding performer’s success (Post 28/02/13 Highlighted Red). A facebook post on the SIG forum reiterated to me how different all our opinions are and that there is not always a right or wrong answer Appendix 2. This notion is something I will remember throughout my inquiry.

I found it challenging when initially being asked to explore my own thoughts regarding ethics 'I actually found it quite difficult to think and put words on the page as I realised that a lot of these ethics I naturally put in to practice without even realising it.' (Melanie Brown 2013). An important point Adesola made helped me realise that there is a lot to think about before ethics itself (Post 19/03/13 Highlighted part).This enabled me to think deeper in to why we have ethics and explore different environments and how they differ and relate to my personal experiences (Post 19/03/13 Highlighted blue). I was then able to put together my own guidelines to provide a safe and ethically sound inquiry (Post 26/03/2013 Guidelines).

A phone call with Adesola made me realise that it helps to know the recipe before you collect the ingredients. This phrase stuck out to me when looking at my analysis and how I must know what I am looking for and how I am going to analyse my data before I decide the best way possible to collect it, adding my own spark and my own unique way of looking at things Appendix 3. Therefore creating your own ingredients to make a more successful inquiry.

Seeing how some SIG group members struggled with the inquiry tool process has made me realise the importance of contribution and feedback, as this is what we will later rely on when conducting our inquiry Appendix 4. By participating in the surveys myself, I was able to make some observations( Post 06/05/2013 Highlighted section).  Discussion with SIG members and advisors has played a huge part in my progress this module Appendix 5. Therefore adding to my reflection on my own thoughts, allowing me to make better judgments ( Post 19/03/2013 See Highlighted).

Reflecting on this process and realising how beneficial participation has been to me, makes me feel more compelled to take part in inquiries that may face me in the future, hoping they too will receive some sort of development. I have learnt that communication is the key to progress in this inquiry as I feel I have already come a long way from module 1 and hope the next step will develop me even further.





Appendix 1
Post 1- ‘Trial and Error’

A set of questions/ideas that relate to my every day professional practice

Keeping fit and healthy both physically and mentally in an industry that is very unstable
Injury prevention being a dancer
How to deal with rejection
Preparation to ensure you are audition ready
Juggling a normal (mortal) job being a dancer/ flexible enough for auditions

So many ideas are coming in to my head....already what I love about this module is that its giving you the freedom to choose a subject/question that you are interested in and that relates to your daily life. At first I sat thinking really hard about ideas that I should be using, but then I just sat back and realised that all I needed to do was think about my daily practice and the things that occur....because then that’s my life and interests and so the information is there right in front of me and gives me the tools to explore further beyond myself and question other people’s attitudes. Whether they be in the same situation as myself or completely different....all opinions and circumstance will contribute to my inquiry and that’s what will make it so interesting and exciting!
At the moment a question that I am swaying towards more:
In an industry that is very unstable, where work is sometimes sparse, how is it you keep yourself fit and healthy, both physically and mentally?
Themes:
In and out of work- Very few people are lucky enough to go from job to job....so how do we cope in between the dance work (if you are lucky enough to get work at all)? Because at the end of the day we have to work to be able to live...so how do we juggle everything to make sure we can still pay our rent as well as be fit physically and mentally...because only then do we have a chance of getting that dream job!
Keeping fit and audition ready- Going the gym/taking class
Healthy eating- Good nutrition to keep strong/ sensible eating so we look are best
Motivation- Both fitness and healthy eating can help boost motivation because you feel more confident in yourself
I will keep adding more ideas as they come! Feedback would be greatly appreciated! :)

Post 2- ‘Highlighted Red’A few light bulbs went off in my head after reading this article.
http://www.tightsandtiaras.com/2011/05/unemployed/
'Being a dancer, there is another aspect unemployment you don’t see with office-workers. Dancing professionally is a hard physical activity. It requires you to be on your best shape, something we achieve by training hours every day. Once you don’t have a job, you don’t have a place to do that training, either. No ballet class. And for a professional dancer, no class equals disaster. Yes, you might train at home to a certain degree, and you might be able to find open classes in private studios if you live in the right area. But those classes are not meant for professionals (not to mention expensive), and just simply don’t provide you with the exercises you need to keep in shape. And if you’re not in shape, no one is going to hire you either. The excuse “I’m better than this, but I’ve been unemployed, and couldn’t find a normal place to take class” just doesn’t work in a dance audition. It’s a vicious circle'
I feel I can relate strongly to Henricks article and I believe most other professionals in this industry would feel the same. I'm not certain non performers would necessarily agree with the phrase 'why being unemployed is worse for a dancer than it is for you (a normal person)' but you would have to admit that many challenging issues occur for us. Maybe if they put themselves in our shoes for a while and see how they managed?

The unemployed dancer...How do we cope being out of work?
How do we sustain technical abilities we spent so long trying to perfect when we are not dancing? How do we afford to keep it up? Class is expensive, gym is expensive, travelling to auditions is expensive (sometimes to another county!!)
Good nutrition....good food costs good money!
Profit share productions- wage dependent on profit made. How do people cope? Not a guaranteed good wage but priceless experience!

Post 3- ‘Highlighted Part’Adesola pointed out to me something really important 'Ethics is also about how you make the assumption that informs the guidelines' (Adesola Akinleye 2013). In are thought processes, before we even demonstrate good ethics, we have to realise what it is that causes us to have the assumption...for us then to carry out the guidelines.
For example:
No racism....but what is race? I found this website explained race really well. Please explore it as I found it really interesting.
http://www.pbs.org/race/001_WhatIsRace/001_00-home.htm
The Cambridge dictionary online defines race 'A group, especially of people, with particular similar physical characteristics, who are considered as belonging to the same type, or the fact of belonging to such a group'
So we all have different physical features, religions, beliefs etc but behind all that, inside us, are we really different at all? Some people make their own minds up about who is who, and judge other people by what's on the outside. That's when people decide to take it upon themselves to call someone different. It could even be something so small as wearing glasses as a child. It sounds so stupid but other children may look at this as being 'different' but really is it because it is something they are just not used to seeing? If we all had glasses on then no one would think otherwise. We all have our own unique features and characteristics but this doesn't make it ok for people to be discriminative towards us. That is why I believe treating everyone as equals/no discrimination towards race is an important ethic to demonstrate throughout all types of practice

Post 4- ‘Highlighted Blue’A Teaching Environment
Royal Academy Of Dance is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world so you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon its Code of Conduct! We only learn from the best :)!
Please take a look at the link!
http://www.rad.org.uk/files/ART255_Code%20of%20Conduct%20English.pdf
I love how clear everything is explained to us. There are 4 themes, each with their own bullet points which enables us to read swiftly and digest the information given. They don't bore us with paragraphs and paragraphs of information...they are straight to the point.
Some of the most interesting points for me:
1. Integrity- Respect the confidentiality of colleagues and students.
Confidentiality within a teaching environment is very important. I myself have not taught much but throughout my training I have confided in teachers. It would be seen to be very unprofessional if as a teacher you did not respect this.
2. Competence- Maintain up to date subject knowledge and understanding.
For a teacher this I feel is one of the most important points...because at the end of the day, students go to learn and how can they do this if the teacher doesn't even know what they are talking about? Syllabus work and styles are constantly changing and it is up to the teacher to maintain their standard, knowledge wise as well as physically.
3. Professionalism- Ensure the facilities in which they practice are adequately maintained and constitutes a safe learning environment.
Health and safety is a vital when in a learning environment, especially when working with children. Being aware of your space is so important to help prevent injury and provide a successful standard of practice.
4. Compliance- RAD registered teachers are responsible for ensuring that their practices are in full compliance with current legislation in their country of operation as this code of conduct and professional practice.

Post 5- ‘Guidelines’Last week I was able to meet up with Hannah Stewart who is one of my SIG group members. We sat down and tried to dissect the topic of Ethics; discussing points we felt we had learnt from the reader and how we could use some of the guidelines to help conduct out own inquiries.
We feel there is a lot to think about when it comes to ethics. It is such a wide subject full of different opinions and rules which can of course depend on the scenarios you face.
As mentioned in my previous blog, I feel BERA provides us with a great framework to work with. We used this as a guide to help us then configure our own rules that we feel would relate to the intended Inquiry.
- To provide at all times a safe environment when the inquiry is taking place to ensure that no harm comes to participants.
- Respect all involved and explain that at any time they can stop the interview if they feel uncomfortable etc.
- Inform them of the purpose and objectives of the inquiry and who will benefit from the information collected.
- In some cases, agree to keep data collected anonymous. For example, in a one to one interview I might refer to the source as X, Y and Z. This could reflect on the information as the participant may be more honest.
- Participants involved must all fill out a declaration form to consent the use of information given. When working with under 18's, a written consent must be given from a parent or guardian.
- All information must be securely stored so that it doesn't get in to the wrong hands. E.g. password protected/ locked filing cabinet.
- Ask only questions that are relevant to the inquiry. Don't veer off on to an unnecessary subject.
- All Information will be disposed of after the inquiry.
It will be interesting to discuss this further with others in my SIG group to see if they have any other important points to add.
Please feel free to comment :)! Let me know if you think I have missed something really important off!
Thanks :)

Post 6- ‘Highlighted Section’One important thing I discovered was to make sure you make your surveys user friendly. Myself and Hannah picked up on this when we came together last week. Whilst filling out surveys, I found that the more complicated the questions, the less willing I was to fill it out as it was taking up too much of my time. Yes of course a certain amount of your time must be given but do people have the time to write an essay? To me, a survey should be simple and to the point. I feel that long questions (sometimes involving more than one question) can be misleading and allow for too much variable. How are we then able to produce averages on outcomes when people have been allowed to veer off on to irrelevant subjects? (This of course being our fault). People may have a different opinion on this but this is something I will try and remember when conducting all inquiries. This is why it is so important to pick the correct questions so that we are able to get the information we want...this could also mean more people fill out the survey because it’s not too much hard work for them!

Post 7-‘See Highlighted’Ok so after deeper consideration, realising that my first idea was completely off the mark...I have now decided on an appropriate award title.
BA Honours Professional Practice in Performing Arts
After an email conversation with Adesola and other people's feedback, I realised that 'Performing Arts' shows that I am knowledgeable in this subject as a whole and although I am focusing in on the networking side of things, it demonstrates my understanding from all angles.
Performing arts is something I have been passionate about all my life. It is for this reason I chose to move to London at the age of 16 and attend musical theatre college. Along with previous training from a young age, this experience has provided me with the tools necessary to be successful in this industry.
This course has opened my eyes to methods we can use to help develop success and this is why I want to discover more about networking. I believe that this is a vital tool in this profession and will be interested to see how others feel about this.




Appendix 2 • WHAT does it mean to be successful? What is success to you!????
Like • •Unfollow Post • Share • March 7 at 12:35pm

Bobbie Pingram For me it's about achieving my goals. Not a measure comparing myself to other people.
March 7 at 1:31pm via mobile • Like • 1
Mimi-Lulabell Whitney Sucess to me is being happy, being happy with life, work, family, friends x
March 7 at 2:38pm • Like
Emily Hunt achieving what I want to achieve and being happy with how I have done it.
March 9 at 10:30am • Like
Louise Dempster Success is meeting my own goals whether it is professional or personal, being happy and healthy
March 10 at 3:39pm • Like
Melanie Brown To me, success is achieving dreams and goals you have set for yourself but most importantly success is being happy and content with your life...:)
March 12 at 9:16am via mobile • Like
Gee Bird would you call Amy winehouse then, successful?...
March 12 at 10:21am via mobile • Like
Gee Bird so if u end up happy but with no career or with a great career but not happy...are u still successful??
March 12 at 10:23am via mobile • Like
Bobbie Pingram I'd say you have been successful in one area and not the other. Maybe that's one of the sacrifices of success.
March 12 at 10:26am via mobile • Like
Gee Bird how do you mean? To be successful in one area of your life another must suffer?
March 12 at 10:27am • Like
Melanie Brown Well from an outsider’s point of view you would say yes she was...but then was she happy? As I said before that to me is the most important thing. She was obviously battling with a lot of issues. There has to be a balance between a good career and happiness. Was it that maybe too much success made her unhappy because she didn’t know how to cope? I believe it must be about balance like most things in life x
March 12 at 10:28am via mobile • Like
Gee Bird see for me, success falls to career straight away.. but iv always been career minded, if success is what you set out to accomplish... (Even if it’s not what you thought at the beginning) if you achieve it, then you are a success. She had a massively successful career. but same question falls to all the huge stars who die young. Marilyn Monroe, etc.. they were successful, no?
March 12 at 10:37am • Like


Appendix 3An Important Point!!
An important thing that stood out for me was when Adesola said about the theories being someone else's view and that it doesn't necessarily have to be true in your mind as you may feel it doesn't work for you. You should take out who you are and take things from other people you feel relate to you.

Appendix 4Betty Wells
Please could you complete my survey, I promise to return the favour, I've only got 3 replies so far:(. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/26G2JRJ
Cheers
Betty xx
Motivating Students Survey
www.surveymonkey.com
Like • •Follow Post • Share • March 19 at 9:00am
 • Hannah Mairi Stewart
Hey....right I have only had about two responses (thank you who ever you are) I have filled in about 10 so please please please just fill mine in!!!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XZNWMDR
thanks!

The Importance of CPD within the Arts and the impact it can have on your success within the industry
www.surveymonkey.com

Appendix 5
4 comments:
Rosemary McGuinness20 March 2013 03:22
Hi Melanie - the title you propose should accurately reflect your professional experience and knowledge which comes from the learning you have already done and the the knowledge you will gain from doing the inquiry. The title you are proposing is somewhat misleading.... if I saw that title I would expect the professional to be from the Information Technology or Mobile Communications Industry.... There is nothing there that suggests your actual knowledge and learning.... I suggest you go back to the drawing board ... Best regards

Melanie Brown20 March 2013 11:36
Hi Rosemary,
I couldn't agree more! After looking back at my suggested title and receiving feedback from other people, I realise how misleading it is. Hannah's comment below has helped me see that my title needs to relate to my learning experiences within my chosen industry which is of course performance. I am interested in how networking sources can be used to widen and develop success in the performance industry! So with all that in mind...back to the drawing board! Thank you for you help.
Delete

Hannah Stewart20 March 2013 09:29
Hi Mel
I agree with Rosemary. What about the title of musical theatre? As in essence that is what your focusing on, networking with in Musical Theatre? Also this is what your previous training has been in? Perhaps you could play with adding words around musical theatre to make it more specific to your inquiry?
Delete
Melanie Brown20 March 2013 11:40
Hi Hannah. Thank you so much for your response. Along with Rosemary's response, it has helped make everything a lot clearer for me! Your right, my background is performance and that is what I am basing my inquiry on...but of course it is the whole networking aspect in this industry that really intrigues me! It’s trying to find the right words! Thank you for your help! X

6A Tools of professional inquiry

Tools Of Inquiry

Please find my pilot survey below!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L62XFT3

Tasks 5 have helped me understand the importance of conducting an ethically sound inquiry. These observations will help guide me when building my pilots.

I have already put together a pilot survey which I posted on the Facebook page. I would appreciate it if you could find the time to fill it out please :) (link above). By gaging people's responses I can play around with the survey questions and find out which ones work best. This is my first attempt and I look forward to seeing the results.

One important thing I discovered was to make sure you make your surveys user friendly. Myself and Hannah picked up on this when we came together last week. Whilst filling out surveys, I found that the more complicated the questions, the less willing I was to fill it out as it was taking up too much of my time. Yes of course a certain amount of your time must be given but do people have the time to write an essay? To me, a survey should be simple and to the point. I feel that long questions (sometimes involving more than one question) can be misleading and allow for too much variable. How are we then able to produce averages on outcomes when people have been allowed to veer off on to irrelevant subjects? (This of course being are fault). People may have a different opinion on this but this is something I will try and remember when conducting all inquiries. This is why It is so important to pick the correct questions so that we are able to get the information we want...this could also mean more people fill out the survey because its not too much hard work for them!

Tonight I am meeting with a few members of my SIG group to discuss pilots. We can use this time to experiment with ideas and advise each other on methods we see to be successful.

I will blog about our SIG discussion after the session this evening :)