Now that I have resumed my MEd eLearning course at the University of Hull, it seemed the perfect opportunity to make use of this (otherwise) dead site. I’m very pleased to be resuming my studies on the course and look forward to meeting some new people over the next few weeks. The start date of the course took me by surprise a little, so I intend to play catch up this week. I aim to make my first three blog posts before the week is out. Hopefully life/work will permit this goal, but perhaps writing it down will help.
This first post considers the following three areas
- What you feel you need to know about research …
- Notes on some research that has influenced your own professional work or your learning
- Activities within your workplace which you consider to be research and what and who they influence
As this was task is to consider ‘initial reflections’, I have first answered the questions before engaging with the literature.
What you feel you need to know about research …
So far research has been an important part of my studies and career. As part of my undergraduate I needed to write a dissertation based on a unique area of research. For this I interviewed 22 people using standard qualitative methodology. This was helpful in getting my first job and as part of that role I wrote many research and campaign papers using both qualitative and quantitative methodology.
For better or worse, I have am working on research and evaluation in my current role. Hopefully this module will support me in developing my research skills.
Notes on some research that has influenced your own professional work or your learning
Similar to Justine, I think informal research plays an important and influential role in my careers. Part of my role is to observe our volunteers, providing them coaching advice to develop their skills. I think continued professional development (CPD) is a form of self-research and reflection that forms an important part of my career. I think these elements are very influential.
Activities within your workplace which you consider to be research and what and who they influence
Considering a purely formal role, research influences a lot of what our service does. Research into peer assisted learning has helped us back and develop the PASS scheme at the University of Hull. Its ongoing evaluation helps us make our system better and prove it is working. Our Team continually evaluates all of our activities. It helps us to ensure we are doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time. Where areas for improvement are identified – it helps us get it right the next time. This is vital for any service.