My research delved into the labyrinth of graduation transitions, and the inequity students face between graduation and feeling accepted in the professional world of being a Book Artist. The predominant sentiment that was discussed among students was a feeling of being ill-prepared and lacking support in navigating their career paths post-graduation. This obvious discomfort and perceived inadequacy during the transition phase pointed to a crucial area in need of immediate attention and enhancement.
During the research interviews, a feeling of anticipation and enthusiasm surfaced among students and alumni alike upon the introduction of a proposed Book Fair at LCC. This hypothetical event would hope to blend the financial ease of university supported activity with the professional context and environment. For students, this offers a midway platform between academia and the professional world. On the flip side, alumni expressed excitement about reconnecting annually, fostering connections not only with industry professionals but also with fellow returning alumni and current students, hoping for potential collaborations.
However, when discussing this with staff members, the predominant feeling was of regret over the inadequacies in student support. Despite efforts to bridge this gap, these attempts seem to fall short of the students expectations. Staff members agreed with the potential benefits of a book fair, emphasising how the level playing field between professionals and students, could particularly benefit those with lower confidence levels. Additionally, the staff unanimously agreed that offering an industry-standard event for free could significantly enhance accessibility and student participation.
While the research showed crucial transition challenges and aims to build bridges between academia and professional domains, it also highlighted a large, hidden gap between intention and execution, specifically regarding student support systems. This begs for a deeper focus on resources and support mechanisms to ensure a smoother transition for students.
Who is to say that the Book Fair wouldn’t also fall short of student hopes and expectations? How could it then be improved and offer further support? Would LCC need then to provide a bespoke fair-style situation for every course offered at the college?
The research journey was not without its limitations. Time constraints due to parallel teaching commitments compromised the depth of engagement towards the end of the term. Recruitment challenges arose from attempting to secure consistent participants within a short timeframe, hindering in-depth exploration.
Conversational analysis revealed disruptions like participants’ over-talking, tangents, and short, unelaborated responses, affecting data transcription and depth of insight.
I was also aware of my position as a researcher, and that my intentional immersion in this social and educational research, as well as my positionality as a professional discussing with students, could introduce biases, or provoke insincere of inflated answers from some students.
I was concerned with the honestly of some answers, as responses might have aimed to impress or align with my expectations, influenced by the existing teacher-student bond established during the students’ time working in the Book Arts workshop.
While the research illuminated critical areas and proposed what seems to be a viable, or attractive solution, it calls for constant reevaluation and fine-tuning, with a larger focus on the support systems offered to students, ensuring inclusivity for seamless transitions into the professional world.
Though the proposed Book Fairs potential to foster collaboration appeals to both students and alumni and signifies a valuable initiative, the challenge lies in ensuring it is not only financially comfortable but also inclusive and conducive to genuine learning and professional growth.
The reality of the timeline for actually putting on a book fair, especially one that the students and university can be proud of hosting, and that would attract the industry professionals integral to the research and egalitarian environment, is that it is a very long process. Even with immediate university funding and an open calendar, it would take about a year to organise and so my research deadline ends with the initial interviews.
I do however hope to continue after the PgCert, and have the fair materialize.
My next steps in the research project, and the action part of this ARP would be:
Planning the Book Fair
– Identify a committee or team responsible for organising the event, including staff and interested students.
– Establish clear objectives and goals for the Book Fair, such as providing a platform for students to exhibit and sell their work, networking opportunities, or gaining feedback from industry professionals.
– Determine the logistics, including the venue, date, duration, theme (if any), promotion strategy, participant registration process, and any other necessary resources.
First Round of Interviews and Feedback
– Conduct interviews or surveys with students to understand their expectations, needs, and preferences for the Book Fair to help tailor the event to better serve their interests.
– Gather insights from professionals or alumni about their experiences with similar events and what they believe would be beneficial for students.
Executing the First Book Fair
– Host the Book Fair, providing students with space to exhibit and sell their work. Include opportunities for networking, workshops, panel discussions, and presentations.
– Host professionals, and encourage industry experts, and peers to engage with the showcased work and provide constructive feedback.
Second Round of Interviews and Feedback
– After the Book Fair, conduct another series of interviews or surveys with participants (students, professionals, staff) to assess their experiences. Evaluate what worked well and areas that could be improved.
– Gather feedback on the impact of the event on students’ professional transition, confidence, skill development, and networking opportunities.
Organising a Second Book Fair
– Use the insights gathered from feedback to improve the next Book Fair. Implement changes or enhancements based on the suggestions received.
– Provide another opportunity for students to exhibit and sell their work, potentially expanding the event based on the lessons learned from the first edition.
Continued Evaluation and Improvement
– Keep the cycle of feedback and improvement ongoing. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the Book Fair in meeting its goals.
– Consider incorporating new elements, diversifying participation, or partnering with other institutions to enhance the event’s impact and reach.
– Continuously adapt and refine the Book Fair based on feedback, emerging trends, and the evolving needs of students and the creative community.