Object-elicitation

As part of my PhD study, I am using semi-structured interviews with object-elicitation – a variation of photo-elicitation – as a research method to direct the discussion around the research questions (What do you value? How do you improve your practice?). So here goes… the object above illustrates for me how I developed my used of questioning, discussion and analysis in the classroom using product analysis/evaluation, mystery objects etc. It was as chance encounter with the object at the first Specialist Schools Trust (that latterly became the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) conference. It wasn’t part of a conference session, but an incidental object from lunch! There was an opportunity to network and a peruse the exhibition stalls. Hence the need for the object (which, I’ve yet to explain!).

The object is designed to clip to a plate and hold a wine glass! It’s used for conferences and posh dinner parties where you need to keep a hand free. Obvious when you know what it is, isn’t it? But it is a great object to get a discussion going and prompt analytical thinking. As a teacher, you can use prompt questions- “What are the parts?” What do you think the different parts do? (i.e. their function)” “What is it made from?” “Why do you think the material(s) have been used?” “How might it have been made?” “Why do you think it is made in two parts?” etc…

So this is just a little of example of how an object reveals my values and thinking, as both a teacher and a designer/technologist; as well as how it influence my practice. I’m expecting that objects that teacher who I interview will choose might include: products they have made, products made by their learners, teaching and learning resources/aids, learners design or written work, assessment materials etc. I could be anything really. What I learn from this about professional development (other than the techniques developed) is that CPD can be informal, as well as formal, and unplanned, as well as planned.

Part of my methodological assumption is that tools/artefacts/objects, whether they are physical or conceptual, mediate human activity. In other words, I’m working within a constructivist framework (e.g. Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, etc.) and influenced by Engestrom’s Human Activity System. If you are interested, read my PhD proposal!!