Task 2a - Reflective Practice

So I have finally began to write a journal, I thought the best way I could do this was on a daily basis and to make it as simplistic and accessible as possible so I chose to download an app to my phone as that's never far away from me ! How we have travelled forward in technology - gone are the days of a journal or diary being pen to paper form !

To be very honest I find keeping a journal extremely difficult for many reasons - as a dance teacher I work very unsociable hours and so when I return home from  the studio it can be very late and all I really want to do is eat and fall asleep. So taking part in a journal entry at this point is a moment of huff and puff ! 

I also was never a diary keeper as a child or younger person so this is somewhat alien to me however said this when I have managed a journal entry of late it does encourage me to reflect on what I have wrote and indeed wonder could I have done that differently, or that was a positive day !

I do suppose I keep a form of a journal via my school Facebook page where I constantly update it with posts and pictures taken at classes allowing parents and followers to see what happens in class.

I consider myself to be a reasonably organised person who runs her daily life around lists of 'To dos' and if I dont achieve what I set out to do I feel like I've not had a productive day. I do think my journal up until now has been in my head in very safe compartment that I notate to and return to analyse. This happens mostly when I am out running with only my thoughts for company. So now I have to try and put those thoughts and moments into my journal.

I am very mindful when writing in the journal that I don't list every moment of my day as that would be just tedious for the reader and be of no learning relevance to me, but to try and mainly highlight what I think is relevant to a reader - obviously that is me in this case as in the future as I am hopefully going to learn from this task. 

Task 1d : Images

So although I have had an Instagram account for a while now I thought I'd delve into owning a Flickr account too. However I am very wary of what I post on these types of sites it as it can be seen by so many. I know I can make it private and have made sure I have done this however the implications of friends sharing what you post and so on does make me question what I do and don't use.

I love posting images on my dance schools facebook page as I believe a picture can tell a story and the colour and vibrancy of it can quickly engage a persons interest. Generally the pictures posted are taken in class which demonstrate snapshots of hard work the students put into their learning. Parents enjoy looking at these images and can partake in their child's achievement's by way of liking the image. In addition I use images to promote classes or events that are taking place or even to create encouragement to students and their parents alike as part of the schools relationship building. Some examples of these can be seen on my Flickr account via the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11970269@N05/

As a person who likes to be organised I have tried to group all photos in Flickr into Sets so when I look through them or wish to use a picture again I can find what I am looking for easily.

I hope you enjoy having a look through.

Task 1c : Audio Visual........................Starting out on BAPP

So another task completed and hopefully done correctly and I can then tick it of the list !

I actually enjoyed doing this as not worked with this kind of technology tool in either work and personal life befire but will certainly be doing it again - creative juices were flowing whilst making new discoveries :)

http://youtu.be/3KgWU1txNxs

Task 1b : Professional Communication Technologies

I have just read through Reader 1 and my mind is now very jumbled.

If I have to admit it I do find reading through such literature hard work due to the way the text flows constantly making reference to people and publications etc. maybe its because I'm a mature (old) student returning to study and my mind has begun to work in a different way to that of a younger person and has become accustomed to 'plain speaking' since leaving education and beginning work. Hopefully by the end of this degree course I will feel more comfortable with such readings and will understand them without having to read them a second and third time !!

My Experiences of Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is technology I use within my everyday life whether it be personal or business it's just I did'nt realise it ! I have however been very limited in my access to Web 2.0, Facebook being my only point of contact in this developing area of technology, initially as it allowed me to make contact with old school friends and colleagues who had been a significant part of my life. However I now have my own account plus pages on facebook that support and promote my dance school where I make daily posts informing my students and their parents of relevant news; snapshots of lessons taking place and advertisements of new classes or even just to promote community spirit amongst followers. These a just a few examples of this below.

Practising her 5th position

Ballet Boot Camp preparing for forthcoming exams





The mention of a Blog landed in front of my eyes when I first enrolled on the BAPP course. Until then it was just one of those things others did. I had no idea what it was or its purpose. After having read through course material and made discussion with Paula & Alan it appeared to me that to 'Blog' was to basically hold an online diary where I would write my thoughts and observations as often as possible building up a profile of myself. This would be available to view by others - a moment of "oh I better make it good" occurred but then on reflection realisation that everything I post on facebook is public so its not that different really, just maybe personally for me more specific to my degree rather than my everyday 'comfort zone' social media.

So apart from general search engines such as the ever popular Google and use of my email account I dont really partake in any other form of Web 2.0 which probably makes me sound archaeic ! Twitter I really dont understand, whilst I have an active account I can honestly say I don't use it. Everything has a hash tag - for what reason ?  Maybe one day my own children will help me further understand it but right now I'm quite happy not tweeting my life away. Yes I am an account holder on Instagram but of late I have been inactive on it, posting any pictures I have on old faithful Facebook.

Web 2.0 : Positives V Negatives
I feel there are many positive considerations to take into account for Web 2.0 but there are also many negatives which I have highlighted just a few below.

Task 1a - Professional Profile

What is a profile ?
 .....................to describe a person or organisation in a short article.

So I currently present my CV as a structured, practical document which demonstrates my Profession in a very clinical way so that the reader can quickly locate the attributes they are looking for.
In order to meet the requirements of this task ,the way I understand it is that I must take my CV and make it a readers journey, allowing them to learn all about me.

My name is Joanne Lisa Craven and I am a 41 years old. I have been married for 15 years and have two very energetic and outgoing children. Whilst one (being a girl) has always provided challenge since the day she arrived in the world due to her strong, determined personality the other (a boy) only now on occasion matches up to his sister, as this year he landed in the world of teenagers and so has now adopted 'Kevin and Perry' qualities which are so endearing !

I live in Derbyshire surrounded by beautiful countryside and fresh air which provides my daily exercise regime for which I cannot live without ! Within the area where I live I own and operate a dance school named Heatherlea Dance Ltd which provides dance tuition for 200 pupils on a daily basis.

As a child I had many hobbies and interests but Dance was at the top of the list and that’s where my journey began. I regularly attended classes and also pursued my enjoyment of the subject within High School taking part in every opportunity that came my way.  I left Longdendale High School in 1988 obtaining 9 GCSE's in varying subjects including Maths, English and of course Dance !  

This was when I made the decision to follow my passion and auditioned for a 3 year teachers course at North Cheshire Theatre School where I was able to dance every day !  The 3 years provided me with opportunities to perform within major theatres across the country as well as many exams to study for and pass. I graduated in 1991 with teaching qualifications including the RAD Ballet Teaching Certificate and ISTD Modern & Tap Associates. My determination and strength of character drove me forward to make the brave decision to open my own dance school and provide opportunity for others to embrace the world of dance and the many rewards it holds.

I am now a teacher with over 20 years of experience, with a successful track record of providing students with the best learning environment to achieve to their potential. Heatherlea is also an established, respectable, successful and thriving school within my local area for which I can feel proud of. My enthusiasm and energy to succeed drive me forward to ensure my school continues to flourish and develop. Within my business I continually endeavour to be confident and level headed and adaptable to change when necessary, but also ensure hard work with a determination to achieve is upheld.

 
Whilst my school is still a huge priority I feel I have now reached a time in my life where I have achieved the goals I initially intended for my school/business and new challenges are now required. This has led me to enrolment on the BAPP programme to allow me to pursue the next chapter in my career path.   Hopefully I can prove that I am adaptable enough to meet the challenges ahead maintain the workload and give my best to the programme and its demands. It will most definitely be a challenge as this has already proved balancing work/life/University work but in terms of my future career path, the BAPP will hopefully enable me to move forward from my previous qualifications and allow me to become recognised in the workplace as a qualified individual as well as an experienced practitioner whilst at the same time devloping my knowledge.

Further information on my career history to date is provided below along with educational accomplishments.

Thank you for reading all about me !

 

Career History

Heatherlea Dance Ltd, Derbyshire

School Principal          February 1992 – Present day
Working with students, parents and staff, to provide an excellent learning environment, with effective and professional leadership so Heatherlea Dance Ltd can further develop its success and improvement. Ensuring a high quality of education is provided for all its pupils and good standards are maintained in learning and achievement.
Duties :
Provide inspiring and good leadership for all pupils and lead staff to achieve the highest professional standards.
Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the school.
Managing change and professional development effectively.
Maintaining and further developing links with parents and the wider community.
Managing the finances, organisation and administration of the school.
Co-coordinating and managing marketing for the school.
Planning, preparing and delivering lessons in accordance with the timetable.
Assessing, preparing and ensuring development, progression and attainment to the best of the pupil’s ability.
Planning and publicising annually to staff, parents and students, the examinations schedule and requirements.
Working closely with staff to co-ordinate and produce the school’s annual production.
Arranging and choreographing dance pieces for each student taking part.

Hadfield Infant School, Derbyshire

Teacher of Dance – After-School Provision    September 2011 – Present Day
Working as part of paid after school provision at the school offering Zumbatomic sessions to students who wish to participate.  I have also worked within the school as part of the daily curriculum offering dance sessions on a voluntary un-paid basis.
Duties :
Planning, preparation and delivery of Zumbatomic and Dance sessions to children aged 4-7 years old in accordance with the timetable.
Maintaining up to date knowledge of the teaching syllabi by attending courses and seminars when available.
Encouraging high standards of work and behaviour and developing a sense of responsibility amongst pupils.
Liaising when necessary with parents of pupils and ensure good communication is upheld at all times between home and the school.
Valuing all pupils as an individual demonstrating care and understanding.

 

Oakdale School, Cheshire

School Secretary/Finance Officer                   June 1994 - August 2006
Working under the direction of the Headteacher I consider myself to have played an integral part in the development and efficiency of the school office over my 12 years’ service  having a diverse role from basic administration tasks to financial responsibilities.

Duties :

Responsibility for the effective management and organization of the school office including the management of office support personnel.
Established clear and efficient systems in order to develop and maintain an efficient office.
Provided administrative support to the Head Teacher.
Worked as part of a team.
Maintained confidentiality at all times including implementing data protection policies, security of passwords and confidential files.
Processed personnel information and maintained confidential personnel files for all members of staff.
Maintained non-public funds & monitored spending relative to budget allocations.
Collected and banked all monies received into the office
Managed ordering and payment systems.
All other duties commensurate with a Secretarial & Finance post.

Alyson Livesey Academy Of Dancing, Manchester

Assistant Teacher                                            September 1989 – August 1999
Working under the direction of the School Principal delivering dance lessons in accordance with the requirements of the school.
Duties :

Planning, preparation and delivery of lessons in accordance with the timetable.

Maintaining up to date knowledge of the teaching syllabi by attending courses and seminars when available.
Encouraging high standards of work and behaviour and developing a sense of responsibility amongst pupils.
Liaising when necessary with parents of pupils to ensure good communication is upheld at all times between home and the school.

Valuing all pupils as an individual demonstrating care and understanding.

Educational Accomplishments
9 GCSE’S including English & Math ISTD Associate Modern Teaching Diploma ISTD Associate Tap Teaching RAD Teaching Certificate ISTD Associate Modern Teaching Applied Anatomy & Physiology Zumba & Zumbatomic Registered Teacher