Tuesday 19 November 2013

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.

Thursday 14 November 2013

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;

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. 

Sunday 10 November 2013

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. 

Tuesday 5 November 2013

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)