Documentation Protocols
IDEAL18 defines documentation as the process of going into an experience with framing questions and intentions, observing deeply, recording these observations, and reflecting on these observations to inform how to share these experiences as well as how these observations will inform future encounters.
Please feel free to use some sample protocols for documenting grandfriend visits and encounters. As we get feedback from the field, we will be adapting them, and adding more.
Protocol 1: Moments of Uniting
Photograph, video, and write about the moments when the elder/s and children first greet each other. Reflect on observations to inform future moments of uniting, and share reflections.
Guiding Questions:
- How do the children and elder/s approach each other? What is their reaction to each other?
- Do they develop a greeting routine?
- What words or sounds are exchanged?
- What are the expressions on their faces?
- How do the participants’ reactions tell you about who they are?
Protocol 2: Moments of Engagement
Photograph, video, and write about the moments when the elder/s and children are engaging with each other. Reflect on observations to inform future moments of engagement, and share reflections.
Guiding Questions:
- How are children and elder/s engaging with one another?
- What are their points of connection?
- What are their conversations as they engage?
- Who do the participants become when they engage with one another?
- What moments are shareable that highlight the experience to family, friends, and community members?
Protocol 3: Moments of Departure
Photograph, video, and write about the moments when the elder/s and children are leaving one another. Reflect on observations to inform future moments of departure, and share reflections.
Guiding Questions:
- How do children and elder/s depart from one another?
- Do they develop a routine?
- What words are exchanged?
- What emotions accompany the departure?
Protocol 4: Moments of Storytelling
Photograph, video, and write about the moments when the elder/s and children in moments of exchanging stories. It is powerful to record the stories themselves, as well as the conversations around it (such as questions asked and comments made). Reflect on observations to inform future moments of storytelling, and share reflections.
Guiding Questions:
- What stories do child/ren choose to tell elder/s?
- What stories do elder/s choose to tell child/ren?
- What is the demeanor of the story teller and the listener?
- Do photographs aid in storytelling? (You might ask children and elders to bring in photos for each other)
- Does storytelling create relationship?
Protocol 5: Moments of Research
Choose a research question (from the website or your own lingering question) and photograph, video and written documentation to observe moments that might begin to answer the question. Reflect on observations to inform future moments of research, and share reflections.
For example, if the research question is about what provocations and invitations the participants might best enjoy, you might document participants engaging with a few different types of invitations and document the engagement to reflect on the enjoyment (or lack thereof) in each process.
For questions regarding documentation, or to set up a consultation, please contact IDEAL18.
