This is mainly intended for students on WBS3730
I have been following the work of my advisee students on the first module for BAPP Arts. I thought I would like to give some general feedback to them, and any other student on WBS3730 (the first module).
In looking through hundreds of Blogs and comments I think some examples of good practice have emerged for me, and I would like to share these with you to help you, and to stimulate your thinking on these themes. It may be worthwhile to spend the time to look across the whole BAPP Arts Blog-sphere (even previous years) to see if what I am saying holds true for you. I would be really happy to discuss.
Engagement
I believe that the frequency of blogging and commenting vary considerably across the BAPP Arts Blog-sphere, and this can be due to a whole range of factors. But in terms of the quality of thinking and the development of ideas and skills, I think I can see a direct correlation between those who blog and comment frequently and good quality work. Testing out ideas, honing skills, reflecting on what others say … all lead to developing intellectual skills that come through in the quality of work. So engaging the Blog-sphere is very worthwhile.
Quality of Blogs and Comments
Again, there seems to be a great range of stylistic approaches to Blogs and comments. One of the greatest challenges is to be supportive while maintaining a critical perspective on what someone is Blogging. It is too easy (and there are quite a few examples) of individuals simply saying ‘yeah, I like you Blog’. Far harder is to find a mature and critical, yet supportive approach to someone’s Blog. There are some great examples of this, some from very early on in the semester, so do go and search them out and form your own views.
Using comments to improve the skills of critique
I have found some excellent examples of Blog comments. Tracking back through an individual’s commenting I can see some individuals developing their critical skills (assessment; evaluation; reflection). It would be very worthwhile to explore different people’s comments to see these developing skills and to learn from their practice.
Commenting to encourage feedback on your Blog form others
At a basic level, I can see very clearly that individuals who are commenting frequently are also getting far more comments back. So in addition to benefitting from the critical practice of commenting, some individuals are also getting a tremendous amount of feedback from others because they are engaged and commenting frequently.
Supporting others
Notwithstanding the theme above, there are also some great examples of people lending support and encouragement to others via their comments. It is a professional dilemma that we are, in the same moment, competing (for work, for grades, for recognition) and cooperating (to develop our support networks). The earlier we are in our careers (whatever the field or discipline) the more we need support. Early career professional therefore (I believe) need to get into the habit of constantly growing professional networks, and consciously improving current networks. Giving real support to others through comments is an easy way to grow you professional network and to practice the skills needed.
Working with the Conventions
Lastly, one of our ideas about professional ‘practice’ is that it is largely made up of iterative practices (practices that develop over time). These can be built on ‘conventions’ (the way it is done now) and ‘conventional knowledge’ (what we all know in a given field or discipline). So within our Blogs we can reveal and discuss conventions; our shared experiences; our shared knowledge. A small number of Blogs have been successful it demonstrating how the ideas being discussed relate to conventions (either conforming to, or arguing against the conventions). Being aware of, and being able to relate our ideas to the conventions, is an important professional attribute. Simply having a view on something is largely irrelevant. How it compares or contrasts with conventional knowledge and perspectives is far more worthwhile and useful (?).
Final thought. Emulate, don’t copy! The observations and comments above are to say ‘go and find examples of what I am suggesting and say whether it makes sense to you’. In the past I have included links to examples, but I think it is more useful for you to find these yourself. Where you find examples of good practice, engage that individual in discussion, they have something you want! If you can learn from their approach then do so. To emulate good practice is a great method of learning. I hope this Blog post is of interest and helps, but it would be great also to know of other good things you have come across, or if you disagree with something I have said (academics really do like people disagreeing – we like it - that’s why we encourage it!).
