Sunday 9 February 2014

CPD

I've blogged about Steve Anderson's Web connected classroom blog before but his latest post really resonated with me.

The post, entitled 3 Things We Need To Remember For Every Professional Development, talks about the importance of CPD but relevant, engaging and fun CPD!
As one of my main reasons for doing the BAPP course was to give me an opportunity to develop as a professional I feel it important to voice how the structure of the BAPP course incorporates those three topics (relevant, engaging, fun) to give each person a tailor-made experience with opportunity to find out and gain knowledge in whatever direction is most important to their practice and the self.

As the R.A.D. begin their first year of compulsory CPD hours it is vital that teachers speak up for what they need or want to develop. As Steve Anderson says, doing something just to get the credits means everyone ends up losing.
I remember when I spoke to the I.S.T.D. about my approach to gaining credits for entry on to the BAPP course I was advised to take the RoL route as gaining credits through the I.S.T.D. would mean taking courses I had already studied. Wise words indeed. Reviewing my learning not only gave me insight into my strengths but also highlighted my weaknesses, something I was then able to focus on during the course.

So why am I writing this blog?
I think what I'm trying to say is that even though completing the  CPD requirements every year may seem like a huge expense and time consuming, a little bit of reflection and forward planning about my own needs, wants and desires as a practitioner will give me an excellent place from which to ensure the CPD I undertake is relevant, engaging and fun!

Friday 24 January 2014

done but not finished

Module three is completed but as we all know, the journey isn't finished. I've already lookedat taking my study further as I'm proud of what I have achieved and eager not to go back to a static position in both my personal and professional life. I've also found a desire to expand my current practice so whether it's another course or a new role I hope to press forwards.
It was a real treat to see other presentations and to see the passion and commitment people have to their practice/careers. I wish everyone all the best S x



Monday 20 January 2014

Oral presentation 2

Here's a copy of my prezi presentation: http://prezi.com/5gksau8_ouzj/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

I wanted to share it and get feedback on how people find it before my presentation on Thursday morning. If you have time to have a look and comment I'd be really grateful.

The content of each bubble represents an aspect of my inquiry - the first section shares the process from my questions to my findings, the second section shares what has changed in my practice in light of these findings and over the last 18 months.

I chose a prezi template called 'balance' as I felt it showed how all the aspects of the inquiry process and my practitioner development are related and highlights the need for 'balance' in order to create good teaching practice.

My presentation talk will obviously flesh out the aspects contained within these bubbles, but I have included all the main and important aspects of my inquiry and development to present in slide form so as to not overload the presentation with huge amounts of reading.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the other presentations on Thursday morning and hope that everyone enjoys this last part of the course.

Please comment if there are things that don't work for you as the viewer - the presentation needs to reflect my audience as much as it reflects me!

Good luck everyone.

S

Friday 10 January 2014

Oral presentation 1

I've taken most of this week to focus on the new school term and for the joy that is paperwork, accounts, etc.! Now it's time to consider the last component of this module - the oral presentation.

Paula has linked to some of her previous blogs in her latest post:

http://paulanottingham.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/past-advice-on-presentations.html

The things I have noted and will take on board as I start to put my PowerPoint presentation together are:
• 1 slide per minute -so if my maths is correct that's roughly 10 slides for the 10 minute presentation.
• keep it simple, clear and don't over-word the slides
• think of what you think the audience will find most interesting
• like the review, talk about what was important and what it means to practice and to the future you

I'm planning to get going on things this weekend but a few thoughts already on what to include are:
• what motivates my adolescents in order to develop my practice and, at the same time, give students a better experience of dance
• the only way to do this was through asking my students what motivates them and what doesn't
• develop my knowledge of motivation theory to allow for analysis of my students thoughts and writing
• my findings included atmosphere, being in control and considered on their own merits and the teachers approach and manner
• this led to my website or edublog that hopes to share ideas and literature relevant to the topic of motivating students but also a place for me to continue developing as practitioner.
• it has changed my outlook both professionally and in a much more personal way:
  ○ awareness, approach, understanding, appreciating,          developing - all words that are now high on my list when  teaching
  ○ accepting, letting go, sharing, trust, active not passive - all words that are now high on my list in my personal life

I am really looking forward to seeing other presentations, it's been so tantalising to read everyone else's blogs that only give hints and snippets about the inquiry.

Good luck, everyone
S