The ramblings of my very busy brain!!!

Tonight I took some time out from the hustle and bustle to go see the fireworks with my favourite person in the world. My little girl always helps me put things into perspective. When I look at how much she has achieved in the 5 short years of her life so far it just takes me back and I realise just how much we are all capable of....

If we have a goal we can most certainly achieve it. 

Tomorrow I plan to ramble some more, I think it will help if I just pour out my thoughts. What I've done so far, what's left to do, what's next and what I think of it all so far. Hopefully it will clear out my head and make some space so I can get on with the tasks at hand :) 

Student Relationships: You only get one chance to make a first impression, summery so far...

For Paula and anyone else that has the time or inclination :)

My inquiry questions...

The importance of first impressions.

What makes a good first impression.

The significance of a good teacher-student relationship.

What makes a good teacher-student relationship.

My objective is to gather information that allows me to achieve all of the above. I will be this be observing teachers first interactions with new classes. 

The feedback I received after submitting my inquiry helped me to realise that I needed to be a little more specific as to what I am hoping to achieve and define my line of inquiry. Although my inquiry looks closely at students and teachers it is the behaviour of the the teachers that I am focusing on. The reaction this has on the children will help me to establish the forms of behaviour for other teacher that I would like to take forward in achieving my goals. 

Although a very simple set of Inquiry tools using observation with a follow up interview. My feed back suggested that I then a few weeks later met with the teachers again either for another observation or interview to established how there relationships with there new class had come on since their first encounters. I have decided after some thought to meet with the teacher to have an informal chat about how there relationships with the students are progressing. Anything that they would change in hindsight and things they may add or do differently next time. 

I've become aware that I need to take a more holistic approach, that not only the work and writing of other professionals can help me in this process but that I should draw more upon my own experiences as a professional. That my knowledge from situations I have encountered throughout my career has a voice in the analysis stage of my inquiry. 

In analysis I will be looking also at a transdiciplanary approach. Theorising what I have observed and how realistic it may in in the lager context. Also focusing on what I can learn from the bits that didn't work. 

I've given my artifact a lot if thought. How would I like someone to share this information with me. As a new teacher or an exisiting one looking to develope ones skill set what padagogy would be best suited. I plan to develope a short audio visual training piece that could potentially be displayed on a get into teaching website or provided to schools to share with their staff new or established. 

This will be a hands on display of my findings giving the viewer help, advice and examples of how to establish a good practice when first forming teacher-student relationships. 

The practical side is going really well so far and is almost complete. I am however struggling to find the right piece for my literature review. A lot of my reading has focused on first impression or teacher-student relationships. I've not found anything of real significance combining the two....any ideas or suggestion would be greatfully received :)

Bobbie. 

Module 3...

Hi all...

My inquiry proposal in planning appears to have some merit so onwards I go in the quest for new knowledge.

My inquiry is entitled.... Student Relationships: You only get one chance to make a good impression. 

I'm looking at how best to approach a new class in order to establish a good teacher/student relationship. Which research sows is critical to a child's education and a teachers career. 

With the new school year starting in sept I took the bull by the horns and jumped in with the practical side of the inquiry. With that almost done I'm looking now at analysing my results.

If any of you out there feel we could benifits from sharing it assisting each other please let me know I'm more than happy to help :) 

Feels like a long wait...

Not too much longer now. Feeling a little anxious and eager to get on with module 3.

How's everyone else feeling???

:)

Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry

Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry

Looking back over the journey that has been module two, one thing stood out and got me thinking. I‘d gone through the tasks laid out by the university which have guided me in gaining knowledge and information needed to put together a solid inquiry proposal. But what really gave me food for thought was the pivotal moments of change and enlightenment that have occurred throughout this process. Moments where the clouds parted, and words and ideas fell off the tip of my tongue. It’s these moments that I’ve chosen to reflect on, not merely because the thoughts and decisions made at these times have signposted the direction of my inquiry but because of the circumstance in which these epiphanies have occurred.

Whilst developing my lines of professional inquiry I learnt the importance of questioning my practice whilst looking for gaps or barriers to use as problems to research. Rosemary’s blog inspired a moment of clarity where she says ‘A great quality to have in this endeavour is one of curiosity - to develop an inquiring mind. Why should such a thing be? Is that the ‘truth’ and so on. Moreover, this develops a critical quality in your thinking, which is just what we are looking for on this programme.’ (Appendix A). Rosemary also recommended Freakonomics; a great read that helped me understand the practical applications of inquiry.

I shared my initial questions (Appendix B) on my blog and with colleagues. One communication proved invaluable as my next moment of enlightenment (Appendix C).

My blog post 4b (Appendix D) signifies two more key revelations; firstly, the formation of my Significant Interest Group (Sig) and secondly a new level of understanding. On my blog I quote ‘It's funny but I've really found that hearing my own ideas spoken in other people's words has made me able to access that bit of clarity that seems to constantly be on the tip of my Tongue.’ Comments from others really are a great example of how sharing can shape your ideas.

Initially I struggled to see the merit of my inquiry and how it would make a difference. I came across an inspiring blog by Peter Bryant (Appendix E). This quotation struck me: ‘They are not sea-changes nor are they barbarians banging at the gate. There is something to be said for the idea of from little things, big things grow’. It helped put my inquiry into context, especially the scale and feasibility.

The campus session on ethics highlighted the value of attending sessions. We brainstormed everything and anything on ethics until we had a clearer picture (Appendix F). I had my next revelation when Alan proselytized the “less is more” approach to inquiry. At last, I tapered my ideas into my final inquiry proposal.

Whilst piloting the tools of professional inquiry the emphasis turned to my Sig and what great support they provided as willing volunteers (appendix G).

On reflection, the biggest revelation of this emotional and mental journey is the realisation that - for the most part - my success is through engagement with my networks. Networking is an amazing source for a wealth of information that has assisted me in the ownership of my critical thinking process. In the future it will play its part in helping me sustain my professional practice.

Thanks to my sig...

I really want to say a big thank you to you all out there. you have all been a great source of support, information and inspiration.

I've tried to return the favour as much as I can. I hope I have in turn been some help.

A great example of the success of the sig for me...

Here's looking forward to module 3 and all it has to bring :)

Better late than never...

Have only just found the time to write this up but still wanted to share as this proved a pivotal moment in my line of enquiry...

When sharing my Initial Questions with a colleague her response was a real eye opener and helped me see things a bit more clearly.

I explained I was after a little feedback and read out my list of questions surrounding my practice, her first response was a little bit of a giggle!!! after my initial reaction of oh no! she thinks it's rubbish!!! I calmed down and listened to her response...

"Bobbie, are you feeling a little bit nervous of what the future has in store for you?".

It was at this moment I had one of those I can see clearly now moments!! I was feeling some apprehensions and looking at my questions most of them revolved around building relationships with my future students.

I decided from that moment on that there was to be an element of selfishness to my inquiry, as if I got it right I could lay a lot of these fears to rest :)

How funny that sometimes it takes someone else to see exactly what it is you are looking at.