"The world is presented to us as an array of qualities we learn to experience. Meaning is construed from those qualities by virtue of the experiences their features generate." Eisner, 179.

*Required Readings and Activities

Module Two: Data Collection and Analysis and Interpretation

2.1 Collects and analyzes observational data from several sources - During this module you will have an opportunity to DO qualitative research. Before you "get into the field", you need to submit your research protocal to the AU Human Subjects Review Board. Prepare a one page summary of your research including the background to the problem, the problem and the purpose of your study. You'll also need to explain basic methodology eg. you will be observing and interviewing. For this project you need to plan to work with people over 18 years of age so you'll have an exempt status from the HSRB. The literature review of dissertation abstracts plus the qualitative studies you have evaluated will give you some sense of direction. Also, the stories about your "wonderment" should have helped to provide some focus - also, I am willing to talk with you about any questions you have. The HSRB exempt forms are available from the Office of Scholarly Research Web Page . If you have trouble, make sure to email mpearson@andrews.edu or freed@andrews.edu.

A. Readings: Merriam, Chap 5; Eisner, Chap 8; Clandinen, Chap 4.

Saban, Ahmet. 2000. Professional Growth Through Self-Reflection and Writing. Education. Spring, 2000. Vol. 120. Issue 3, p512, 7p.

B. Web and Other Links:

Data Collection - Ratcliff
*The Savannah Story - You'll need to scroll down through some information about observations (which you may find very helpful!) to find the Savannah Story.
*The Bench as a Symbol

C. Discussion Starters/Reflective Journal Topics: (Choose one topic and start or continue a discussion thread.)

1. How do researchers decide what to "look for"? What kinds of things should they look for?

2. One sage has said, "I wouldn't have seen it, if I hadn't believed it." How can a researcher be sure he/she has "seen" what they think they've seen?

D. Experiences/Activities:

*1. Walk about a familiar place and try to discover "symbols". Are there objects that have particular meaning just for those who use the space? What are people wearing? Does the "uniform" have a story? Write a description of what you see. Share "why" you saw what you did. Might others see something different. Why? Submit your thoughts to the bulletin board discussion.

*2. In a group of at least four people, do the activity Observational Perspectives 1. Discuss why you saw what you saw. How did previous experiences influence you? Choose one of the numbers and submit your observations to the bulletin board.

3. To get a sense of your comfort level for "closeness" in your observations do the activity Observational Perspectives 2. share your response with others in your research group.

4. To practice both describing and illiciting prior experiences, do the activity Observational/Perspectives 3. Reflect on "interpretation" and its' inherent subjectivity.

E. Portfolio Documentation:

1. Write a thick description of a place you recently visited (observe for at least 1/2 hour). Make your notes in two columns; one for observations and the other for your interpretation - answering "what might 'that' mean?" question.