Questions, Questions and more Questions - 4A

Definition of Inquiry ( Sometimes seen as Enquiry)

" An act of asking for information" or " An official investigation"

 https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/enquiry


After finally being able to access the readers and being able to get started it is now sinking in that I am over half way through this program which I don't know about anyone else but I think it is both terrifying and exciting!

However upon starting to read Reader 4 and reflecting back up task 2D from module one. I am really happy and surprised with how I have progressed and how I am now able to channel my thoughts. Back in module 1 I had no Idea where to even start with inquiring. The word terrified me.

"As I embarked on this task, I actually found it extremely difficult! - I have done many drafts before actually bringing myself to write a blog post" http://laurajayne14.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/inquiring.html

However, after spending some time reading other blogs. Lois's in particular (I will add a link in the bottom of this post) and having summer to take some time to think in my own time questions have started to emerge in my head over time, but before I share those with you I have found reading about Peter Senge really interesting! 

I would like research more about his " 5 disciplines that he sees as being critical to learning"
1) Systems Thinking
2) Personal Mastery
3) Mental Models 
4) Building Shared Vision 
5) Team Learning 

www.infed.org/thinkers/senge.htm 

I think these disciplines may be quite interesting to see if they link in with the current education system and see if there are any comparisons to be made or indeed if there is a gap where the ideas could maybe be introduced to aid learning, not just in the art but across the board. 

Anyway back to a few questions that have crossed my mind; 

* Does dance and movement help with the over development of children? (socially, mentally and academically) 

* Are "The Arts" present one way or another across all areas of the national curriculum?  should they be used more in lessons such as Maths and Science? 

* Should dance and movement be made compulsory for primary education and not just taught for a few lessons a year in Physical Education time? 

* Is there enough creativity being used throughout the national curriculum in both Primary and Secondary education? 

* Are The Arts being "put to one side" in the education system? 

I would love thoughts and feedback on the start of these topics. 

And finally 

The link to Lois's blog -http://lois-mayhunt.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/module-2-4a.html 

New term, New module, New challenges

After yesterday's brief (well for myself anyway) orientation skype, It is now sinking in that the new module is soon going to be well underway and in full flow again, and quite honestly I'm looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.

In yesterday's skype it was lovely to have a mix of both module two and three. It was nice to hear about what everyone was up to and also so inspirational to hear about everyone's busy schedules alongside doing a degree! 

It was comforting to hear from the module three's especially about how they have coped with work load and normal work, and by trying to stick to certain days to do a block of work so you don't get that feeling of slipping further and further behind.  

It was also helpful to hear how the module three's have now managed to focus their inquiry and I was really panicking about not knowing right now where I want my focus to be, but after listening to Paula and speaking with the others I have now realised that this is okay.

Before I had to go back to teaching I explained to the group how I find that jotting down bullet points at the end of each day and then forgetting about it until I sit down for solid working time (usually on a Saturday afternoon) this is when I reflect on the week in detail and this is how it works for me. However I did not get into this habit until nearing the end of module one but is something that I am wanting to stick too as it did work for me really well.

I am looking forward to sticking my teeth into this module and also looking forward to reading and seeing what others on the module are focusing, as I can imagine despite all being part of "The Arts" there will be much variation on the topics of focus.

I can also imagine that this module is going to throw some challenges at me,but I am looking forward to these and to the challenges that other people face and finding ways of resolving them to progress on to the final module.

Finally despite my presence being short at Saturday's skype, it was extremely helpful and really useful .... even just remembering how to use skype!! (technology hey ;) ) 

All Good Intentions - Summer Is Over

I feel like I have been away from blogging for months but on the other hand my summer has FLOWN! by - does anyone else feel the same?

Now over my summer baring in mind I have had two months off I did promise myself with "good intentions" that I would do some research and reading in my own time leisurely to prepare myself for module two. I can assure you I ended up doing nothing! - the intention was there though.

In the past this is something that I would have let really bother me and I would have beaten myself up about but, this time I took a step back. Despite not doing any "official reading/study" I have been learning all the time. keeping a journal not necessarily to critic and reflect on my work, but to record all my positive experience and have a memoir of my summer, and some of these I can take forward with me in my work. I'll give you an example. I ended up doing some cover work for a friend who teaches pre school dance which I have not taught for quite a while, upon record and reflection of my day I realised that I actually missed teaching this age group really enjoy it and find it extremely rewarding.  

On to a change of topic - back to work! Don't get me wrong I LOVE my job and find it both challenging and extremely rewarding, however I did have the back to work nerves. Change of setting being away from home after having a settled two months to go back to doing boarding. Change of routine, going back to seeing my better half once a week. All things that summer had allowed me to place at the back of my mind, and I think I am right in saying that it is a common feeling shared between many. Would love you hear what others think?

However I have now been back just over two weeks and can honestly say I am so excited and a little nervous for this first term and all the events and challenges ahead, oh and along with tackling module two! ...... (anyone else feeling the same?!)