The process was, in itself, not too daunting. The main restraint for me, as I imagine for all participants, at this time of year, is time, being the busiest time of year, with new students, and inductions, board of studies, etc.
For me I had the added difficulty of starting a new job, with most of my energy (& headspace) going to learning a new role and delivering a good service to students and academics. The timing of this change was both good and bad in equal parts. I have managed to see my way through the process, but not as well (and I certainly have not been able to devote the amount of time), I would have liked, to the process and reading. I hope that I am able to cover the cracks!
I am sure everyone has similar stories as we work with what life throws at us!
The plan of action
The action plan didn’t really get off the ground. The nice spread sheet that I started and the critical path analysis I planned to do was left behind! The Action plan mainly internalised with notes here and there. I am usually more organised than this, (or so I like to think!!).
Timeline
One of the first tasks was to identify a group of students to work with, once I had finally decided on my topic.
18/10/23: I wrote to the course leaders and tutors of the 5 courses that I work with.
I had responses from 2 of the members of staff that I contacted, and the ball was set rolling!
27/10/23: I would be working with the first year BA Fashion Photography students. 2 groups.
Date set for the 16/11/23. I originally asked for 1.5 hours for the session. This would allow for discussion about consent forms, Harvard experience, fun rubber duck poll of student’s confidence of referencing etc, and more time at the end for feedback and comments.
1/11/23: Told the session would have to be 45 minutes.
3/11/23: Session date rearrange by tutor for 9/11/23. I week early! Less than a week to get ready!!
Fortunately, I had the first task organised, but needed refining and the timing need to be altered to fit in 45-minute session. The second task I had already ideas for but needed to get these prepared pronto! Along with signing off consent forms, Feedback forms, Ethics forms etc!
I am sure you have all been there. It is not a week I would like to repeat too often!
I made it by the skin of my teeth, it has to be said.
Since that day in November, I question now, how have I achieved so little? I have had 2 months to get this done, why has it come to the last minute, to get everything in order? As I flick through my notes, I realise that I have done quite a bit of reading here and there, and started to write blogs, but never got round to finishing them, and tying the two together. So, I hope that the rushed ramblings now make some kind of sense.
9/11/23: 2 workshops took place. Students completed Feedback forms.
Email to tutors and library staff observing/ helping with field notes, to say thank you and ask to complete staff feedback form
15/11/23: Email reminder to staff re Feedback form
1/12/23: Email to students to remind about feedback if not already completed and asked if anyone interested in group discussion/interviews. No Response!