We all had difficulties becoming
comfortable in our interdisciplinary groups, it was certainly a challenge, but
I dare say that was the idea of the powers that be - to throw us in the deep-end
and make us either sink or swim! And to our credit I believe we have managed to
swim, perhaps badly, but we have made it to the end! A few stumbling blocks
were encountered, some of which are to be expected, some of which may need to
be considered and on future study tours could be dealt with differently. For
example, mixing disciplines is positive as it allows each student to view
things from a different point of view - rather than say a historical or
sociological view, we learn to consider things from a planning view - thinking
about how the space is used, how it can be developed and looking towards the
future -which is sometimes something forgotten about when studying history!
However, it became apparent that planning students and arts students tackle
assignments and presentations differently - with arts students very much about
the written assignment and a critical, analytical, academic take on it, but
planning students appearing to be far more tactile, visual and interactive.
This is great in hindsight as it brings many varied skills to the table.
However with individuals not realising this until quite a way into the group
assignment, it took some time to 'get on the same page' so to speak. Perhaps in
future a discussion could be had about the way in which each discipline tackles
their work, so that each individual understands how the other thinks and
works.
As you can see from above, I can
certainly see the value to the inter-disciplinary idea, but I would have much
preferred to be in a group with like-minded people, and then have been able to
discover, research and report on something I am passionate about myself, rather
than something that we have all reluctantly agreed upon as it sort of fitted in
to each person’s area of interest. I feel I would have got far more out of this
study tour had I been able to focus on a real area of interest. Of course we
have our individual research projects to consider, and I am very keen to get
stuck into that - but during this trip, with the very full schedule and the
looming date to present our group work - I have honestly not had enough time to
think about my individual project and this is disappointing. However I do
feel fortunate to have visited places like the gorgeous town of Haworth where
the Bronte sisters wrote their amazing novels, and of course being in Sheffield
allowed me to understand how and why Bjetman saw the city as he did. I am sure
as I begin thinking about my final piece of work I may realise I soaked in more
detail and have more insights than I do at this point in time.
I would highly recommend other students
participating in an overseas study tour. Even as a 'mature age' student I feel
I have certainly learnt much about myself, about people in general, and the way
in which I view the world. Even though I have travelled before, I have not been
further than Southern Thailand and China, therefore going that extra distance
has really opened up the world to me. I now feel the world is more accessible,
friendlier, and the people who inhabit this world don't seem poles apart as I
thought they were. Of course, England and English people are intrinsically
linked to Australia and its people, so obviously that gives one a feeling of
comfort. When the English realise you are Australian, they seem to feel a
connection to you. However, I noticed this more so in Sheffield and around
Yorkshire rather than in London – so perhaps that comes from the ‘friendliness’
of the Northerners! One local told me he thought his forebears got it all wrong
when they sent the convicts to Australia... Why send the bad people to such a
beautiful place?! All the 'good' English should have made their way downunder!
- Jessica Willman (Bachelor of Arts)
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