Critical Reflection

Module 3

"Reflection is real when you put it into words and it has understanding and meaning" (Moon 1999). So where am I now? I have taken on board Kolb and Moons theories and using my findings, evidence and professional journal, I have reflected on the inquiry process. I have taken on board discussions and advice given by teachers and students, combined with my own thoughts and opinions to form new teaching strategies, which I hope to implement when I begin my teacher training in September.

Module three has come and gone so fast. The hardest part was beginning the inquiry process. It felt like I had so many things to do and had the overwhelming feeling of, where do I start? The action plan and schedule I made allowed me to remain focused and take each day and week one step at a time.

School life is hectic on the best of days and the students Involved in the inquiry had a lot going on. The inquiry process was during the run up to exam season, and the students were being pulled in every direction. I had to be very careful that students involved not only had the time, but could commit to the sessions, whilst ensuring I was not interrupting their study. Knowing the students well has helped in this case, as I was able to determine whether the students would be suitable in regards to commitment and other school priorities. The students involved have enjoyed watching the footage I have edited and I believe being a part of the inquiry, and knowing that they may potentially be role models for future learners, has given them a sense of purpose and an ever important boost of confidence. This can only help in wake of their exams. I feel very fortunate to have been able to conduct my investigation at my current place of work.

The school and staff have been very supportive throughout the entire process which has created a natural bond between me and the Performing Arts department, which I believe was formed during the teacher interviews. I think the teachers enjoyed being a part of my inquiry and were given the chance to share their expertise and opinions on matters they care about. My enthusiasm and thanks for their contribution lead to many staff room conversations which has helped to build working relationships I had not had before. I now feel like a true member of the department and not just a dance helper. It all falls in so perfectly with my teacher training beginning in September. I now feel the teachers are a part of my journey to becoming a teacher and I have built a great network of support, which I will undoubtedly need during my teacher training.

While the inquiry process had a profound effect on the way I will teach unit 4B, the module and entire course has undoubtedly shaped the teacher I intend to be. Module one change my way of thinking regarding many aspects such as social media, networking and Journal writing whilst inspiring me to expand my professional career through web 2.0.The many different theories in this module all relayed one message, we learn from experience and we progress through reflecting on that experience. "Continual recognition, restructure and transformation of experience" (Dewey 1934). I conducted many hours of research on Web 2.0 and am now able to understand how using social media can be a valuable tool and resource for learning, through the effective use of its features such as: community-input, content sharing and collaboration. 

“The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action” (Dewey 1934). Ethics has been a huge part of all modules and looking at my working environment and studying the schools policies and ethos has been a very insightful.  The Kevin carter case discussed in module two has had a lasting effect on the way I view ethics. I have also discovered that sometimes there are no right or wrong answers, only opinions. I now feel I have a deeper understanding of the school and its policy’s which is going to be vital to the success of my future career beyond teacher training.

Throughout this course, particularly during module three, networking and communicating with professionals was a key focus. The module has encouraged me to seek advice from my fellow colleagues and use their expertise to develop my understanding throughout my professional Inquiry. I reached out to friends, former colleagues and professionals in my community who worked in a variety of settings within the Arts. Working with professionals in this way has allowed me to soak up the expertise and opinions of my peers and gain a wealth of knowledge through the experience of others within my profession. My colleagues are aware I am in the middle of a degree and were always willing to discuss or contribute to discussion. This gave me the opportunity to ask the questions I normally would have felt I couldn’t as teachers are very busy and rarely get time to socialise and relax during school hours. I have shared the footage I have edited with members of the Performing Arts department and enjoyed reflecting on the process with my peers. Working in this way has given me a great sense of purpose and given me the opportunity to contribute to the department I will eventually be joining permanently. Reviewing the modules and reflecting on the different tasks has made me realise how much I have grown since the beginning. I took a look back over module one and two and reflected on my progress, see Appendix W: Reflection on Modules 1 & 2.

Conclusion

"Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it" (Kolb 1984). Kolb’s theories have had a huge impact on how I use my own experiences to reflect and improve my teaching. Through the process of this inquiry I have gained a great deal of knowledge drawing on experience which has sparking determination, passion and even excitement for my future career as a teacher. I have been inspired not only by the people around me, but the research conducted for this investigation. The many insightful books and articles on: Independent learning; Art Therapy; Stimulus and Choreography have given me many new ideas for teaching resources.  Reflective practice is “a dialogue of thinking and doing through which I become more skilful” (Schon 1983).

There are so many areas that have been highlighted throughout this inquiry that I wish to investigate further. I believe I have only touched the surface of so many aspects and fully intend to continue researching the topics covered to create a deeper understanding for communicating with teenagers, whilst developing my skills as a teacher. My appetite for research has been heightened throughout this investigation and my awareness of the knowledge gained has increasing my confidence enabling me to deliver the G.C.S.E Dance syllabus effectively and with confidence.

Work based learning has given me the opportunity to communicate and learn from the professionals around me. Working in this way has given me the confidence needed to ask for their support and guidance for future practice. This has also helped to build close professional relationships with the members of the performing arts department, which is important as they are the teachers who will be mentoring me during my teacher training.

I have learned a great deal from feedback given, by fellow BAPP Arts students, my tutor and colleagues within my place of work. Feedback has been delivered in a supportive and constructive manner, which has encouraged me to seek advice more often. I am certain my future practice has been influenced by my peers experience and expertise which has undoubtedly had a profound effect on my teaching style.

Reflection is a powerful tool and one I will continue to use to aid my own professional development as well as the development of my students. I hope to share the knowledge I have learned with fellow colleagues and continue on a path of reflection and growth. The knowledge and experience gained from this inquiry has better prepared me for the many challenges ahead, which I am sure I will encounter throughout my career as a secondary school teacher. This module and BAPP Arts course has put me in great stead, giving me the confidence needed to prepare for my future teacher training commencing in September.