My provisional positionality statement
The ‘trigger point’ for me- on my journey on this PgCert course has focused my ‘Action Research’ project, stems from my intervention unit; below is an extract from my positionality statement that has fuelled me to explore the issue of ‘unseen disabilities’; this has anchored my resolve in how I will deliver my future teaching practice and engagement with future students.
(this statement will change, I’m sure- during my research journey)
Date: 20/10/2024
My positionality Part 2
Date: 08/01/2024
Introduction
The 23/24 Pg Cert ‘Inclusive Practice’ unit 2 has created a safe space for students to openly talk freely and explore three themes that affects us, socially, politically, and racially. They are, Disability, Faith, and Racism. With the references to Crenshaw, K (1991) on ‘intersectionality’, Aziz, R (1997) ‘Feminism and the challenge of racism’ and Brown, C (2023) ‘Empowering Voices on Disability’. These initial articles and videos have had a powerful influence on how I view my teaching practice. It has forced me to re-evaluate my students needs in how they engage with the performance and stage design subjects that I teach in support of the ‘Performance Programme’ curricular at Central Saint Martins. It has made me see the importance of ‘inclusivity for all’ a term that I have phrased within my PgCert blogs that I now make a principle I will try to adhere to; to try to ensure that I support all my student needs. With closer attention to the intersections that Kemberly Crenshaw has made us aware of, with her written articles and films, that gender, sex, mental health, disability, faith, racism can be challenges for students.
There are students who will not reveal their disabilities publicly and cause ‘barriers to inclusion.’ -preventing them to fully engage with their course and receive total support from their tutors. Without vocalizing their difficulties, these ‘unseen’ student issues can cause future difficulties for individuals and can be detrimental on their education.
We, as teachers, move among the student community and are not aware of the ‘unseen’ issues that students are facing. I would like to address this ‘unseen’ barrier that is preventing us for ‘inclusivity for all’ students. I intend to pursue this with vigour with the use of a ‘teaching tool’ that will aid a student to reveal their unseen disability in an environment that does not cause embarrassment but with the aim to help and support them at Central Saint Martins.
27/10/2024
Here are my initial planning notes and action for my teaching practice that came out of my first workshop at elephant castle lesson date: 27/10/2024 and first Online tutorial with John O’Reilly 11/10/2024
Below are my initial written notes , observations, images, my actions and thoughts at my first workshop class ‘Action Research’ at Elephant Castle date: 11/10/2024
My action research cycle-first draft 11/10/2024
Above is my Action Research Cycle first draft 11/10/2024
THE CHANGE
What am I planning to do.
To do further research on the cube design and the various possibilities in how students, technicians and academic staff can use it to support their teaching practice. To get further feedback from fellow technicians in it manufacturing and use. To create a teaching environment and questionnaire for the classes that I will deliver.
The above notes are my immediate reactions in how I will engage in this research. My next blog will show how I have solidified, I hope-the next step in exploring unseen disabilities and a methodology in place to deliver it.
I have also added an ‘Action Research Project: Unseen Disabilities. Cycles of Research’ Padlet as a guide in how I will complete objectives. Please find attached QR Code or use link:
https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/storage.googleapis.com%2Fpadlet-30-days%2Fpadlet_export_store%2Fsh0bpmsp8r1vibyg%2Fslideshow_pdf%2F1736984501%2Fpage_size_a4_orientation_landscape_remove_background_true_remove_qr_code_false_multi_instance_export_true%2Faction-research-project-unseen.pdf/71hH/Fbq6AQ/AQ/62d29d58-e07a-4682-80c3-f84f86d8b5a4/2/d37BvqSwR1