Blog #5 Systems of Care

 Blog #5

What about the reading this week stood out to you?  Write one phrase or passage here.  Make sure to name the author. 
How is the phrase/passage relevant to you? Why did it stand out?
Identify or explain one question or connection from the readings this week.
Record a few (3-5) words or phrases that you associate with the words "research" or "data"?

What stood out to me is that it takes many collaborations and partnerships to carry out systems of care for mental health that are easy to navigate.     

"To create this system, we must strengthen partnerships among communities, youth, families, schools, government, businesses, non-profits, and provider agencies to improve outcomes, increase access to services and supports, and promote positive change in families' lives (Pg3)".

This passage could be universally used in many businesses.  I made the connection with my workplace. I work for the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence. It seems as though the outside partnerships (SNAP, HEZ) we have are firm, but the partnership among the employees of the BGC could use some work.  I believe if the YDPs, Directors, and Administration work together in a partnership, the outcome of our programs at all of our sites will be significantly improved. For example, they should hire multilingual staff to increase MLL support for our youth and families. This would assist families with registrations and building relationships between the staff, youth, and family members. 

Words I associate with  "Research" and "Data": study, inquiry, support, evidence, details

Blog #4 Capstone Project

 Blog #4 How does it make you feel when you see this wide range of capstone projects? Check in with your stress, excitement, motivation, and emotions as you begin to imagine your own work. Write down any ideas that start to swim in your head!

To see the wide range of ways in which the capstone projects were carried out makes me feel better about presenting the project. The stress I feel is coming up with a great question that I will be able to have a positive change in my workplace, something that I will be proud of. There are many things that I could choose from to focus on; it's just narrowing it down to something that speaks to me.

I thought about a few different things:

• How to restructure the workplace
• How to make it function at a better level
• How to be better aligned with their mission
• How to bring back professionalism
• How to make the youth want to be there
• How to be a better club

I am not in a position to make big changes yet, so I may have to start with something more tangible in my pay grade. I just want my capstone to be as thought-provoking as the ones that I previewed.

Blog#3 Research Pizza menu/Reverse outline

 BLOG POST #3:   Write up this article in one of two ways:  1) Create a reverse outline of this article. How does the author set up their article chunk by chunk? Or 2) Use the Research Pizza menu to explain how this author approaches their content.

Crust = qualitative data collected- Dr. Bogad attended the Banter For Breakfast group for over a year and collected data through notes based on listening to debates and conversations.

Sauce= constructivist ideology- As the researcher, Dr. Bogad recognized and respected her relationship with the youth. As the adult, taking a back seat to being an authority in a youth space somewhat allowed her to share some of the power that the youth held.

Toppings= observations, individual interviews, focus groups- Dr. Bogad collected individual examples of conversations from youth that backed up what she was talking about. She did a lot of observing the dynamics in the space. She also engaged in dialogue to make sure that it was okay for her to be in that space with the youth.

I am giving the reverse outline a try.

 Introduction

    A. School Spaces

        1. Theoretical models

            a. Productivity ( Althusser)

            b. Docility ( Foucault)

        2. 'Work' spaces

    B. 'Non-School' Spaces

        1. Freedom from school

            a. 'on the loose' 

            b. 'real learning'

    C. Safe Spaces

        1. Construction of Power

            a. Undermining adults' authority in youth spaces

            b. Dynamics of coolness (maleness)

            c. Examples

        2. Hierarchy of Credibility

        3. Coolness

            a. Public distinction (masculine)

            b. Private distinction (feminine)

            c. Examples

Conclusion

        

Blog Post #2- Research Ideologies ( Post Positivism, Constructivism, and Critical Theory)

 BLOG POST #2: Take some time to make sure you have a general sense of these different research ideologies.  Where do you feel most aligned in these research ideologies? Then reflect on how these frameworks might shape your approach to one of the questions you pondered in your blog last week. (“If I were to take a post-positivist approach, I might answer my question this way….  If I took a Constructivist approach, I might answer my question that way.”) You don’t have to be sure – just wonder!

Where do you feel most aligned in these research ideologies?

I am most aligned with the Constructivist research ideology. The people-centered ideology works best for my style of work and the way I think.

Reflect on how these frameworks might shape your approach to one of the questions you pondered in your blog last week. (“If I were to take a post-positivist approach, I might answer my question this way…

Why is upper management not considering what isn't working for the company?

If I take a Post-Positivist research approach, I might generalize about ways to improve the company instead of being specific, such as "This company needs an upgrade," instead of expressing precisely what is not working and what needs improving.

If I take a Constructivist research approach, I might suggest some of the issues I see that need improvement for the company during our monthly staff meeting. As a constructivist researcher, I see upper management as having a mutual understanding with staff and suggestions to improve the company. It's about working together; knowledge is co-constructed. If the CEOs and administration work with the people doing the work, the suggested changes will make a massive difference in the company.

If I take a Critical Theory research approach, I might research what will work best for the youth at the club and advocate for positive changes that will affect the youth and the time they spend at the club.