As I approach the final phase of the MALAT program and start thinking about my applied research project (ARP), it’s important to focus on the ultimate goal. Beyond the research itself, how can I disseminate my findings so that they can initiate action in the real world? Looking back on my initial motivation for enrolling in the MALAT program, it was deeply rooted in the practical application of learning. Now, as I begin the final stretch of this journey, I want to keep that objective in mind as I consider how to leverage the knowledge I’ve gained over the last 18 months and what I will learn during the upcoming research phase. How can I make what I learn not only accessible but usable?
My ARP topic involves looking at how to design and facilitate effective professional learning using a decolonizing approach. This is a personally meaningful topic for me and, as a non-Indigenous person, is an effort towards truth and reconciliation. Considering my final deliverable(s), I would like to reach both the academic and practitioner worlds. As a result, I am considering two dissemination pathways. Firstly, writing a summary of my ARP and findings in an academic journal or a professional publication would allow me to share my research with the academic world. Secondly, and more importantly to me, would be to use my findings to create a ‘toolkit’ serving as an Open Educational Resource (OER) that would offer practical tips and strategies to put knowledge into action that anyone could access and use, if they wish.
I am very much looking forward to this final stage of the MALAT program, where I can really focus on my interests and curiosities. I welcome feedback and thoughts on my dissemination ideas – thank you for reading!
Excellent ideas Leah – I really like the idea of an OER as an output of the ARP if that’s possible. I think we will start to see OERs more regularly coming from MALAT students and it would be interesting in a future year to collate them all and have them together somewhere. Great ideas here and a journal or professional publication is always beneficial. Is there a conference perhaps as well you could present your findings at?
Thanks for reading, Deb. I love your idea about collating all the OERs that come from MALAT students – that is brilliant and something I would love to see! I think presenting at a conference is also a great idea. I have lots of experience presenting at conferences but hadn’t really considered that for this project. Thanks for planting that seed!