Critical Commentary- Module WBS 3835

Reflecting on this module, ‘Project Planning and Development,’ and looking back over my diary entries, I can see I have progressed a long way in a short space of time. Having had little knowledge of how to go about planning a research project, I have had to work hard to achieve the understanding I now have of the different research methods, and how to approach a project of my own.

I began this module later in the term than expected due to a work placement abroad, and was only able to attend one campus session due to this contract. This has meant I have heavily relied upon the blogs of other students and advisors to get me up to date with my learning. These blogs have been an invaluable tool for me, whilst learning from home, and provided answers to many of my questions, particularly those blogs that have been very active. The accessibility of the blogs provides a solid support network by which I can ask for advice and also offer support to others. Speaking to my advisor via phone and email has also been a key method of clearing up my confusion, and one I am very grateful for.

The module handbook that was supplied to me by email has been a core text and vital tool in my learning process. The twelve-point format guide, included in the handbook was very useful when writing my project proposal, and ensured that I critically discussed every aspect of my research approach. This was particularly useful, in advising relevant literature to me that explained certain research approaches in more depth. Judith Bell’s book “Doing Your Research Project.” was also very insightful, particularly as a first-time researcher, embarking on a small-scale project. The chapters are well organised, distinguishing each step of research preparation clearly. These learning tools have equipped me as an independent learner/researcher, to access all the relevant information needed to independently plan my own project.

I have found the activities included in the module to be fairly well explained, although I would have liked the criteria to be a little more specific. Having completed them, they have been a useful resource. Activity one, the glossary of research terms helped me to understand the multitude of research terms I had no idea existed, such as quantitative and qualitative data. I found it particularly helpful to define each term in my own words as this way I could ensure I had understood the true meaning, and refer to them when writing my proposal. I have also learnt the advantages and the drawbacks of being a worker/researcher, which has helped me consider the effects of this position during my research.

Deciding on a research topic and title seemed like a huge obstacle to me in the beginning of the module. I spent hours brainstorming areas of interest that were involved with my professional practice, and trying to simplify them into a project that was feasible. Relaying my favourite topics to other students and my tutor was without doubt an invaluable method of getting to the point I am now. The best piece of advice I was given was to choose something I am passionate about, and want to write about. The research approaches and data collection techniques have been vast and bewildering at times, and I have often wanted to run away from them, but by looking closely at the advantages and disadvantages of each one and how they will aid me in acquiring the data I need, it became clear to me very quickly which ones were suitable for my research, and which were not.

This project has also emphasised the importance of ethics to me, when dealing with human subjects. I had very little understanding of this topic in relation to research before this module. As I will be dealing with children and young adults in my project, it was vital I understood the regulations and guidelines regarding this and outline how I would co-here to them. This will help me greatly when completing my research.

Looking back at my first diary entry, I wrote ‘I must remember I am simply learning HOW to research, not actually DOING the research itself.’ I have had to keep reminding myself of this throughout the module. Completing this module has really highlighted to me the vital importance of planning ahead and organising my thoughts before charging straight into a project. When you are enthusiastic about a project it is a challenge to have the patience to plan it carefully, but having realised the benefits it can give, I feel encouraged to apply more preparation to my everyday life.

I have found this module much more challenging than the last, especially as I have had less time to complete it. The importance of time management when doing part-time study is something I need to place more emphasis on next term, as I do not want to be rushing my final report due to work commitments, so must prioritise. I have been working full-time on planning my proposal and become totally immersed in the world of research. Now it is completed I feel a great sense of achievement. It has required a large amount of effort to get my work to the standard I always strive for, I am very critical of myself and always push for the best result possible, so I wait to see whether this has paid off.

Rationale for Award Title

BA Hons in Professional Practice (Performing Arts)

At the age of eighteen, I was awarded a full scholarship for the diploma course at Cambridge Performing Arts at Bodywork Co. Dance Studios. After studying there for three years, I achieved a Professional National Diploma in Musical Theatre (NVQ Level 6.) Before attending college, I always intended to pursue a career in dance, although the intensive training I received at Bodywork, in all three disciplines of dance, singing and acting, helped me to realise my potential as a triple-threat performer and the advantages this can bring.

I recognised that to become highly skilled in all three disciplines opened up many new doors to me in terms of work available, and the career I intended to pursue. Since leaving college last year, I have been living and working as a self-employed performer and have worked extensively within the performance industry, most recently playing the lead female role in Cork Opera House’s spring musical ‘Westside Story.’ This offered me the opportunity to experience working practically in all three performance disciplines within a professional company, which is something I have always aspired to achieve.

I have chosen my professional practice title to be ‘performing arts’, because this is a field of practice I have come to be immensely passionate about the more I learn and experience in the workplace. Since graduating from college, my horizons have been broadened with the scope of work there is available for trained performers. The performing arts can be applied to so many aspects of the industry: theatre, television, radio, presenting, recording, commercial tours, music videos and so on. I like the fact that my skills are transferable and do not want to be categorized into working solely within one discipline.

I hope that this title will demonstrate to future employers that I am a determined individual with a vast amount of vocational expertise and academic knowledge in this field, together with having gained a higher level of cognitive skills during the course.

At present I intend to continue my career as a performer, however my future aspirations involve passing the expertise and enthusiasm I have acquired for this subject onto others. I aspire to develop a successful performing arts school that will aim to teach and inspire students with the creativity of the arts. This is the area of performing that my research project focuses on, helping me to achieve my future goals.

My project title is: An investigation into the creation of a successful performing arts school and how the development of this school can be sustained. I hope to enhance my knowledge of how to create a successful business within the performing arts, enabling me to develop and sustain the interests of such a business in the future. The participants in the research will also gain valuable knowledge and insight from their involvement.

It is important that my award title incorporates my prospective ambitions as well as my current professional practice. My past experiences in education have all included the ‘performance arts’, so it is essential in my mind that my award title and research project correspond with this. I have been on such a journey to reach this point in my studies, I know that on completion of this course, the award title BA Hons in Professional Practice (Performing Arts) is very much appropriate with regards to my previous training, my present circumstance and most importantly my future progression.