6d, Delicious

I have now successfully set up my page on Delicious. I found it actually quiet easy, so to all of you nearing to do it don't worry.

I have put my link below to my page with all my taggs so far. It's a great method to use and is going to be very helpful from now on.

https://delicious.com/srjones17

I am sure some of you may find these taggs very interesting.

6c My Literature

My three pieces of literature are;

1

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=bTm-W4oX0HgC&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=literature+of+dance+teachers&source=bl&ots=PE0tLdS27z&sig=Xw_bs1TpoUAjlPexLrx5I-VvNBk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=MRKBUtbxLOiO7AaL0oDwDA&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

My first piece of literature is from google books, i came across this piece of literature by typing into google search engine literature of dance teachers. This took me a while to find, but once i started reading this i thought it was an Amazing article. For myself this is ideal it covers all areas about dance teachers, various teaching methods, teachers learning process and about teachers environment. For the first time this is a pice of literature that is all together that i can make an understanding of about teachers and all areas involved in teaching. This article answers many  of the questions i had in my head about teaching, as this is a career i wish to go into i had no idea. The piece advises you on skills and qualities you must uphold such as dedication to your subject, but also shows me a variety of dance educator jobs that are out there that i could take into consideration. Weather it be a mentor, choreographer, teacher, assessor, i feel within all of these forms you have to inspire.  

There are 2 authors to the book i have found firstly,

Gayle Kassing, who has been a professional dancer, choreographer,  dance educator, presenter, and author. As a professional dancer, she is experienced ballet, modern dance, and musical theatre. She obtained a BFA in ballet and theatre from the Christian University in texas. She has now been an educator for more than 25 years, teaching at various different universities in physical education and fine arts undergraduate programs and graduate dance education programs. 

Her work also includes dance technique, dance production, classes in primary schools, dance studios, ballet companies, workshops in public schools and she helped write state curriculum guidelines and dance teacher certification tests. This lady is clearly experienced in all areas and i am sure to say she has inspired hundreds of people. 

Referencing from;

http://www.humankinetics.com/news-and-excerpts/news-and-excerpts/hk-author-and-acquisition-editor-gayle-kassing-honored-as-ndas-2010-scholarartist

And Danielle Mary jay is also the author along side Gayle Kassing.

2

file:///Users/sophiejones/Desktop/My%20pieces%20of%20li%20module%202%206c/My%20Learning%20Journey:%20Critique.webarchive

My second piece of literature is taken from a gentleman's blog. David Fawcett has titled him blog “My learning journey”. Whilst looking on the web i came across this blog. David is a secondary school teacher of PE and a learning innovator in Southampton. He strongly believes and has a very passion interest in independent learning and “learning to learn”.

Whilst reading through his blog which is dated 6th April 2013, i found this most relevant to myself and my line of inquiry. His blogg relates to a few of my questions in part 4a. I have spoke of;

effectiveness as a  teacher?

what skills and attributes?

What qualities?

What journey? 

What teaching styles/work loads and classroom methods?

These are just a few highlighted areas that are in my questions for my line of inquiry and in davids blogg he talks about students and the opportunity to properly act upon feedback and as a teacher to be this is exactly what i would wish my students to do. Especially in the subject area i have chose. Dance is a subject area where you can majorly take on feedback, and for example rehearse, practice , give more feedback, keep learning and working together simultaneously to get things better. 

“I would therefore create dedicated times in my lessons for students to do something with the comments that I or their peers had given them.”  

David talks in his blog about critique and i personally feel in a classroom this is vital. This is a quality and skill i will have to use a lot, this is to ensure that the quality of work produced is driven forward to improve the standard of work. He also strongly believes that other students/peeps within the right manner should help advise other students once again in my subject area, within dance you on many occasions have to work in groups so this is ideal, i feel this is a brilliant technique not only for myself to observe other students but for those to critique others and seek independent feedback off one another. 

I also on this page found the youtube clips very helpful he talks about effective feedback. Every teacher in todays society requires to give feedback and its interesting to see ones who do act upon feedback. I strongly agree that critique is a powerful method of feedback. As a teacher you hope that once you give a student feedback that they will then go away have taken in your opinions and feedback to then work on this for next time, but this is not always the case, so i need to ensure i make this an area they wish to develop and grow in. 

These diagrams are taken from David’s blog, i came across these and i find that the process’s are very easy to follow, the structure i completely agree with and will use these when i i come to teach classes.

3

file:///Users/sophiejones/Desktop/My%20pieces%20of%20li%20module%202%206c/Insight:%20Passion%20takes%20a%20teacher%20from%20being%20merely%20good%20to%20great%20-%20Telegraph.webarchive

My third piece of literature is taken from a web article from the Telegraph paper. Written by

Adrian Furnham who is a professor of psychology at University College London.

The reason i chose this piece of literature is because its perfect for my line of inquiry. I am most interested in teachers and how they inspire and how their passion can make a difference in the classroom. This piece talks all about inspiring students and what teachers do to  make others believe in their subject area, and what qualities they have. 

I couldn't be any more happier than i am with this piece of literature.

Adrian talks of how teacher can change lives and this is exactly what i wish to do, i wish to be that teacher that inspires children to take a particular interest in my subject area. I wish for them to then want to always be engaged in my lessons and maybe even follow this as a career like i have. Enthusiasm and passion is exactly what i wish to offer i am so passionate about my subject and i would like to relay that to as many youngsters as possible. Furthermore i also agree by Adrian saying inspirational teachers set high standards, i think this is most needed in schools high standards is what we needs, and that is only because we want the best for the children. If we know they are capable of it, you can only encourage to achieve higher. Adrien also refers to inspirational teachers bringing their subject alive by referring to real life events. As myself when i eventually enter a school work place i will hopefully also inspire by talking about my own professional experiences, such as west end, shows, dance rehearsals etc, i would like to think that my own life events have inspired them to work harder in the classroom. I would coach them into thinking about real situations, i.e pretend audition days so they are aware of situations and examples of professional works. I would cover as much in my subject area as possible to prepare students for what ever they need to know.

Adrien talks of how also teachers can be inspired, seeing a group of dancers stay behind after school to practice something without even being asked shows they have a passion for your subject, i would love to see this myself one day. 

“And why are inspirational teachers the way they are? Intelligence, knowledge, a variety of skills or all of the above. But most say they became teachers or lecturers because they themselves had an inspirational teacher. So it's not genetic... but it certainly is passed on.”

With Adrian’s last couple of sentences i most defiantly couldn't agree more. I feel i would be an inspirational teacher due to my amount of professional knowledge and skills i had picked up over the years. But mainly i wish to inspire others, just like I was when i was younger.

I was inspired at a young age, so now i wish to gain as much professional knowledge, skills and experience so i can then pas this on and inspire others!

These professional people have carried out their own investigations to bring these pieces of literature Through reading these 3 pieces i have learnt a hell of a lot and my knowledge grows day by day. 

Within any sources of research there are going to be idea/ opinions and views but i honestly feel my tree pieces of literature help not only my line of inquiry but for my own personal benefit for as and when i wish to be a teacher. 

6b My research Tools

My research for my line of inquiry will require different tools but ones will i be using, which ones will benefit me the most. And how am i going to get the most out of my research. 

Methods i could use in my research and what ones will work best for line of inquiry and myself personally. This process will require much time and input of other individuals or who i wish to help me as much as possible with their input/ideas and feedback. 

I wish to gather and analyze as much data/information as possible so i can get an understanding of other peoples opinion and ideas. I wish to observe contrast and compare within my research and see how these may affect my overall inquiry. There is only one way to find out, to start researching. 

I will be using real life experience, such as pilot observations so i can see for myself and gain as much real life self discovery and knowledge. I wish to put this practice based knowledge

then into real life practice as after observing a few classes I will be allowed to for the first time ever have an input into a class and teach something,

The whole idea of this enquiry is so I gain a much broader knowledge and understanding of my professional practice for all I know my outlook may change and my thoughts may develop to a whole new level and show me even more how inspiration is a huge key factor within teaching. But by trying different research methods and skills I will not know until the different evidence is in front of me.

I wish to gather my evidence analyze this then present my findings.

During my research I will of course only ask appropriate and relevant information related to my line of enquiry of course I do not wish to mislead anyone as this may affect my overall outcome of research.

This line of enquiry is very personal to myself and this is why I chose to enquire and find out as much as possible its own investigation that may take me on a journey I didn’t even realize a man mount to a lot of data being processed.

I truly and strongly agree with Mason 2002 by saying we the researcher becomes one of the tools of enquiry and must reflectively be aware of their own position in and biases as I wish to gain as much knowledge with this line of enquiry I will be open as possible to feedback ideas and opinions and I respect that. it’s true we are at all extracting information to build upon (here I am the quality of research)

Furthermore I also agree with black 2002 page 3 by saying;

“quantitive research is quite good at telling us what is happening, and often qualitative studies are better at determining why events occur”

We as researchers wish to extract information and see what it is telling us however during our research we wish to have a better understanding as to why events occur.

I will use a range of tools and methods to explore my research I will value this and observe all data I wish to make the most out of my line of enquiry I need to work out what methods will be most efficient at collecting the information I need.

My research tools

Observations

Observations will involve myself watching researching and analyzing events that relate to my line of enquiry I also will be a participant in the classes as I’ll be teaching a few and observing events as the class as it unfolds

This is a time consuming event as it involves myself attending the sessions but I believe it is well worth it. With this I’ll be able to analyze and inspect what I’ve recorded. My observations will be in a written note form. I of course will take into consideration issues of ethics permission of teachers and confidentiality of students.

I have been fortunate enough to over the last week been able to observe 4 classes in my old secondary school. And i must say i have found these most beneficial to myself for experience but also for my line of inquiry and the research method i have used in watching over these 4 classes. I have also decided that i will continue to observe them , to see if any progress is made and to get more of an understanding about how teachers and students work together. I will be attending a showcase at the school in a few weeks time. It will be most interesting to see how all the pieces have come along and what improvements and alterations they have made to have a finished product. I have found it most interesting as i have already put in a previous blog to see how the classes have learnt, what skills they have and what manners and interests they have within the subject of dance. 

Interviews

An interview is a qualitative of method I would use. Its a way of extracting information to use as evidence in my line of enquiry I will directly asked people who have experienced perceptions and knowledge about the professional theatrical and teaching industry. I will arrange a face to face with an individual person who i already have in mind. This person has already achieved what i wish to. She has already followed her dream as a professional performer and is now teaching to inspire, this is exactly what i wish to do.

My interview will consist of a set of varied questions all about my inquiry. But also so i can hear of experiences and  what interested her to do this career. I wish to gain as much feedback as possible and discuss in depth with this lady, this will be an open interview and not be so formal with a quilloquial approach. However this interview must also be structured if not things may gets lost or misunderstood. 

Survey's/questionnaires

This method I am sure to use to ask people who they are and what they think. The survey can allow me together a large amount of data from a wide range of representatives and people. i aim to ask all ages, genders and ethnicities for feedback. This survey will be filled with both straight forward “yes or no answers” and areas to fill in on peoples personal feedback. I will think closely about my questions to ensure i get the most out of my people, as every little helps. 

I wish to find out all information of all responses so I can look for comparisons or similarities between people the more responses I get the bigger my enquiry. I have to ensure that i ask the correct information otherwise this could be useless to me and be meaningless information. Another disadvantage may be that some people i ask may be biased to this line of inquiry which can damage the outcome of my research. 

Reviewing Literature

Find, Read, Analyze

Reviewing literature i feel is key its a way of looking at academic research that has already been carried out. This of course will relate to my professional practice and line of inquiry. I will highlight in other literature about critical thinking and peoples theories and thoughts. I will review excising literature to gain an understanding of my chosen topic through other peoples opinions and ideas. This will lead to more in-depth knowledge and most probably uncover more questions for me. 

Whilst reading the literature i will ensure the source is legitimate and if its accurate. I will also ensure i tittle authors and co- authors, and detail about their research quality and reasoning for this. I have decided to annotate my chosen literature, highlighting particular aspects that i find intriguing, this will help with also building my knowledge.

Documents

With what ever documents I come across that are of interest to me and my line of enquiry I will read over makes sense of and critically analyze them. Documents I may come across for example newspapers books journals government white papers or even company documents these are all secondary data these I I may find in a library or even from the Internet.

6a Research

I have read over the course reader 6 on tools of professional inquiry, and i have thoroughly learnt a lot. There were things highlighted like methods of extract research such as surveys and observations, nut it never occurred to me how much in-depth you can go with these forms of research. The way these methods work and may have limits and some new things for myself to try such as a focus group, this never entered my mind before now. 

I am part of a SIG, which was set up by Carla Mason, and both of us have spoke of how useful it is for us. We both feel that we can guide and help one another with our lines of inquiry as they seem to be of the same nature. From one another we can benefit greatly, with critical refection, input of ideas and what research has been of great use to us. 

New Experience

On Friday i was given the opportunity to go and sit in on some classes a my old secondary school.

I had arranged with a the head of the department to go in and observe some classes, in which i had a thoroughly great day! 

I had the pleasure of observing a year 9, year 10 GCSE and year 12 A level class. 

I had such a brilliant day and found it most fascinating observing a class.

After the 3 lessons and myself sitting back and observing. I found it thoroughly interesting and enjoyable what i had learnt, seen and picked up on.

It is most apparent that each class was different not only in age, but manner, tone and attitude as well. During each class i wrote pages of notes.

I chose to go in and observe the classes as in future i wish to teach, so it was a great new experience for myself and most interesting seeing the schedules and order of classes, but how a class is handled and kept in order and together. 

5d,

I have commented on my SIG re the ethical importance to my line of inquiry. I have spoke of how important it is that i understand what is required of me, with my professional practise at the time being and into the future when i wish to teach.

5c,

Many professions have a code of conduct/ ethics, this sets out their expectations.

Things to be considered!

Values                

Behaviours

Boundaries

Ways of operating

Social skills

Decisions

Professionalism 

Representation

Morals

The affects       

Conduct 

Responsibility                                     

Personal

Reputation       

Social

Cultural

Principles

Relationships

Standards  

Knowledge and understanding

From looking at this list is is very clear that from the literature i have written about in my task previous these aspects will have to be incorporated for as when i wish to teach. I will have to follow and maintain a code of conduct as all times but still hold onto my own personal ethical feelings and ideas,  but also for myself at the moment in my professional practise. 

As the reader says inevitably any professional practice has ethical involvement. The general principles the reader highlights i have realised they fit with my own line of inquiry and below i have explained why.

Like in my questions i do wish to talk/ inquire into about teachers and their approaches towards children teaching methods and styles. For this I have done so much researching and their was one particular website from gov.uk which was most helpful and has enlightened me into skills, attributes and expectation i should have. I plan to put in place as many ethical properties as i can so i can move forward in my professional practice. So my line of inquiry is the transition form performer to teacher, i now know from reading the reader all the principles and how to place them in my professional practice. 

Plagiarism
I will be careful with plagiarism and make sure i do not steal any ones else's work of course i can reference it if its to use in my inquiry. 

Only ask what is necessary

I have done a huge amount of networking and i feel i have asked so much information of people, all of whom have been importantly asked. These people know they have been observed and were very willing to help me out.

Covert-v-overt observation

I have asked the people to be as honest with me with ther feedback and they are fully aware it is for my lie of inquiry.

Maintaining objectivity

I have maintained confident with my line of inquiry and am focused and curious as to what i have found out and will continue to learn.

Reporting data/ Protecting data/Preventing harm


All the data i have received has been carefully stored and i will draw upon it when needed.

Permission

All of the peopel who have been asked for feedback are fully aware this is for my professional line of inquiry.

5b,

These evening after finish task 5a, i decided to generally research codes of conduct and ethics in a working environment i found these website that state for dancers, teachers of dance and teachers generally.

• http://www.danceeast.co.uk/academy/student_area/code_of_conduct.aspx

Dance East code of conduct

• http://www.rad.org.uk/files/ART255_Code%20of%20Conduct%20English.pdf

Code of conduct and professional practice for teachers registered with RAD

• http://www.collegeofteachers.ac.uk/membership/code-of-practice

Code of professional practise for the college of teachers

• http://www.ethicsdance.co.uk

• http://www.ethicsdance.co.uk/resources/downloads/a-dancer-is-a-person.pdf

And i also came across this website that discusses ethics.

I have decided to narrow down my research and finding and i have found the teachers standard publication provided by gov.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/208682/Teachers__Standards_2013.pdf

This article is a much more professional in-depth piece of literature, that is very interesting and relevant to my professional practice and line of inquiry with regards to its ethics and interesting framework within a professional work place. As i wish to have a career within teacher in years to come this has given be a good understanding of what attributes and expectations are required from me.

Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils

Be able to Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils

Should demonstrate a good subject and curriculum knowledge and understanding

Plan well and teach well structured lessons

Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils (Methods and strategies)

Make accurate and productive use of assessment (Feedback, constructive criticism)

Manage behaviour in an effective manner to ensure a good and safe learning environment for all

Fulfil wider professional responsibilities, such as career paths and parents discussions

However there is also a personal and professional conduct i should a-dear to, other than maintaining a high standard of educational important i also feel that there should also be a high standard of professional care. Such as an interest in the well being of a child. Student i believe should have  a feeling of trust within a teacher knowing that they are independently putting themselves into their teachers hand in the educational field, knowing that today they will learn something, teachers should build professional relationships, treat with dignity, know boundaries and have an interest in the well being with colleges and students.

Tolerance and respect are also vital along side high standards attendance and punctuality which are the basic needs of a professional practitioner.  And finally i believe teachers should feel happy to work in an environment where they feel as ease with their learning framework and can full fill their professional duties and responsibilities.

Professional Ethics 5a,

I have decided to discuss my professional community and the how the ethics are involved in my practice.

Within my professional community i have decided to talk about;

• Whilst i attend auditions and classes
• Going into lessons to observe a dance class
• Attending rehearsals
• And i wish to teach in the future but as of yet i currently do not

Within these subject areas i feel all the codes and regulations of practise all sit in line with one another. 

I personally should always behave and remain in a professional, ethically and morally correct manner. Be on top form all of the time, ready to observe, develop, inquire and work constantly, by being alert all of the time.  I always have and always will keep my eye on the end product, the aim/target and objective of the class / rehearsal. It is also highly important to have a background understanding and knowledge of my professional practise so i can only develop and achieve a high standard. And have a clear understanding of my careers values as it is personal to myself. 

Respect is also vital in any business and career. Should you give out respect you should also recieve it in return. 

And a final factor I should always be visually/physically and spatially aware for health and safety reasons. 

4d, Delving more

Whilst i was looking through other people's bloggs i came across Liam who is going along the same line of inquiry as myself, as soon as i read all of his questions i just had to comment straight away. Yes i proberbly rambled on but lieke i commented i felt so passionatly about his uestions i just ahd to replort back to him with my iopions and views on age of dancers, does a dregree make you a better teacher and how is ability th key or image a selling poitn for a dancer. This really got me thinking and i feel his line of inquiry is going to be most intertsing i can not wait to see how it turns out and read it.


I have also been doing some research of my own and sent out my questions to people i know and have worked with for their personal feedback.

I wish to see all responses and use this to compare and contrast for my professional line of inquiry.

Female
Key skills you need to have to become and effective teacher is someone who listens to all caring and kind to all those in their class ...someone who shows authority when needed is also key so that respect is given....your journey of becoming a teacher will be never ending you will have to do all your training and some form of teacher training then you become and NQT and with that your continue everyday to be the teacher thats learns and grows with the students you will encounter ...I think you can definitely use your professional knowledge as a guide to influence and inspire as it shows your students you are a real life being and not just a 'teacher' you will adapt and learn new teaching styles through colleagues at work certain methods will only work for particular children

Male

1. Don't beat around the bush, your critique is key for growth.

2. Tough skin to deal with difficult parents and children, the ability to take any situation and use it as a teaching device, remember how you were at that age and use your own person experience to know how far you can push your students mind!

I don't ask a student to do anything I can't show or haven't done other then in extraordinary circumstance (the student is amazing and already surpasses your own talent)

3. Knowledge of technique, body form and general dance.

4. To become a great teacher the experience you have is everything to your student, every integration you have with each student whether how big or small it may be can change there entire life, a lot of pressure to put someone under but we do it for that end result!

5. 1000% if you don't then you might as well of skipped you professional career in the eyes of your student! For each exercise you do in class extends to a movement you will use in your professional career, everything links and you are there to not only show them what n how to do something but why!

6. Just like when you first learnt commercial, contemporary, tap, ballet if its not natural, learning a new style is something that just takes repartition.

These responses were very intriguing to read through. Both believe how in a tiny second you can influence and inspire someone, and how different methods and pressures can work differently for different children.


Furthermore Whilst browsing the web this evening i came across this website, where a particular lady shared her experience as a teacher. I found this very mesmorising as to how one teacher had used various methods and techiques to control a situation in a instant that had been proceeding for a long time.  Her conclusion saying how "Every student is different; no two students react in the same way. It is our tasks as teachers to find not only what motivates each student to learn but also what motivates them to misbehave. If we can meet them at that point and take away that motivation, we can go a long way towards a more effective classroom and learning experience." sums this up perfectly.


http://712educators.about.com/od/teachertips/a/teaching_exp.htm

(Full article link)

4c, Continuing questions

With regards to my questions, i did feel very happy with them as they are most valuable to myself in developing my professional practise.

I am most aware that i will have to delve deep into getting the most out of my enquiry. I am not looking for straight forward answers i am going to research, as much as i can to see literature online, ask people i know to glance over these questions and see what their responses are? I have decided to send these questions out to friends of mine who now teach and then contrast and compare to See how my line of enquiry is going to proceed.

I have started out with the most basic of questions,

• How do i become a teacher?

The reason for this, there are many qualifications and training courses i could attend this all depends on the line of teaching i wish to go into weather it be primary/ secondary education, private performing arts colleges or armature dramatic companies.

• What Key skills and attributes must i have to become a successful teacher?

I have then opened up the question further so i can enquire to skills required and how success in a teacher can help pupils in the subject area.

• What transitional qualities must i have?

I understand that there will be a process from professional performer to teacher, there most probably will be skills that i can use form my profession but what new skills and methods will i have to assure i understand and have to make a smooth transition into teaching.

• What journey will i go on to achieve my goal as a teacher?

This question will make me look deeper into how teaching has a journey and how nothing happens over night. How long ail the process be for myself to obtain awards and attend courses i will have to go on. Will i need to take new exams and legal requirements such as CRB checks.

• Can i use my professional experiences/ knowledge as guide lines to influence and inspire others in my professional career path?

I feel that myself when i become a teacher will most defiantly bring my personal experience and knowledge into the classroom. I wish to inspire people i wish to make them see what is available career wise for them as a performer. I feel an experienced teacher can bring so much to the table when teaching others, they have been there got the experience they know the feelings and emotions dancers go through. 

• How i will adapt and learn new teaching styles/work loads and classroom methods?

I will make sure that when learning and enquiring into how to become a teacher i will research all methods and skills teachers use. How they cope with classroom teaching and how myself will cope with the more academic requirements. I.E Lesson planning and behavioural aspects.

• What have i learnt from other people's experiences?

This question is going to be very useful to me as i am going to draw upon people i know who are now teachers and who have been part of the performing world. I am going to enquire about their own personal stories, and emotional and physical demands. I wish to get as much feedback as possible, for myself to then contrast and compare to see how their transitions were made. 

I would really appreciate as much feedback as possible with regards to my questions and how they are forming my line of enquiry. I have kept my explanations quiet open so you can all see where i am heading with this. For my next task i am going to delve deeper into literature online and see other people opinions and see if this can further my line of enquiry. 

4b, Special Interest Group SIG

I am now part of a special interest group which is an open group on Facebook this was set up by Natalie Kirk. This is a great idea for us all to keep in contact and exchange views, opinion and give feedback to one another.

The group is called SIG Module 2.

Module 2, 4a, My Questions

Here are my questions that i feel are very relevant to my line of inquiry.

• How do i become an effective teacher?

• What key skills and attributes must i have to become a successful teacher?

• What transitional qualities must i have?

• What journey will i go on to achieve my goal as a teacher?

• Can i use my professional experiences/ knowledge as guide lines to influence and inspire others in my professional career path?

• How i will adapt and learn new teaching styles/work loads and classroom methods?

• What have i learnt from other people's experiences?

I am more than happy for any feedback from you all, it would be greatly appreciated. 

Module 2 Insight

Well so it begins, i have now been to 2 campus sessions regarding module 2 and i have taken so much on board and been scribbling away, but haven't posted anything onto my blogg until now. I haven't felt that confident with how my line of inquiry was going to go. But now that i have glanced over the readers and i feel a lot happier i have decided to base my line of inquiry around

the transition from professional performer to teacher. 

The reason for myself choosing this line of inquiry is because this is very personal and relevant to me. This inquiry will help me learn and get an understanding of how to pursue and develop my professional practice and my career for the future. I wish to follow my career as a performer for as long as possible,

• gain as much knowledge,

• gain as much experience as much as possible,

• meet new people within the industry

• build my CV up as much as possible

• Learn new skills

• travel the world

• try new teaching styles

I wish to achieve this so when i come to a point in my life when i wish to teach i then will have as much experience to pass on to others. I wish to inspire people and let them fall in love with the industry i did.

2nd Campus session of Module 2

Yesterday was our second campus session myself doing module 2! I had a brilliant day, i found it very informative and i find it very beneficial when all 3 modules come together and discuss the course. We can all reflect off one another and interact about ideas.

Firstly Alan gave us a task titled "Mapping professional domains", this made me really think outside the box of how things are perceived in the outside world, what tools, technologies and mehods are used, and my own personal views with regards to all ideas, such as values, questions and inquiries and knowledge. I found this task challenging to begin with but once you realise how you feel things and how the outside world can see things, the methods and tools soon fall into place.

With regards to module 2 we discussed our lines of inquiry, and what questions we have come up with. I have only just written these questions and feel much happier now. I have decided to follow along the lines of transition between professional performer to teacher. The reason i have chose this line of inquiry as it is personal and most relevant to myself.

Here's to posting these questions, and getting some feedback please :-) x

Module 2 Campus Session

Wow! I can not believe yesterday was the start of my second module! I had a brilliant campus session! It was really lovely that all the people from all module's came together, i got to meet lovely new people and hear their experiences of the course and about their previous work. I personally found it a very inspiring day and left feeling very positive! Bring on module 2 and word INQUIRY! xx

Essay almost there!

Tonight i have finished my draft of my essay, i just got a little excited so i thought i would share it with you all! I just need to now type it up and fingers crossed! X

3c, Critical questions and issues that emerge

Here is an insight to my most current and top 5 most important sources of information.

All of these sources of information are a brilliant way of networking, and these help me daily to pursue and continue my love in my professional practise.

The web:

Technology is so advanced in this day and age and it makes you wonder how we could have ever lived with out it. I was unfortunate enough to have 2 laptops break within a matter of a week and i felt as though my left arm had been taken off me. I rely so heavily on the Webb, for information sources and so much more. The web is an amazing way of networking. Facebook, blogging, email, youtube, twitter these are all amazing sources that i use regularly to promote myself as a dancer/ performer. If i put myself out there then i have more opportunity of being noticed and so i can apply for more work. There also are websites out there such as dancers pro and spotlight that i am on. Yes you have to pay for these but jobs are posted hourly that you can apply to. Casting directors look on to these pages and there are more than enough ways of you putting your information out there so you can be contacted. I have had many jobs through this form of networking. I over the years have also sent thousands of emails, to choreographers, company to show my interest in their work, this shows that i am interested i have put myself out there. I can email over cover letters CV'S and showreels. This is a very fast way of networking and things can get done instantly.

Agents:

I feel that agents are most help full in this business. Once you audition for them and they know you as a persona and your talents they can then showcase you and try to help you get work.  Agents are there to advise you, help with the auditions try and get you private ones but also know you as a person and help you develop. Agents offer feedback and should help you improve to the best of your ability. I myself have an agent and she has on many occasions offered me work that i wouldn't have know was out there, but because of her contacts she is that extra step ahead. That's where cooperation comes hugely into play, we help one another.


Phones/Laptops:

My iphone is always by my side, its something that is taken every where with me. Its such a handy gadget and with technology today they are just getting better and quicker. I constantly get emails and updates off websites like spotlight and As my iphone is always with me  i can respond there and then quick enough. We have such easy access to the internet to source quick information  to help us and apps that we can download if we are lost. With Laptops its very easy to attach pictures and CV's. There is no way now a days that people can not get in contact the technologies out there allows us to always be able to get in contact with people. Facebook and twitter can be downloaded onto your phones, so searching for people couldn't be any easier.

Friends, Word of mouth:

I feel these 2 sources of information fit hand in glove.  Whilst you are out and about you are personally and unawaringly networking. You don't always know who you are talking to, that person on the bus could be a film director, so that is why i always have my Witt's about me and act professionally at all times. I feel word of mouth is a great source of information. The amount of times have stood In a  que at an audition for hours on end, and you strike up conversation with the person next to you, whilst talking you are both extracting information for your own personal benefit, they are advising you, helping you, and hopefully you are doing the same for them. Perfect example i went to the wicked audition at pineapple last week and i stood in a que for hours on end, which resulted in 5 of us become good friends, we now have added each another on facebook and speak, chat discuss other auditions. If  it wasn't for us networking, talking making friends and using the social networking of facebook then this wouldn't have happened. But you can also hear information off colleagues and friends that wish to help and advise you at the same time.


Classes / or an environment related to your professional practice:

Attending classes i feel is an amazing opportunity to learn and enjoy yourself anyway. But whilst you are there it is also a great opportunity to network, with other students/ dancers meet new choreographers.  Attending classes i feel keeps you in the industry loop, you get to learn new techniques and repertoire, try new ideas and styles and only build upon your knowledge. There is no harm in adding another string to you bow. For all you know a choreographer may spot you in a class and a Job opportunity may arise. In classes you can make new friends and then discuss ways that they network, you get to learn so much by being in this environment. But i also feel that other than classes attending shows/ performances is also very very interesting. You get to expand your knowledge, go and watch something and enjoy yourself. Seeing a musical if your musical theatre trained may be that bit of inspiration you needed, i know when i come out of a show it inspires me even more to work harder to be on that stage. Its all about being involved in the communaties of practise. being surrounded by the people in your professional practice can only have a positive effect on you as a person.


So there i have highlighted my top 5 sources of information. I hope they help you too, and inspire you to look further than the average.  From looking at my sources i feel very happy with them because there are live and virtual sources, i feel i try all options to help myself. I don't just put all my eggs into one basket and expect jobs to come to me, even though i do all this on a daily basis i still have to keep trying harder and networking constantly to be the best at my profession.

3b, Theories relating to networking

In my professional practice these networks are valuable to me and i rely on them very much for my career.

No doubt in years to come there will be many more ways of networking, but as of yet there are a hell of a lot of tools already out there.

Some of these networks are free , such as facebook and bloggs but i feel that the more people use them, companies will latch onto people having to pay in society to continue networking.

Facebook, and bloggs are a brilliant way to promote yourself and a way for clients, agents and other professional people to find out about yourself. It's a network where you can be seen at any time.

i feel that i personally could use Flikr and youtube a little more. Before i started my BAPP course i had never used these before, youtube to search things but never to promote myself. I personally feel that both of these networking tools are very handy. I could use these a lot more to my advantage. I now have an account on flikr and i have only recently uploaded a video onto youtube for my first set of tasks. But for my professional practice if i had a show reel this could be put onto youtube to be seen by thousands more people, this can only be an advantage for myself. With Flikr, people can now see my professional pictures. It's a positive move for me to include theses into m networking tools.  The other option i have thought about is setting up my very own website, to promote myself within the industry, many people have this, and i feel i could put all my links to flikr, youtube send people to my blogs. this could be so beneficial to me and its something i am currently look into.

The theories i have read through in great detail and i feel that each will some how suit every ones character and how they network. These networking tools defiantly come to light in these theories.

My professional practice is highly important to me so that is why i need to constantly maintain it, and networking is the main part of this game. The performing industry that i am in, is not always about what you know but who you know. Networking can open a whole can of worms, makes sure you work hard and maintain this. My professional networking does most defiantly has a huge impact on my career and success, promotion and development. By constantly networking this can lead to future work, achievements and an even more enjoyment to my professional practice. Hopefully by reading these theories will now give me a better understanding on how to use my professional networks more effectively.

Cooperation

I believe cooperation is a process where people/ organisations can work together to achieve the same end result. You work together in a process that helps one another.

However the Game theory believes that one player succeeded and another misses out. This i believe happens in everyday life but are we a selfish society, shouldn't we be helping one another out. However in this industry that i am in, its all about yourself. People choose to not cooperate as they believe this is helping others, they may be giving the game away and i think cooperation doesn't happen as much as it should.

People hold back on cooperating as they feel they need to benefit, have a reason to move forward whilst helping others. The game theory is interesting because it focuses on the decisions people make weather to cooperate or not, their strategy would they benefit from cooperating?.

I picked out of the reader , Out of the extract from Axelrod, R (1984) pages xi-xiv:

The term tit for tat is very apparent when it comes to cooperation. People always need to have some thing beneficial to them before they cooperate i think this is awful, that people are almost not nice enough to help out in a kind hearted way for the love of it unless it is beneficial to them.
But the question is where do you draw the line, how far do you go to help someone i know myself i always cooperate as i feel its the right way to look forward in life.


"The will and way to win" (Alan Durrant- From the Reader 3)

This quote is associated with the game theory 

In my professional practice i feel that cooperation is key. No one would want to employ a dancer that did not cooperate, other wise you would be straight out of a job, hopefully the more you cooperate this is noted and works to your advantage.


Affiliation

Affiliation is related to social psychology. It uncovers as to why we associate ourselves with other people, and how and why we form relationships. It makes me realise how much we actually talk to other people. We socialise a hell of a lot, and its something that comes completely naturally for me. Affiliation is a social process but each person seeks a different amount of interaction. Everyone has their own preferred amount of interaction. O' Connor and Rosenblood (1996 pp267) believe that this may link to preferred levels of social stimulation. If the person hasn't had much contact with other people socially, then they won't want to interact as much as others would want to.

I also feel people in this industry do a lot of talking, meeting of new people is a huge way of networking, getting yourself out there showing your face interacting more within society can only be a positive. I feel i socialise with a lot of different people, and these can all have an influence on me as a person. By talking to people you can learn a hell of a lot, so if i was talking to a choreographer i could learn about their technique, where they are in the game of the industry, or simply knowing someone.
You could also look at this as people can talk to you via networks to get to know you, is this private or are they simply intrigued as to what you do.



From the extract from Crisp, J &Turner, R (2007), Pages 266-268;

According to physiologist we  have a tendency to seek out others and form close relationships, its inherited and that's why we affiliate. This trait helps us to extract information, form relation ships, socialise more and also learn.


Social Constructinims

The way i read into this theory is that in this society we all have systems that we have engaged. Such as social structures that have been made and put into place. These social structure have rues but are only there to enhance you as a person of society. For example public schools are there and have been put into force for children to go to learn. Whereas in my profession people attend auditions, there are rules to follow and structures that have to be adhered to.

Connectivism

Connectivism i feel is all about the way we as individual connect to networks to learn and make our own choices. It's about learning influenced ideas. Our brain is a huge network, and we as individuals choose to put ourselves out there. We make choices on connection what ever our preference may be. I feel that learning networks benefit myself and my professional practice and helps me to move forward.  I believe that all our networks are all inhabited with information from which we read, take in, process and learn, this can be done in an interactive way to learn.

In the extract from Siemens, G (2004)

Where it says "Learning is a continual process lasting for a lifetime. Learning and work related activities are no longer separate. In many situations they are the same"

I could not agree more with this statement. In the performing industry you are constantly learning, and its something that always stays with you.  The activates are not separate i learn for my professional practice i network to learn and keep my practise up to date.

Driscoll (2000) also is interesting, that learning has a change on a human person's performance. We learn from our experiences and interaction with the worlds. Our experiences and knowledge from reflection on the experiences make us the people we are today.

Communities of Practice


This final theory i feel i can relate to very easily. Lave and Wenger, believe that people only understand your practise if they are involved in it. If they get the context of it they will agree. This is my field. I find as though i can connect to this, on many occasions when socialising and even talking to family members when i discuss the industry they can sometimes tend to disagree, and i feel this is because they are not part of the community of my practice. But this can also work to my advantage whilst attending auditions whilst i talk and socialise with other performers i can listen to those that are in this community of practise and learn, bounce of them for my own personal benefit. People come together because we all have a mutual interest, that is why i completely agree with Anna Timms, whilst reading her blog i feel for this theory to work comfortably you also need to incorporate cooperation, social interaction and connectivism.

These theories i feel can help many people in the same professional work co-operating together to succeed and move their professional practice forward. We are all there for the same reason, this binds us all together into a social entity.

3a, Current Networks

Whilst coming to part 3 of the tasks i have never though to myself so much about my professional practise and the underlying network sources i use. How i use it and what tools i do use. Below i have highlighted what i feel i use very regularly to help me move forward and build upon my professional practice. 

These are the networking tools i use in my professional practice. My list includes Virtual and live tools.

1. Myself
2. Facebook
3. Email 
4. Phone
5. Business cards/ CV/ Show reel
6. twitter
7. Linkedin
8. Various websites
9. Bloggs
10. Flikr
11. Youtube

Since starting the BAPP course i had never thought of or even used, Flikr, youtube or bloggs. But now that they are part of my tools, i couldn't go without them. 

These networks have helped me become much more established in my professional practice. I myself have a huge engagement with these networking tools. 

Whats caught my eye from yesterdays campus session?

Yesterdays campus session has certainly opened my eyes a hell of a lot. Like i have said in my previous blogg in the campus session we spoke about the 750 word essay and the 3rd lot of tasks.

Something that has really caught my attention and has become Paramount only to myself today whilst talking about it, is networking.

I myself am a network i am my own business, i am self employed and i audition for jobs, and so on. My body, skills is my tool my profession. However i have always thought i have been up to date and always put myself out there enough.....but have i?......NO!

Yes i do the standard i send an email with my C, head shot and a show reel but i need to take it further. i attend the auditions and i try my hardest. I am on many websites to promote myself, such as Spotlight, angel stages and dancers pro but i can go beyond that.


In our campus session today i came up with the idea to go that extra mile, say if i was to attend an audition i came up with the following.

• Attend an audition, say i dint get it not only should i go away and reflect on my audition the experience but i should then use that as a ground.
• The choreographer of the audition may be holding some classes, i should attend those, get the style of work understand it a bit more. Research them, watch some of their work.
• I could then email them comment on a social networking site. let them see that i am appreciating their work. Inform them i attended the audition and that i am not giving up. 
• Intend to improve, they may recognise your name form the promotion you have done commented on their work etc. 

Its very clear i need to pay more attention to detail and be more attentive to my profession. Networking is so crucial in this industry and unless you do it for yourself no one else will, its a fighting game for the job.

I also feel i owe it to my career path that part of my professional domain i should go and see more shows/ plays/ musicals as these are so relevant to my practise, i could network whilst there you never know.

I have been looking into a gentleman called Simon Caulkin who believes we are our own business. i couldn't agree with this more. I have taken a lot of time but i could still do more, to have portfolio pictures done, attend auditions and look up on websites for future work but i now understand that i just need to go that extra mile to network myself. Start conversations with people more in the know, start blogging about work, see more work. The more you know and learn the better you can be at your professional practise.

Module 1 Part 3 Campus session

I spent yesterday at university at the 3rd campus session. In conversation with Alan we covered all of the 3rd lots of tasks and how to approach the 750 word essay. I can safely say i feel a hell of a lot better now.

We started out our conversation by talking about my background in my professional practise and how i came to get into the professional industry. It was very apparent to Alan that myself broke the barriers within the family, my Grandma had her own catering business and inspected schools, my mum has recently retired as a ward sister and my cousin is newly qualified as a paramedic. Me...... i am a dancer/ performer. Where did that come from.... i broke the convention of a normal day job, i preferred the idea of enjoying my life, no desks and a stage instead.

Alan asked me where my inspiration came from, i could answer this, however that was just one occasion and one teacher, but surly she didn't do all the work, something in my past must have pushed me that extra bit further. Where has that energy come from? did those experiences over the years make me what i am today? i need to explore this further, as this is my professional practise and as Alan and i said i owe it to the professional practise. 

Where have i come from?

Why am i here?

What is my story?
Where am i now?

All of these questions spring to mind, and if your reading this could you answer truthfully about your professional practise. 

We discussed people i admire the most, and by looking at them from a far do we reckon that they are happy with their professional lives? 

Moving on;

We then spoke about the 3rd lot of tasks. We discussed current networks and how i use them. Obviously i use them on a daily basis which we take for granted. Myself i use them in a way of promotion, information and many other ways. I am yet to read the 3rd reader in detail, so i can pass comment.

We followed on by talking over the 5 theory's and the world of networking. The theory i found the most interesting was communities of practise, however this may change once it has been read in detail. This theory made you think what are the conventions?

We finished off by talking about the 750 word essay and what 2/3 things i will be writing about, and what impacts me and my professional practise the most. Out of this module for myself it has to be getting to grips with professional networking and reflecting on my professional practise.

Overall i though the day was most helpful and i like i said i advise all of you to join in on skype sessions with Adeshola and campus sessions when possible.