Researching Relevant Professional Development Task # 2 - Seeking Out Useful Information Melinda Re February 1999

Readings

I have chosen four books to read:

1. Carey K. The Third Millennium: Living in the Posthistoric World. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers; 1995. 2. 3. Zukav G. The Seat of the Soul. New York, NY: Fireside; 1989.

4. Kirby J. Dieting for Dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc; 1998.

5. Clark N. Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook. 2nd ed. Brookline, MN: SportsMedicine Brookline; 1997.

Documenting Important Information

I have purchased a notebook and am taking notes on the Carey and Zukav books. I have finished the Zukav book (absolutely some of the most fascinating ideas I've ever had the pleasure of reading) and am going back through it again, writing down the points I want to remember. I couldn't journal the first time through, I was too busy thinking. I have completed about the first third of the Carey book and am journaling as I go.

For the Kirby and Clark books, I have and will continue to use the information for the development of nutrition lessons and as long-term references. I have finished the Clark book and used it as a major resource in the development of the Nutrition and Fitness lesson that I presented to Cluster 9 nutrition education program staff. I am planning another lesson this spring on popular diets and am using the Kirby book as a resource. For both of these books, I have taken notes as I go.

Reading and My Goals

All of these books have been, and will continue to be, valuable resources for me both professionally and personally. For my role in extension, the nutrition related texts are a must, as I have to stay at the front of the field to be of any use to my colleagues. Personally, I have identified new age readings (and the like) as a major interest. Both of these other books have had a major influence on my spiritual development.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 1999

Answers

I am not familiar with the books, but I'm facinated by your tenacity and procedure. One of the research books, "Becoming Qualitative Researchers" by Glesne and Peshkin has a short chapter about writing field notes in a format that lends itself to later analysis. I'm wondering about how you are doing it...when you feel comfortable, will you share it with us?

Also, I am happy to see the subjects of nutrition and spirituality together in the same project...! Very interesting.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 1999