Trying Not to Break Things [Practice Research Case Study]

Abstract

Description: Using a physical ontology and methodologies related to Embodied Cognition and The Anthropology of the Body (Schrag 2016, Schrag 2018), and collaborating with colleagues whose expertise was in osteoporosis, I designed a workshop for participants already engaged in the care of those with osteoporosis (i.e., frontline Care staff) to uncover their practice knowledge and make this more tangible, confront their beliefs and/or construct new aspects into them. This was not a didactic process, but rather an artistic, facilitative, experiential one guided by the learners themselves. This was done by inviting the participants to apply tissue paper ‘exoskeletons’ and then to undertake moving and handling processes: when the tissue paper broke, this explicitly - and externally - showed how osteoporotic bones can break and shatter even from the most simple actions. Thus, this creative technique embodied insights where participants were able to examine how they had worked in the past, and find new ways to challenge, refine and change their knowledge. In other words, the creative activities provided the opportunity for learning, rather than merely being applied for illustrative potentials.