I’ve bought, borrowed and rediscovered books so I’m starting out on the “you’re going to read more than you have ever done before” route. Well actually I think its not so much “read more” as “read and note more”. It is taking some time to get through a book on qualitative writing although I do have to say it is interesting and making me think about the shape my research might take and how radical its final form might be; I am drawn to narratives and anecdotes but realise i’ll need to set this up nearer the beginning so i get a good range of data and examples..but how do i do this? how much time will I be able to spend in the field and indeed where is the field?
I am also attending some courses in research methodology and that is so much easier; just turn up and particpate and do the homework.. with selected short readings and questions… I could say it is displacement from the real business of research but I do need to do this even if i allow it to take more time than strictly necessary…
But still not enrolled so I am unable to access the library or even more problematic the computer site.. there is a virtual learning environment (VLE) where I could virtually learn but I can’t get there yet.. so its real books and real classrooms and real people at present.
My first meeting with my supervisor and a list of new refeences to chase up plus more reading! am I ready to make contact with these groups as suggested – do I have enough idea of what i am doing – what if i blow it now and can’t go back – I just don’t quite feel i have enough credibility to discuss what I plan to look at now so I am putting this on hold.
Meanwhile my partner has finished an OU module and is FREE! no more studying then but I have only just started and have four years stretching ahead – I hope we can make it together..
