From field to desk

FieldnotesField notes journals/DiariesTexts about the fieldWriting that records both what the

ethnographer learns and observes. A record of one’s reactions, comments and

questions.Construction and reconstruction of events:

Observations and conversations.

Fieldnotes cont.Develop a log technique/ a strategy to take

notesYou might pursue whatever is interesting and

worth noting related to language, literacy and culture

You can jot down phrases, key words, incomplete sentences (sensory, visual etc.)

Strategies for writing field notesDescribe whatever strikes you the most (the

most interesting, the most noteworthy etc.)Absence of certain practices, interactions,

texts, visuals.Write down the background knowledge When your record your narrative, describe

everything that happened during that period of time.

Strategies cont. You can follow Spradley (1980)’s list:Space: the physical place or placesActor: the people involvedActivity: a set of related acts people doObject: the physical things that are presentAct: actions that people doEvent: a set of related activities that people carry outTime: the sequencing that take place over time.Goal: The things people are trying to accomplish over

time.Feelings: The emotions felt and expressed.

Strategies cont.You may also follow the conceptual memo

idea of Street and Heath.Maintain your conceptual memos on regular

basis.

DATA COLLECTION AND DATA ANALYSIS

For your ethnographic research: THE DATA ANALYSIS AND COLLECTION IS A RECURSIVE PROCESS.

1) Collect all your data including your field work narratives (transcripts, interviews, artifacts, field notes etc.) 2) Read the literature, begin forming your evolving theoretical lenses. 3)Keep your data in a safe and private place. 4) Begin coding (NVIVO, NUDIST). The central question in CODING: What themes and trends are emerging? 5) Do weekly writing about your data.

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Data Analysis as a Recursive Process

ORAL NARATIVES

GROUP INTERACTIONS

WRITTEN TEXTS

CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS

ONLINE INTERACTIONS

RemindersIf it’s a restricted/private context, ask for the

participants' permission.If it is a public space (a coffee house, a

library), sit as if you are one of the customers and observe your environment carefully, take notes etc.

You can do a follow up interview with one of the participants about the literacy events used in that setting.

Field work observationsChose a setting that involves some literacy

events (see the syllabus for some possible fields for this activity)

45-60 minutes observations (participant observation, if the setting/actors allows). You may divide this into two days.

Have a tentative observation focus/question in mind (e.g. What is happening here in terms of literacy practices?)

Jot down as much information as possible. Take pictures, collect artifacts if appropriate.

Field work observations cont.Transform your on-site writing into a

narrative as soon as you get back to your place(2-3 pages).

Bring your write-ups and narratives to class 0n June 16th

Compare and contrast your notes and narratives in style, focus, and format.

Please view the following websites for ethics discussion

http://www.aaanet.org/committees/ethics/ethcode.htm

National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics

http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.aspIndiana University of Pennsylvania’s

Institutional Review Board (IRB)http://www.iup.edu/irb/default.aspx?

linkidentifier=id&itemid=6587

Ethnical guidelinesSome ethical obligations include: To avoid harm or wrong, understanding that the

development of knowledge can lead to change which may be positive or negative for the people or animals worked with or studied

To respect the well-being of humans and nonhuman primates

To work for the long-term conservation of the archaeological, fossil, and historical records

To consult actively with the affected individuals or group(s), with the goal of establishing a working relationship that can be beneficial to all parties involved