Saturday 7 September 2013

Video Diaries

I am using some of the ideas generated from this research project with pupils in my current class - they are all high functioning and on the Autism Spectrum. We are using video diaries this term to reflect on our week. Some of the resources I use to support this can be found below. In my current use of these diaries, I think it is important that pupils are provided with additional visuals to help with deficits in memory and imagination. Before making a video recording we look back at the timetable for the week and maybe some photographs that have been taken. While this is the way I am using this method, there are other possibilities such as focusing on the discussion of a key event that has taken place e.g. swimming or a tantrum.

It is important that a wide range of choices are provided when using this method to reduce social anxiety. I give pupils a range of choices that seem to work well and allow for maximum engagement including:

 * adult holding the camera vs pupil holding the camera
 * adult asking the questions vs pupils reading the questions off the sheet on their own
 * pupils using the structures provided to complete their diary independently vs being part of a group with extra support





 

Tuesday 4 June 2013

IVSA Paper - Visual Narrative

This is the draft about to be published in the International Visual Sociology Society Newsletter. Never had anything published before so this is a step in right direction. First draft of this was first ever post on this blog. Tommy

Visual narrative TG05 final version (1).doc by Tommy McGovern

Monday 27 May 2013

Play and Friendship (non-autism narratives)

Here is tonight's work on the concept of play and friendship that came through in the narratives produced by children who were not on the autism spectrum. It is very interesting as this theme was non-existent in the narratives produced by the autism group.

Mainstream Narrative Concept of Play and Narrative by Tommy McGovern

Sunday 26 May 2013

Reading of Visual Narratives Written by Children (not on the autism spectrum)

Today I finally found time to go through the visual narratives created by the children not on the autism spectrum. I plan to write it up over the course of this week but some interesting themes emerged:
 *play and friendships
 *environmental awareness
 *curricular enjoyment
 *celebration (of self and school)
*relationships with more powerful adults
 *curiosity (minor)
*reflecting on the past (minor)
 *informal rules (minor)


 

 The photograph below was taken by a child in school D. It seems to illustrate a theme across the rest of the narratives where children talk about the playground being a fun place. I will get the rest of this section written up as soon as possible.

 Tommy

Friday 17 May 2013

University of Stirling Education Conference Powerpoint

This is the presentation that I will give later today. For ethical reasons I cannot upload the videos that I will use to illustrate my points. If you want to discuss any of these points further please do not hesitate to leave me a message.

Conference Paper Visual Narrative by Tommy McGovern

Thursday 16 May 2013

Reading of the Visual Narratives Created by Children Identified as Being on the Autism Spectrum

I am using the information in this paper to present at the education conference at Stirling University this weekend. I am only at start of making sense of this data. I can't believe how rich the information is.

Visual Narratives Created by Pupils on Autism Spectrum by Tommy McGovern

Thursday 11 April 2013

Progress to Date

I haven't posted on here for a while as I have been busy reading and working on things that are not ready to be put to paper. Anyway, I was asked to complete a progress report of my research to date for the university panel. The space they provided would not allow tables and a table is by far the easiest way to show the progress and tasks I have been working on. I have decided to post the link to this thread in that page instead. I will get some work up by end of the month :)

Progress to Date by Tommy McGovern

Sunday 13 January 2013

Theoretical Position

This is my initial writings on my theoretical position. I still have a long way to go on this but am quite happy with the start I have made. This will be part of a wider section that will include looking at the child as an agent. I am finding the book by Claudia Castaneda really useful for this: http://www.amazon.com/Figurations-Bodies-Worlds-Directions-Studies/dp/0822329697 I hope to have a decent piece on agency by next week. As always I will be continually refining these sections. Tommy

Theoretical Framing by Tommy McGovern

Tuesday 8 January 2013

You Forgot to Ask Me: The Experiences of Pupils Identified as Being on the Autism Spectrum in the Primary School

This is the proposal for the project I have been sharing here. It is my doctoral project and it has changed a bit since the proposal stage. I look back at parts of this and cringe and my incompetence - I am sure I will do the same with the finished product in years to come as well. However, for those who are following this, this proposal will give you a good introduction to the background of my posts. Doctoral Proposal

How I Gained Access to the Field of Research

Gaining Access to the Field of Research