If life is what happens to our plans, then dance is what happens to our steps.
ideas sometimes when you wait they come to you.

Preparation for starting with BAPP

Wednesday 30 September 2015

First week and Group Skype chat (First Tuesday of the Month Group Skype Chat)


OK its time to get started – I know its tempting to need to be told what to do by a voice and not just start your own way. In other words, its much nicer to get a one-to-one with an advisor and then say “I don’t know what to do’ and then she will tell you and you’ll do it. Then bling surrounded by rainbows and unicorns your on your BA journey again…

BUT the whole point is this course is about you developing and owning your professional development not about getting the full story on how to get an ‘A’ and doing it as directed.

The reason is that when we devised the course we were responding to the idea that once you have a job in an industry it is up to you to work out what you need to do to do the best job you can, or to fill in gaps, or to move towards what you are interested in. We are not trying to drop you in the deep-end here just trying to point out your already know the tools and actions for the kind of hussle you have to do for work and it is the same here. Look about, read-up, research, try things out. Unlike a work place setting where you might feel uncomfortable asking “well Ive found out I need a CRB check… but where do I get one I can pay for myself?” (I know they’ve changed the name now), non-the-less unlike the work place you do have someone to ask…that’s when you can talk to your advisor/tutor or even better come to a group skype and share with other people.

So if you want to talk to your advisor because you have no idea what to do or ask about it is not the time to talk to her. It is time to get yourself reading others blogs, looking at handbooks, researching and finding out. Remember this is not to look at these resources to look for the answer or the direction (thinking well if she won’t tell me maybe the books will tell me) …NO look at them to start to build your own direction, to start to form your own ideas, plans concepts. Its not like it’s a secret the handbook says what you have to hand-in and by when and gives suggestions for getting there and the blogs are thousands of posts by hundreds of people who have done this before you but the one thing no-body can do (or be) is an expert in your life – that’s your role.

So once you have some ideas, thoughts, ‘questions’ come and share them – post on your blog, comment on my post!! etc… come to a ‘First Tuesday of the month group Skype Chat’ to share your experience and get feedback on ideas and hear other people. We have one on Tuesday 6th October.

How it works I will call everyone so I (Adesola) need to have your skype address if I don’t already have it. If I don’t have it send me a request (my skype address is in the hand-book. Say who you are in the request). Then we have in morning chat (for those who work in the evenings or live East of UK!!) and an evening chat (for those who work during the day or live West of UK!!) Write in the comments below let me know which chat you want to attend.

10am (London time)
or
8pm (London time)

What do you think?
Comment please :)
Adesola


Saturday 26 September 2015

Why we cite

Here is a great  short video on why citation is important.
What do you think?
Adesola

https://youtu.be/mkn4SyhjylM



Friday 25 September 2015

Friday's skype orientation -

Tonight we had our returning orientation.
We talked about the importance of knowing ‘the obvious’:
  • When hand-in date is
  • What you need to hand-in
  • Making sure you are aware of different ways to exchange ideas and share learning (ie know the dates of campus and on line sessions, join the First Tuesday group Skype chats we have every month, &/or start a Special Interest Groups (SIGs) with other people interested in what you are doing, and get back into blogging!
We also talked about getting started by questioning your assumptions and allowing yourself to look beyond your comfort zone. Getting back into study is also about getting back into being comfortable not knowing (yet), having questions and trust you can be confused at times but you are on a journey. The ways to exchange listed above and your Advisors are all there to keep you from getting lost even when you are in a fog of confusion every now and then.

Asking what people got out of the conversation-
Lianne said ‘Don’t just stick to thinking about what you already know. I already knew about my own practice and I want to look beyond that’ …to see different perspectives on my inquiry question. She is posting about the conversation on her blog 

Lisa A. talked about the feeling of being confused and the importance of looking at your feedback from your last Module as a way to start back at things. She is posting on the conversation too.

Lisa M. said ‘it is good to hear other people talking from other modules’… somethings start to make sense as you move forward in your own module. She will be posting on her blog too.

We have another returning orientation tomorrow Saturday September 26th  in the morning at 11am.

What do you think? How are you getting ready to start back?


Adesola

Thursday 17 September 2015

Welcome back Module Twos and Threes

Welcome back and congratulations on keeping going in your BAPP journey. As you know the new term starts Monday 28th September. We have a welcome back group Skype chat Friday 25th at 8pm (time in London) or Saturday 26th at 11am (time in London)

Module Two is quite heavy going in terms of getting reading done. By the end of the module you will have a plan mapped out for an inquiry activity you will carry out in Module Three. But the whole of module two is there to help you build this. Do not think you have to know now what you want to do!! In fact, if you did then what would be the point of doing the module! You have to trust the process a bit more in this module. If you follow along the Reader, reading, tasks and join in with conversations ideas will emerge and that is the best way to develop what you want to do.

Those starting Module Three, you need to respond to your feedback from Module Two. Ultimately you need to send a written response but you might want to talk over ideas with your Advisor. You also need to check your participant consent form has final approval (by your Advisor) BEFORE  you start interviews or observations officially.  

Other house keeping: my advisor one-to-one times (office hours) are 10am to 11am week days. For weekends and other times by appointment (i.e. email me times you are available).

So now is a good time to just get yourself back in study mode. making a space to work physically, as well as in your schedule, and mentally. I am looking forward to a great term with you.

Please comment below to let me know if you plan to join in the skype chats. State which time you are join in with.

NOTE: If I do not have your current skype address you need to send me a request BUT within the request you must state who you are and that you are on BAPP or I will not be able to accept the request.

Looking forward to talking together September 25th or 26th

Adesola