Task 2c - Reflective Theory

By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) Chinese Philosopher

 

When I read this quote it helped me to begin this blog as up until that point I was struggling reading and re-reading the task wondering how to move forward from it. As a mature student who has been out of the education loop for some time I felt uneasy knowing where and how to begin and at the same time not be influenced by other peoples work but be myself and write my own words.

As a teacher I can only enhance my level of effectiveness if I am prepared to continually develop and learn from my experiences. Through a variety of ways such as regular peer observations; coaching and feedback, social media, and communication with my students and parents I am able to promote effective practise which in turn helps develop my skills. Since the beginning of my journey on BAPP I can now add to the list of my reflective tools I use with the inclusion of Blogs and Journals. These have been a real l'ightbulb' moment within my weekly routine and if I'm honest wish I would of utilised them before if I had been more aware as they provide me with opportunity to develop my writing skills in varying ways which can only be a good thing.


“I believe that education…is a process of living and not a preparation for future living” – John Dewey.

This form of reflection I feel I can relate to as it falls within a way of thinking my parents fostered and particularly my Dad, whose values still focus highly on the importance of these and what we learn from living in the world. 

I was taught by them that not only is education within a school setting an extremely important tool in life, but the education of life and the skills it provides is a learning experience for which we benefit from.  I guess some may argue that this form of theory is old fashioned and that to be educated is the way to learn and grow as a person. 

In my work I teach students from many backgrounds of all ages and if I'm honest I have to say that of recent years there are now many young adults who I come into contact with who appear to have no 'common sense' for everyday life.The challenges it can provide seems to defeat them on occasion and they have no idea how to move froward from it or indeed how to learn from it. 

There have been many hurdles I have been dealt with in my lifetime, whilst some people may consider these difficult, I have moved forward from them, learning from the scenario(s) and developing a learning discovery as an individual and a businesswoman alike. 

“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” (David A. Kolb, 1984).

Kolb produced a cycle of learning styles which he felt depicted how we learn and in turn reflect. To help me understand this cycle I thought it most appropriate to liken his four points to myself and one of my recurring experiences :

Concrete Experience

Production of Stars V Stripes - my annual school show which took place in November. An occasion that was for the whole school with approx 200 students taking part  including myself and members of my staff performing to audiences of 400+ at a major Manchester theatre. 

 

Reflective Observation

Apart from one negative comment received from a parent of a younger child - for which they have now retracted their  inappropriate comments, the overall experience was extremely positive. Demonstration of this was evident from all the cards expressing 'Well Done' & 'Congratulations'; gifts and treats from students/parents and even passers by in the supermarket approaching me to congratulate us on yet another successful and professional show. "Every year they just get better and better" !!! 

 

Abstract Conceptualisation 

To conclude from this event the feedback I receive allows me to reflect on the situation and know all the hard work and effort that goes into this pays dividends ! For a few days, however until the negative person in question admitted they had no grounds to complain, the one negative comment outweighed the many positives and for at least a week after the event when I should of felt elated I was constantly reflecting to find out where I had gone wrong and in the end it seemed I hadn't. However this said, I have made a very strong mental note for the future that any further events are to be checked and triple checked for all possible scenarios that would leave me vulnerable, and to be looking over my shoulder for that one person who is out there to try and trip me up as there are definitely some in every walk of life. 

 

Active Experimentation

As our show is an annual event, the cycle, just like Kolb's learning cycle will re-invent itself again beginning with the planning of a date in the diary; choreography; design & plan costumes to production and direction on stage with many little extra jobs in between ! Generally as the process occurs every year and appears to be a continuous success we follow the same model but do make slight tweaks and changes so as to learn from our experiences always striving to be better and raise the bar. 

Kolb also recognised 4 styles of learning - I recognise myself within the Diverging section but also see abstracts of myself in other areas. Diverging, because these sort of individuals are interested in people, they tend to be imaginative and emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the diverging style prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback.

Feedback is extremely important to me as I like to know I have been successful in whatever I was planning/doing, and have made others happy particularly in relation to my school & my work. Knowing that someone is unhappy causes me to try and solve the issue as a matter of urgency. 

 

Donald Schon suggested that the cultivation of the capacity to reflect in action (while doing something) and on action (after you have done it) has become an important feature of professional training programmes in many disciplines. 

 

As a dancer I can completely relate to the 'in action' theory as when choreographing in class I think on my feet rather than prepare beforehand taking work into the studio. I find this a more appropriate way to work personally and tend to learn from it, reflect on it and as a result act on it instantly. For example when the movements don't look right, flow the way I imagined them to be or if the students cannot execute them I make a change for the better and the process continues until the outcome is effective and positive. Schon's 'on action' theory is also another process I use in my profession in relation to events I may organise such as examination sessions; shows and everyday classes. I most certainly learn and reflect each time I hold an event, being very self critical and on occasion question my judgement as to why I did something in that way to begin with - was it the right decision to make, and was the outcome positive. This theory on how professional training programmes work is understood and regarded highly within my personal work ethic.
 

“Reflection is part of learning and thinking. We reflect in order to learn something, or we learn as a result of reflecting, and the term ‘reflective learning’ emphasises the intention to learn from current or prior experience.” (Moon, 2004)

 

Jenifer A. Moon is a keen supporter of journal writing and is most recent in her observations and publications to the people mentioned above. She has ideas that to record experience will develop learning in ways that will then enhance other learning and will enable the learners to understand their own learning process.

I have found keeping a journal within this programme an interesting way of recording my thoughts rather than storing them within my head. Being able to read then reflect on them, whilst each time considering what I have learnt from the process.

 

 

As a teacher I feel I have a responsibility to my students and myself to learn from every experience I encounter and improve my skills and understanding of what I do and why I am doing it. Reflection is not just a picture in a mirror but a look at ones self form varying perspectives and act on them as effectively as possible. A quality a teacher should look on as a tool of excellence.

 

 

References

 

Dewey, J. (1897). "MY PEDAGOGIC CREED". Available: http://www.rjgeib.com/biography/credo/dewey.html. Last accessed 4th Dec 2013.

 

Saul McLeod. (2007). Kolb - Learning styles. Available: www.simplypsychology.org/learning-kolb.html. Last accessed 4th Dec 2013.

Various. (2013). Reflective Practise. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflective_practice#Argyris_and_Sch.C3.B6n_1978. Last accessed 4th Dec 2013.

 

Donna W Bailey. (1999). Reflection in Learning & Professional Development:. Available: http://www2.unca.edu/et/br022102.html. Last accessed 4th Dec 2013.