Action Research Project: Final Presentation Slides and Closing Reflections

Presentation Slides

Reflective Journey

What changes did the project go through?

I went from believing that teaching that was inherently immersive and engaging would be better.

I was trying subconsciously, and to some extent consciously, to follow a Master’s research project outline as this is what I teach, and although I read in depth into the literature, time constraints prevented me from writing up a full literature review and discussion section. 

What worked and what didn’t? What were the strengths in your work? What needed more practice?

The survey design should have been split on the first day to make the analysis easier. Using AI to analyse the percentages proved fundamentally time-wasting. The fact that I could calculate it fairly easily myself gave me confidence in my ability to use quant. I struggled at times with NVivo and found it very clunky, and although it did help me to organise my themes, I will need to practice more to use it to its full advantage. 

Overall, I feel my strengths lie in my love of research, ability to read and synthesise information, and attention to detail, although at times my perfectionism was also a hindrance.

What inspired you / what brought you joy? What can you celebrate?

I was pleased that, regardless of the platform, the students enjoyed learning from me. Even for the students who found it somewhat cognitively distracting, they were all very excited to try something new. 

What caused blocks or barriers, and how did you overcome them?

My main barrier was time due to many concurrent projects.  I overcame it by working late every evening and weekend for several weeks. 

Have you experimented enough and gained any skills?

I was happy to spend time experimenting and developing my skills. I teach Advanced Research Methods at the Fashion Business School, however with an undergraduate degree in law and a postgraduate degree in journalism, I have never actually conducted my own research in this way.  I decided to use mixed methods, both to triangulate the study’s findings and to practice these skills, including reflexive thematic analysis, so that I can better teach them to my students.  

I can now use NVivo and will continue to practice. 

What ideas has it given you for the future?

I am now interested in pursuing further postgraduate research opportunities. I am interested in speaking with UAL Online, as the metaverse could offer students in fully remote learning situations the opportunity to connect with their peers in an embodied way.