And so it begins . . .

At least, I would like to think that it has begun - and hopefully has begun on a good note. My previous post includes my approved research proposal. Writing the proposal was without a doubt a push in the right direction, as it forced me to think about the road that I am heading on and where I want that road to end. I also know that the field of writing centers is not widely known, not even by me when I began a year ago, so the proposal will be a good starting point for me to understand who my audience is and the questions that need to be answered.

It was not only the research proposal that was upfront and personal, but interviews were up to bat as well, with all of us learning the art of a successful Q & A. This past week has definitely been eye-opening and will undoubtedly be beneficial throughout this research project. In my case, interviews will play a tremendous role, possibly the biggest. As can be seen by my proposal, and with one of my previous posts in which I ranted about the lack of research, the SWCA will not create a deluge of research throughout databases. Instead, interviews will provide a substantial bulk of my research.

The previous interview summaries were an inquisitive experience that quieted my apprehension of the possible interviews for the research. I am naturally an outgoing and talkative individual, so I actually enjoy interviews and this past week reinforced this notion.  Many of my interviews won't actually be in person, which is the format that I would rather go with, so next I will have to practice interviewing through email and phone.

Outside of the classroom, I continued my search for more material on my subject. From the writing center director at my institution I was able to find about four books and several articles on the subject. It was an odd feeling photocopying these books and articles; I felt I was finally "researching", even if it was just the simple action of copying research material.

The next week will be a continuation of this week's adventure. I'm excited to read and analyze the material I have found and hopefully find research that will be beneficial to my project. Going along with those lines, I next have to start crafting my interview questions. This will be a big task, as there will be general questions I will ask all my interviewees, but with many of my interviewees (which I have yet to find!) I will have to ask specific questions.

It all seems to be falling into place - I just hope it doesn't start falling apart!