Methods of Research

After reading Chapters 21-24 of J Gary Knowles and Ardra L. Cole's book, "Handbook of the Art in Qualitative Research I learn some interesting methods of research. Probably the method I found to be the most useful to me was in Chapter 22 about the use of collage as inquiry, particularly the process of "memoing." When I was working with my after school art club, Hempstead Community Based Art Group, I found that what the students discussions and interactions were very interesting to watch. The group was set up to help build better communication and quality of living and learning in the Hempstead community. The students wanted to take art into action by dealing with bulling, name calling, discrimination, racism, etc. It was through our discussions I felt that the students were actually moving further backwards then forwards though. I found that the same group of students who were trying to improve the culture in our school also were becoming more of the problem. I think if I would have had the students create a collage about their school it may helped them realize their own perspectives about their school. DANG IT. I really wish I would have thought about that a few years ago. I will defiantly do that next time.