Some thoughts (geared particularly towards those on Module Three), hopefully useful to all at some point on your MAPP journey on not getting overwhelmed.
As you've been reading through the handbooks for your module of study this term it's understandable to feel that there's a lot of information to take in...there is! But remember that the handbooks are there to support you throughout the duration of the module. The handbooks (readers) for each module are to be read initially to offer you an overview of all that the module encompasses, but then to be dipped into in sections at a time. Taking the module in bite-size pieces makes it more manageable (it is do-able!) and less overwhelming.
As you progress through the modules you will notice that the handbooks become less task orientated and a little looser in structure as the emphasis of your study shifts more and more to you devising and undertaking your own research project. As advisors we are here to talk through your ideas, listen to challenges that have come up, offer further challenges by questioning you. As a community of learners, others on the MA are here to bounce ideas with, share your thoughts, concerns, revelations through your blogs, through our LinkedIn discussion group.
Those on module three, try not to get too caught up at this stage in the term with the details of your submission...your submission for this module is the sharing of your research - you cannot know what this will look like until you have completed the research. Try to take and enjoy the first stage of this module by becoming immersed in your field; continuing your reading/research through the literature, gathering your data, taking time to make your notes, continue your reflections as you go through this. You need data in order to have something to analyse in conversation with the literature and your own experiences. Enjoy your observations, interviews, being open to the experiences of the participants/environments of your research. Keep in mind your research questions yes, but don't attempt to analyse in the moment of gathering. We've talked about reflection during the group Skype calls...reflection takes time. Be in the moment of gathering your data, then allow yourself some space to reflect, keep reading, keep blogging your thoughts before you begin to analyse.
Thank you for this, I´m feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment and I am only starting module one! I´ve just read recently that maybe not everybody has the ability to reflect in depth, I´m determined not to be in that catogory, but I am wondering if my reflection is just surface level. I think I am a liitle apprehensive of discovering something I don´t like and don´t know how to fix. Samantha
ReplyDeleteHi Samantha! reflection is personal to you, try not to think of it in terms of whether your personal reflection is 'in depth' enough. It is through thinking about something - (having time to do that is important) that deeper understanding of what you have or are experiencing will reveal or make more sense to you. I expect that sounds a bit 'mystical' and perhaps I'm making this process seem a bit unclear. Through reading around what interests you and perhaps free writing your thoughts about how that links or contrasts with your experience; ideas and connections will surface.
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