Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Critical Reflection Portfolio



Completing this Module has allowed me to reflect on my current practice, helping me to understand the way I work and ways to improve both my mental and physical approaches to my work. Working through the readers has enabled me to determine a clear pathway for my inquiry.
Initially I struggled to identify possible lines of inquiry, but by completing the tasks set, possible topics became apparent. (Reference A). I was interested to read about Peter Senge’s notions on the learning organisation and how this related to my particular working environment. As a result of further consideration and discussion with fellow workers, I felt the topic was too broad, although interesting I didn’t feel that my findings would impact on my personal practice.
Considering questions that relate to my everyday professional practice (Reference B), i identified areas for possible inquiry subjects.  I started by thinking what would enhance my practice. A common thread started to emerge and the question of my training arose, an issue I have faced throughout my career and one that I currently have to directly address, by completing the BAPP course my options become clearer .
The questions that brought me to my final line of inquiry were:-
‘The love of teaching dance versus the restrictions of the establishment and framework of the national curriculum’ – a topic of interest and one I face on a day to day basis. Finding a way to teach in the style I desire whilst staying within the guidelines.
‘Freelance or teaching in school – pros and cons’ – a topic that on reflection  alone generally addresses practical consequences, for example wages, stability, freedom. Not broad enough to be an inquiry in its own right but an important part of the decision making process of a dance teacher.
‘Working as a team player within an organisation’ – this question in helped me to decide on my line of inquiry. Helping me to identify the challenges I faced when moving from a freelance teacher.
It’s a question of ethics; I found it enlightening reading the Hart – Devlin debate. The theories made me reflect on my personal practice and code of conduct, compared to the schools code of conduct and the impact that might have on my teaching. (Reference C). As a result of discussing this matter with a fellow ‘unqualified’ dance teacher, my findings were that specific dance teacher training prepares teachers to care for their students for the time they are teaching, in school there is are wider implications for the teacher. A topic that unquestionably is worth pursuing in greater detail. The conversation then posed the question of the theoretical approach to ethics which further sparked my interest in the topic of my inquiry. (Reference D).
Although still unsure at this point, reading others blogs and comments,(Reference E), started to make things clear, the common denominator in all the questions and research that had interested me was the difference between training for dance teachers and school teachers, the media reports a great deal about teachers being unqualified but , some teachers have specialist qualifications (Reference F). With this in mind I identified specific questions that I felt would shape my inquiry (Reference G). I fashioned a survey to gain insight into others opinions and needs regarding this topic. Identifying people of interest through facebook, blogs and groups. (Reference H)
 In conclusion, I propose an award title (Reference J). Which reflects the knowledge and experience and will assist my future plans.

                          https://www.facebook.com/dancesouth.kfa?ref=tn_tnmn





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