Appendix 1
Action Research Project towards the PgCert in Academic Practice
October 2025
Can the Monster help to make the dissertation more ‘human’?
Information Sheet for participants
I would like to invite you to take part in a research project I am doing towards a PgCert Academic Practice at UAL. I am testing a teaching tool based on the principles underpinning Object Based Learning (OBL). The aim is to evaluate its usefulness to 3rd year students working on their dissertations.
The lesson will focus on a representation of the dissertation in the form of a Monster, so if you have a particular fear of Monsters, it may not be for you. Through this research I am trialling a technique where students are encouraged to think about how they feel when looking the Monster straight in the face. Participants will be asked to reflect on these feelings in relation to the dissertation.
Research Methods
Data will be captured using field notes method. Any notes made during the activity by the participant will also inform the research process and the more in-depth analysis that will be presented in the final report.
The activity
This exercise will last approximately 45 minutes. It will take place during one of the study skills sessions. It will involve a worksheet, followed by a discussion about your dissertation. You will be given an opportunity to set some short-term goals and asked to evaluate the activity.
The research data
All data will be anonymised and kept safe. Any paperwork will be kept in a locked cupboard and shredded after analysis. Digital data will be stored in accordance with the GDPR legislation. The results of the project will be shared with my tutors and peers on the PgCert Academic Practice.
Appendix 2
Participant Consent Form
Project Title: Can the Monster help to make the dissertation more Human?
You are being invited to take part in a research project. Before you decide to take part it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the attached information sheet carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask if anything is unclear or if you would like more information.
- I understand that I have given my consent to participate in the Monster Teaching Tool research project.
- I fully give my consent to take part.
- I understand that I have given approval for my opinions to be included in the research outputs. Anything I say may be used in academic papers relating to the project, although these quotations will be anonymous.
- I have read the information sheet about the research project, which I have been asked to take part in and have been given a copy of this information to keep.
- What is going to happen and why it is being done has been explained to me, and I have had the opportunity to discuss the details and ask questions.
- Having given this consent, I understand that I have the right to withdraw from the research programme up to the point where the data will be shared/published.
- I hereby fully and freely consent to participation in the study, which has been fully explained to me.
| Participant’s name (BLOCK CAPITALS): | |||
| Participant’s signature: | Date: | ||
| Investigator’s name (BLOCK CAPITALS): | |||
| Investigator’s signature: | Date: |
Contact
Investigator: Fran Barry
Tel: 07886882417 Email: f.barry0920241@arts.ac.uk
Appendix 3
Can the Monster help to make the dissertation more ‘human’?
Worksheet for Monster Activity
- What do you feel when you see the monster?
Starting point could be own experience of monsters.
(might talk about emotional responses, fear or thoughts of childhood or be more interested in how it’s made?) These responses might be grouped as; philosophical frameworks and physical techniques.
- Why do you think you have these responses to the monster?
- Who/what might the monster represent?
- Where might monsters and their manifestations lurk?
- How might you rationalise and deconstruct your relationship to the Monster given that it is not real?