Interview with Erika Piazzoli, Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Theatre graduate, Semester 2 (2008), Griffith University.
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Why did you decide to enrol in the Honours program?
I decided to enrol in the Honours program six years after completing my undergraduate degree. During that time, I worked as a university tutor and foreign language school teacher on a casual basis. Although I enjoyed my job, I felt something was missing in my pedagogical approach and realised that I needed to continue study in order to further develop my skills.
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Why did you choose Griffith?
I was particularly interested in developing strategies to integrate drama as a pedagogical approach in the classroom; indeed enrolling in the program gave me this opportunity, opening the door to an exciting career prospect. I enjoyed learning about educational theories after having experienced the practical side of working in schools. Studying at Griffith University meant that I could choose a degree which was suited to my personal learning needs.
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What was your area of study?
Coming from a Bachelor of Communication, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Theatre. In particular, my area of study was applying process drama to foreign language teaching, with particular reference to developing intercultural competence.
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Tell me about any particular challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
It was challenging to go back as full-time student after six years in the workplace. I had to readjust to university life and develop a study routine that could suit my needs. Also, time management was a real challenge: in the first semester I found it difficult to balance studying and working (I was still working part-time at school); in the second semester, however, I reduced my teaching hours and decided to dedicate more time to study and research.
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Are you expanding on your Honours thesis in your PhD?
I decided to build on my Honours research for my PhD, as one of the findings of the dissertation presented further possibilities for research. In this way, I feel that the research done in the Honours year has become the foundation for my new project.
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Where do you plan on working once you finish your PhD?
I would like to work in an academic context, either in drama or foreign language teaching environment, at Griffith University and/or overseas.
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What advice would you give to prospective Honours students?
Manage your time wisely! The Honours program is a great opportunity to become familiar with research strategies and methodologies. To get the best from it you need to approach it with focus and curiosity.
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