This blog is created to support conversation generated from and about the learning process for MA Professional Practice (MAPP) in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries (ACI) at Middlesex University.

Saturday 15 December 2012

Breathe and keep going with the stuff for submission



‘The heart of language is not “expression” of something antecedent, much less expression of antecedent thought. It is communication; the establishment of cooperation in an activity in which there are partners.’ (Dewey 1958 p.179)

I love this quote because it reminds me not to be frightened of the language of writing. The words I write are not a representation of how healthy my (antecedent: before expressed) thoughts are. The words are just tools for communication – a collaboration of understanding.

So do not write feeling you have to prove something, write to explain what you know.

Controversial maybe but it helps my dyslexic mind (or somatic inclinations) to allow myself not to feel I am fighting for validation of me, when I am fighting for words.

What do you think?

Adesola

Dewey, J. (1958) Experience and nature, New York,: Dover Publications.


Sunday 9 December 2012

Stepping back from your own writing...or not


A quick post because I know you are all busy writing your drafts. I was looking at a draft of an Area of Learning and giving feedback. I thought about one section of writing, “yes, you are explaining the emotional value of the learning too.” The words ‘emotional value’ reminded me of an evaluation sheet I use. It was developed at Creative Partnerships, London North, when I worked there we used it. I use it now for feedback on workshops I gave or whatever. I suddenly thought feedback sheets ask for an analysis of something. They are tools that can be used for analysis and in this they have something to offer the thinking process.

The sheet I use asks for comments on:
What you would like to keep or do again
What you would like to let go of / try to avoid
What you want to shout about / tell someone else about
What you need more time to mull over, or develop a strategy for
What actions or next steps you would take
What the emotional value of the situation was

No particular order to these but I think they are all useful to ask yourself when you are writing your Areas of Learning (Module One) or your project plan (Module Two).  Maybe you have a feedback process you use. Do you think it would be useful too?

I have been writing a paper and experiencing my ups and downs. I wanted to share something I wrote last year on a BAPP blog post about the ups and downs of writing and feedback in case it resonates with you!!

My own process for receiving feedback cycle!!

1) Oh, my Goodness that’s right its not quite what I want to say, the feedbacker underlines a much better way to do it than I did!
2) I can’t do it!! I can’t change it, maybe I just can’t achieve this!
3) Wait a minute maybe she (the feedbacker) doesn’t really know what she is talking about. I think my work is fine.
4) I feel really sick (or other cultural / social condition that means I should stay in bed, etc… or other excuses for feeling not up to things)
5) O.K. that’s better, I think I’ve really improved the work, I can see I need to develop X / that bit etc…
6) Oh my God, I’m brilliant; she (the feedbacker) is amazing to be able to have seen my amazing potential.
7) New feedback
1) Oh, my God that’s right it’s not quite what I want to say 
2) I can’t do it….
Etc…. repeat steps 1-7 again

In the end I think OK I’ve done the best I can with in reason and the parameters of getting the shopping, getting the washing done and not going crazy. I can defend what I have tried to do so I just have to let it free into the world and hope I spelt it all ok!!!

What do you think?
Adesola