Personal influence and interest-moving forward in research inquiry
Following this evenings Skype discussion it left me really considering my research inquiry further and not only the impact it will have upon me but also the wider impact within my practice and the research sector.
My main topic which I keep returning to is that of Males and Boys within dance training and education, this is an area I have returned to several times informally and once formally which for me leaves some unanswered questions. I spoke about this within my AoLs and this seems to resonate with me due to my own experiences as a young training dancer then dancer and now that within my practice.
I keep thinking how will this impact upon my (and wider) practice and am I letting my own views influence this (in terms of inquiry topic chosen) and I following my heart or head? there are many avenues which keep appearing when reading around the subject and I m sure and know that these will lead to further questions. But surely a part of the inquiry is that it is of interest to us. This would benefit my practice and that of others (hopefully) and add to the field of research surrounding this area.
I cant help but look at my other options and consider them still as these are of great interest to me. I know I need to take a step back and not let my personal experience get in the way, although I believe this is important as it influences my daily practice. I guess this is where the ethical considerations play a part and the choosing the correct and appropriate avenues of data collection.
Anyway to finish with I came across this quote when reading J.Bell & S.Waters (2014) Doing Your Research Project. A Guide For First-Time Researchers
My main topic which I keep returning to is that of Males and Boys within dance training and education, this is an area I have returned to several times informally and once formally which for me leaves some unanswered questions. I spoke about this within my AoLs and this seems to resonate with me due to my own experiences as a young training dancer then dancer and now that within my practice.
I keep thinking how will this impact upon my (and wider) practice and am I letting my own views influence this (in terms of inquiry topic chosen) and I following my heart or head? there are many avenues which keep appearing when reading around the subject and I m sure and know that these will lead to further questions. But surely a part of the inquiry is that it is of interest to us. This would benefit my practice and that of others (hopefully) and add to the field of research surrounding this area.
I cant help but look at my other options and consider them still as these are of great interest to me. I know I need to take a step back and not let my personal experience get in the way, although I believe this is important as it influences my daily practice. I guess this is where the ethical considerations play a part and the choosing the correct and appropriate avenues of data collection.
Anyway to finish with I came across this quote when reading J.Bell & S.Waters (2014) Doing Your Research Project. A Guide For First-Time Researchers
'Fieldwork understanding comes in layers; the longer we are in the environment, the more layers appear to surface, and the choice of when to close down, when to go with a definitive coding system or definitive analysis can be painful...' (Miles and Huberman, 1994, 62).
Garry thanks for your comment and blog. I personally consider dance for men and boys a brilliant inquiry subject. How can we encourage more boys to dance and break down gender stereotypes? As a drama teacher I would feel inclined to look into how men have been perceived in theatre generally and how our classes still create divide. My daughter loves South Korean dancer Jung Hoseok. Not formally taught and underground which taps into how dance evolves by sharing culturally, socially and through communication and interaction.
ReplyDeleteGarry I have just opened an ebook Equity and inclusion in physical education and sport. Thought it might appeal to you. BW Jane
ReplyDeleteThanks! And thank you for your comment!
DeleteHi Gary, thanks for these thoughts. I am also in a big debate with myself -head or heart, and I find myself thinking what will help me ?. I have had some success with teaching boys, especially late starters and notably an emerging choreographer and a specialist on teaching dance among some of my past students. I think your subject choice is really interesting and if you don't do it, I might. I do think that with the obvious gender difference our approaches would be very different. You perhaps are uniquely placed as you have been through it. For me my problem seems to be spoilt for choice.
ReplyDeleteCount me as a third voice for yes, this would be super useful. As a female teacher, I would very much love to hear more about the the experiences of male students so that I can teach them better!
ReplyDeleteGarry the idea of your research inquiry is very interesting and I believe that there should be more inquiries on that subject. As a dance teacher in Greece, I see the lack of boys and males in dance. In Greece, dance and especially classical dance is almost non-existent and only the contemporary dance is a little bit more "developed" . There are still prejudices and stereotypes for male dancers or boys trained as dancers. This is sad. I believe that inquires like yours may help, through the years, push aside those stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome quote at the end, also I really understand what you are talking about being a guy, and having achieved being professional as a dancer, and then teaching, and now trying to work on formal education. There is a lot of unchartered territory around that subject te seems. thank you!
ReplyDelete