QoR Synopsis

 My main approach for this module was use of the library as at the beginning of the module I lacked confidence in my ability to find research material given how little I used it during my undergraduate degree. I used this module as an opportunity to strengthen my research skills to find relevant books and journals.

Additionally, I used lecture notes as a reminder of what was said during each lecture and my personal main takeaways. I found the lecture time to be really stimulating for my focus and some of my best ideas/thoughts originated whilst sat listening to presentations and discussions.

I didn’t use a sketchbook much, only a few times throughout the project but when I did, I used it for visual development as well as a way to understand my thoughts in a visual manner. I found it useful for mind mapping and ‘play’ purposes, which is how I developed my idea both conceptually and as a visual outcome.

Initially the most challenging aspect of the module for me was understanding the point of what we were being asked to do both in general for the module as well as during the group sessions. I left the first few with both a physical and metaphorical headache and didn’t really know where to start. However, as I started to get further into the module and experimented with different forms of note taking and expansive thinking, I became more comfortable with the unit and the most challenging aspect quickly became the level of reading required.

I am not a quick nor comfortable reader and having been diagnosed with dyslexia during this module I lost further confidence in my reading ability. As a result, I found it difficult to keep up with the readings as well as developing my individual work.

Whilst the joint group sessions for this unit were a challenge to understand, they were useful in understanding the viewpoint of others and thinking creatively/freely. I gained some strong ideas and different ways of working and thinking which was helpful given the nature of the unit. It forced me to push myself out of my comfort zone and ask myself questions I didn’t necessarily know the answer to which helped to grow an expansive way of thinking.

I started using Blogger back in the second year of my undergraduate degree so I am very used to using a blogging method and it is something I find incredibly useful.

I found that trying to keep my reflection within a sketchbook to be a challenge, both because I’m not a strong speller and because it allows me to organise my work in a way that makes sense to me. I don’t have to confine myself to the page. I enjoy working within a sketchbook as a way of thinking visually but I find - especially for this unit - that blogging works really well as a space for me to understand my own thoughts and reflect on where I am at and where I want to go. It also makes documenting research a lot easier and generally keeps everything in one place, in the correct order.

Firstly, I would have conducted research in a more varied manner outside of reading. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time available to do further research however it possibly would have been helpful in visualising an outcome and experimenting more throughout the unit. The lack of visual experimentation itself is also something I would change if I had more time. That being said, I’m quite surprised and incredibly happy with the outcome of my research and answers I found. My understanding of the impotence of research and what research looks like is a high success.

Specifically speaking, as a creative with a keen interest in education and communication, my research has allowed me to underpin the key elements to inclusive education, which I can develop and grow throughout my career. 

Further to this, my research into how I can use materiality as a means for inclusive education has gone someway to changing the way I think about making. Using the element of human curiosity and individuality in order to produce a piece of work that stood out and drew attention was really rather interesting. This experiment was the true beginning of this project.