Update on my interviews and data collection:
I have done a 'cold call' of sorts, and emailed eight high school dance directors across the country to participate in my study. I have received 1 response, and 3 more 'interested/maybes/time permitting' (I am gently nudging and following up). No response from the other 4 even after a kind follow up email.
So, the show must go on. Instead of reaching out to more strangers, I decided to let the strangers come to me! I joined a Facebook group called 'Elementary and Secondary School Dance Teachers Network.' I made a posting about my research and a call to action to see if anyone would be interested in participating. It has only been 5 hours since I made the post, and I got 3 new participants with many years of teaching experience who are eager to chat about dance assessment with me! The joys of the Internet...
I am very much looking forward to tying up the bow to this data collection phase of my research, so I can begin comparing everyone's thoughts and practices. I am curious how everyone else's data collection is going, and if you have had to make any adjustments? I constantly remind myself that research (and life in general) is like an improvised dance; we need to continually listen to our surroundings, open our eyes, adjust accordingly, and keep reacting to the moment to continue growing. It can be scary and intimidating with all of its countless possibilities, but also incredibly satisfying and enlightening. Onward!
