Now some of you may think I am a bit crazy thinking this far ahead. However during my summer is the time that I actually have time to sit and do research in my own time and at my own pace.
After glancing over the handbook briefly and Reader 4 I am starting to get the familiar feelings that I had when I first embarked on this course back in February at the start of Module 1. Worry, panic, excitement, and the main thing that I am conscious of this time is that I know how fast the study period flies by!
I can honestly say at this present moment in time I have no ideas for my inquiry or even what to inquire about. Now this is something that I am struggling personally to get my head around as I like to have a clear view and outline as to what I am going to do so I can get organised, but I am starting to think that this is a skill that I am learning to develop on this journey. That it is okay if I don't know what I want to do right now this second and that I will find which direction I want to go.
I would like to hear others views if you have yet had chance to read through the material, it would also be lovely to hear how others who have just completed this module have found it.
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
The nerves of a teacher
I am aware that we are currently all resting and waiting for our module results, and our lives have returned to what I am sure are crazy busy schedules.
Now I am currently preparing students to take Ballet exams at the end of this school term, and my nerves are shot at!!! preparing the students and making sure that they are sure of what they are doing and are up to the standard that they need for the exam I feel is one of the most daunting things that I have yet come across to date!
Have I done enough as the teacher to ensure that they are ready? is there more that I should have done? will they be okay? will the students feel that I have prepared them well enough?
Now I am not sure if all these thoughts are because I am still relatively new to putting students through exams or is this normal?
Would like to hear thoughts and opinions from others!
Now I am currently preparing students to take Ballet exams at the end of this school term, and my nerves are shot at!!! preparing the students and making sure that they are sure of what they are doing and are up to the standard that they need for the exam I feel is one of the most daunting things that I have yet come across to date!
Have I done enough as the teacher to ensure that they are ready? is there more that I should have done? will they be okay? will the students feel that I have prepared them well enough?
Now I am not sure if all these thoughts are because I am still relatively new to putting students through exams or is this normal?
Would like to hear thoughts and opinions from others!
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
And there it was Gone!!
As I sit writing this post, it hasn't quite yet sunk it that Module 1 is completed! Now I'm not sure how anyone else feels, but I frankly can not believe how quickly the time has passed. It really doesn't seem like two minutes ago that we had the introductory Skype back in February.
I have enjoyed this Module and learnt new skills that I am not going to be able to take forward with me in my work. It hasn't all been plain sailing and I have come across some challenges along the way. I have found it extremely difficult working full time and trying to fit in all my studying alongside, but some how I have (Just about!) managed to do it.
The aspect that I found most difficult was keeping a journal. It was something that I had never really done before and was very sceptical as I find myself short of time on a daily basis anyway, never mind having to do extra. BUT I am not realising that keeping a journal is vital, and will continue to help me to learn, develop and gain experience within my teaching and I'm sure as I become more comfortable with this I will find a set style of journaling that is best for me as I feel that I haven't really found this yet, but I'm sure as I continue to use it I will find the best way for me.
Lastly I'd like to hear how others have found this Module the highs and the lows, and I'm looking forward to sticking me teeth into Module two in September!
I have enjoyed this Module and learnt new skills that I am not going to be able to take forward with me in my work. It hasn't all been plain sailing and I have come across some challenges along the way. I have found it extremely difficult working full time and trying to fit in all my studying alongside, but some how I have (Just about!) managed to do it.
The aspect that I found most difficult was keeping a journal. It was something that I had never really done before and was very sceptical as I find myself short of time on a daily basis anyway, never mind having to do extra. BUT I am not realising that keeping a journal is vital, and will continue to help me to learn, develop and gain experience within my teaching and I'm sure as I become more comfortable with this I will find a set style of journaling that is best for me as I feel that I haven't really found this yet, but I'm sure as I continue to use it I will find the best way for me.
Lastly I'd like to hear how others have found this Module the highs and the lows, and I'm looking forward to sticking me teeth into Module two in September!
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Networking Theories
After looking through the different theories of networking and actually really enjoying looking into it, however feeling that they may not be all be applicable to my work place right now, but I do however have my own thoughts and ideas that I am going to share with you.
Cooperation
When I first read about this (two lines in!) I instantly thought "I'm not going to understand this" after reading that it had been developed predominantly by mathematicians. However, the idea that "one player succeeds at another's expense" does make sense to me, however not in my particular world of work right now, however I can see how this could possibly work in an audition situation as tough as this may sound! Would anyone else agree? I also had ago at the online game provided in the link! (which I did probably spend too much time doing!) however if you haven't yet had ago I would as it is quite a good visual to use and did actually make the whole thing a little clearer http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/playground/pd.html
So yes cooperation is something that I probably would not find helpful in my career at this time, however is something that I have enjoyed reading into - and a bit like the picture below I do see cooperation a bit like completing a jigsaw. It will not become a picture until all the pieces cooperate and work together.
Affiliation
"Larson, Csikszentmihalyi and Graef (1982) found that adolescents spent about 75% of their waking time with other people" Crisp and Turner. This I find to be extremely relevant personally. Working in a school you rarely do get a moments peace! - Which I personally love, and I defiantly feel that I have "A network of support that will help up when we are in need" (Crisp and Turner 2007 p.266) Now I wouldn't say that I struggle to make a decision on my own, but I do like to have that re assurance from fellow colleagues especially being so new into my career I feel that it is always better to ask an opinion and for advice as they of course have more experience than I do and I do think that everyone at some point does need that reassurance and affiliation whether it be from a professional or from a friend for that support network. On the contrary like it does say in the reader there is that balance and some people do need that space and that alone time and it is something that is so unpredictable as it is so personal. Does anyone else find that affiliation is something that they find they can relate too. I do also feel that as people of the Arts we are quite expressive and do like someone to express these opinions too, however I am extremely open to others points of view on this.
Theory of connectivity and Connectivism
These two theories are something that I would like to research into more, but would like to hear other people's views and opinions on them so far.
Finally after researching into this - It has made me realise how much I do relay on my collegues for support, which I suppose isn't always a bad thing, but has made me realise that maybe sometimes I just need to go with my gut instinct, and finally from you, I'd like to hear what this reading has made you reflect upon? Has it made you realise anything? looking forward to hearing different ideas.
Cooperation
When I first read about this (two lines in!) I instantly thought "I'm not going to understand this" after reading that it had been developed predominantly by mathematicians. However, the idea that "one player succeeds at another's expense" does make sense to me, however not in my particular world of work right now, however I can see how this could possibly work in an audition situation as tough as this may sound! Would anyone else agree? I also had ago at the online game provided in the link! (which I did probably spend too much time doing!) however if you haven't yet had ago I would as it is quite a good visual to use and did actually make the whole thing a little clearer http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/playground/pd.html
So yes cooperation is something that I probably would not find helpful in my career at this time, however is something that I have enjoyed reading into - and a bit like the picture below I do see cooperation a bit like completing a jigsaw. It will not become a picture until all the pieces cooperate and work together.
Affiliation
"Larson, Csikszentmihalyi and Graef (1982) found that adolescents spent about 75% of their waking time with other people" Crisp and Turner. This I find to be extremely relevant personally. Working in a school you rarely do get a moments peace! - Which I personally love, and I defiantly feel that I have "A network of support that will help up when we are in need" (Crisp and Turner 2007 p.266) Now I wouldn't say that I struggle to make a decision on my own, but I do like to have that re assurance from fellow colleagues especially being so new into my career I feel that it is always better to ask an opinion and for advice as they of course have more experience than I do and I do think that everyone at some point does need that reassurance and affiliation whether it be from a professional or from a friend for that support network. On the contrary like it does say in the reader there is that balance and some people do need that space and that alone time and it is something that is so unpredictable as it is so personal. Does anyone else find that affiliation is something that they find they can relate too. I do also feel that as people of the Arts we are quite expressive and do like someone to express these opinions too, however I am extremely open to others points of view on this.
These two theories are something that I would like to research into more, but would like to hear other people's views and opinions on them so far.
Finally after researching into this - It has made me realise how much I do relay on my collegues for support, which I suppose isn't always a bad thing, but has made me realise that maybe sometimes I just need to go with my gut instinct, and finally from you, I'd like to hear what this reading has made you reflect upon? Has it made you realise anything? looking forward to hearing different ideas.
One big community
Recently as I have been preparing to write my critical reflection and reading through the material in Reader 3. I have been thinking a lot more about networking. In particularly "Communities of Practice"
As I have been reading through, it is becoming more and more clear that we as a group are a "Community of Practice" We all share similar interests that are linked with the Arts in some way, whether it be through education, performance or creativity. We get our heads together and fly around ideas to help each other learn and to gain more experience in our field. I particularly like the three points that Wenger identifies;
Another thing that I feel this links really well with (For any of you dance teachers on here you will probably know it well) the Facebook group "Dance Teacher Hub" https://www.facebook.com/DanceTeacherHub/?fref=ts
This is an amazing way of linking in with other Dance teachers - sharing ideas and help solving others problems that they may have from using your knowledge and experience that you already have.
It is also a fantastic place to post last minute cover jobs e.g. a teacher calls in sick and you're struggling to find a cover teacher - post it on the hub and the beauty of Web 2.0 and the internet that we discussed back in Reader 1 means that your post can be seen and shared by thousands of others who hopefully have the same interest and will be able to help you out in one way or another.
I have found it really helpful to read about others experiences on the hub whether it be dealing with difficult students/parents or trying to solved issues with room higher, and in a way I could argue has broadened my knowledge a little deeper.
Has anyone had any experience with "Dance teacher Hub" or pages similar which I know there are many. Would love to hear.
As I have been reading through, it is becoming more and more clear that we as a group are a "Community of Practice" We all share similar interests that are linked with the Arts in some way, whether it be through education, performance or creativity. We get our heads together and fly around ideas to help each other learn and to gain more experience in our field. I particularly like the three points that Wenger identifies;
- What it is about - It's a joint enterprise as understood and continually renegotiated by it's members.
- How it functions - Mutual engagement that bind members together into a social entity
- What capability it has produced - The shared repertoire of communal resources.
Another thing that I feel this links really well with (For any of you dance teachers on here you will probably know it well) the Facebook group "Dance Teacher Hub" https://www.facebook.com/DanceTeacherHub/?fref=ts
This is an amazing way of linking in with other Dance teachers - sharing ideas and help solving others problems that they may have from using your knowledge and experience that you already have.
It is also a fantastic place to post last minute cover jobs e.g. a teacher calls in sick and you're struggling to find a cover teacher - post it on the hub and the beauty of Web 2.0 and the internet that we discussed back in Reader 1 means that your post can be seen and shared by thousands of others who hopefully have the same interest and will be able to help you out in one way or another.
I have found it really helpful to read about others experiences on the hub whether it be dealing with difficult students/parents or trying to solved issues with room higher, and in a way I could argue has broadened my knowledge a little deeper.
Has anyone had any experience with "Dance teacher Hub" or pages similar which I know there are many. Would love to hear.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Inquiring
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.
So as I began to read and digest the questions that it seemed that right now they are not all relevant or appropriate for myself. "What do you feel you don't understand?" as I am newly embarking on my career I do not yet know what I don't understand as everyday is a new adventure and learning curve making it very difficult for me to pin point certain things. So then I asked the self my question "How am I improving and learning?" well its linking back to what we have been discussing about reflecting and journaling. The more that I document what I am doing and look at what went well and what didn't the more I can improve and understand my practice fully and will therefore be able to understand and know what I don't understand.
Music has always been a massive part of me and I have an extremely eclectic taste in music and have been encourage from a very young age from both my parents and teachers to listen to a wide variety of music, and it is something that I am extremely enthusiastic about and is where I always start the base for my choreography. For example I have just choreographed to a piece of music by the sterophonics called "Into the World" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2qh47P2g2w
Immediately when I listened to this piece of music I heard and imagined the use of cannon throughout this piece. Listening to different styles of music inspires me in so many different ways. I tend to imagine and see how different patterns can work with choreography.
As I read the second question - I wasn't sure which perspective I wanted to view it from. A teacher, a choreographer, or as a dancer (which not forgetting is what I wanted to do when I was younger) So I decided to have a look at all three aspects from different angles. As a teacher it makes me angry when I see talented students who do not have drive and passion and have a come day go day attitude. I think this is because as a child I was always taught to put 110% in everything that I did and my teachers were a massive inspiration for me back then as a student and now as a teacher. Anyway back to the point. I find it really disheartening when I don't see that drive in others and I guess others of you that are teachers will feel the same? (would love your thoughts) however I do think that it is something that I will learn over time to deal with as I gain more experience.
And I will finish this post with my main dance inspiration and my favourite clip of his. Fred Astaire is a person as a choreographer and a dancer that I find a true inspiration. Despite him being an academic Fred decided to pursue his career in his love of performance and dance and went with his heart not what others wanted for him. I love the way he looks so relaxed and at ease while he is performing and dancing and his movements are effortless and free flowing, I will leave you with a link to the clip of my favourite chorography/performance of his. Can you guess?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w40ushYAaYA
So as I began to read and digest the questions that it seemed that right now they are not all relevant or appropriate for myself. "What do you feel you don't understand?" as I am newly embarking on my career I do not yet know what I don't understand as everyday is a new adventure and learning curve making it very difficult for me to pin point certain things. So then I asked the self my question "How am I improving and learning?" well its linking back to what we have been discussing about reflecting and journaling. The more that I document what I am doing and look at what went well and what didn't the more I can improve and understand my practice fully and will therefore be able to understand and know what I don't understand.
Music has always been a massive part of me and I have an extremely eclectic taste in music and have been encourage from a very young age from both my parents and teachers to listen to a wide variety of music, and it is something that I am extremely enthusiastic about and is where I always start the base for my choreography. For example I have just choreographed to a piece of music by the sterophonics called "Into the World" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2qh47P2g2w
Immediately when I listened to this piece of music I heard and imagined the use of cannon throughout this piece. Listening to different styles of music inspires me in so many different ways. I tend to imagine and see how different patterns can work with choreography.
As I read the second question - I wasn't sure which perspective I wanted to view it from. A teacher, a choreographer, or as a dancer (which not forgetting is what I wanted to do when I was younger) So I decided to have a look at all three aspects from different angles. As a teacher it makes me angry when I see talented students who do not have drive and passion and have a come day go day attitude. I think this is because as a child I was always taught to put 110% in everything that I did and my teachers were a massive inspiration for me back then as a student and now as a teacher. Anyway back to the point. I find it really disheartening when I don't see that drive in others and I guess others of you that are teachers will feel the same? (would love your thoughts) however I do think that it is something that I will learn over time to deal with as I gain more experience.
And I will finish this post with my main dance inspiration and my favourite clip of his. Fred Astaire is a person as a choreographer and a dancer that I find a true inspiration. Despite him being an academic Fred decided to pursue his career in his love of performance and dance and went with his heart not what others wanted for him. I love the way he looks so relaxed and at ease while he is performing and dancing and his movements are effortless and free flowing, I will leave you with a link to the clip of my favourite chorography/performance of his. Can you guess?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w40ushYAaYA
It's good to talk! - Networking
So this evening (13/04/16) a group of modules 1's had a discussion with Paula as we are all about to embark on Reader 3 and our Critical Reflection! (time please slow down!) However despite the technology fairies not being on our side this evening we did manage to have quite a good discussion.
Now Lois - May made a really good point about never really understanding the value of networking professionally until she started her job - and I totally get that myself. her blog is a really good read http://lois-mayhunt.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/task-3a-current-networks.html
It's true though with the availability of text/email/Facebook etc. it's sometimes easy to forget who we speak too professionally and who we speak too as friends. Have you ever sent a text or email to the wrong person? I know I have! and I also know that I read in the magazine Cosmopolitan of a girl who sent an email out with pictures of her job which was meant to just be for colleagues in the office however it ended up going out to a client instead! - It's so easily done!
So my initial thoughts and feelings on networking as I embark on reader 3. I think it's an excellent way of being able to connect with other professionals for help and advice but we also network socially too and it's finding that balance and knowing the difference between who we speak too in a professional manner and who we class as social networking and is something that I am going to look into further - Now at the end of the skype last night I threw in the quote "It's not what you know - it's who you know" I feel this is extremely apt when speaking about networking. A topic that was discussed last night was; do you think that if you go for a job and you find out that another candidate knows people on the panel, do you think that gives them an advantage? Will the employer go with what they already know? Would love to hear others thoughts and opinions on this!
Now Lois - May made a really good point about never really understanding the value of networking professionally until she started her job - and I totally get that myself. her blog is a really good read http://lois-mayhunt.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/task-3a-current-networks.html
It's true though with the availability of text/email/Facebook etc. it's sometimes easy to forget who we speak too professionally and who we speak too as friends. Have you ever sent a text or email to the wrong person? I know I have! and I also know that I read in the magazine Cosmopolitan of a girl who sent an email out with pictures of her job which was meant to just be for colleagues in the office however it ended up going out to a client instead! - It's so easily done!
So my initial thoughts and feelings on networking as I embark on reader 3. I think it's an excellent way of being able to connect with other professionals for help and advice but we also network socially too and it's finding that balance and knowing the difference between who we speak too in a professional manner and who we class as social networking and is something that I am going to look into further - Now at the end of the skype last night I threw in the quote "It's not what you know - it's who you know" I feel this is extremely apt when speaking about networking. A topic that was discussed last night was; do you think that if you go for a job and you find out that another candidate knows people on the panel, do you think that gives them an advantage? Will the employer go with what they already know? Would love to hear others thoughts and opinions on this!
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