October 2017 – Page 5

Situated Communication: Self-evaluation

After viewing the video myself and my partner produced notes which were very closely aligned. We picked up on the positive fact that the teacher always spoke in a loud, clear voice when addressing the whole class. This ensured that the whole class would be able to hear any instructions and were able to hear all parts of the lesson. It would then be easy for the teacher to identify who was and was not listening. Myself and my partner also noticed prominent areas for improvement for the teacher to make. Firstly, we noted that he could improve class engagement by standing up and moving around more often. It was seen in the video that the teacher often had trouble with getting the class to pay attention. If he were to stand up and show authority when teaching the class there could be a possibility of solving this issue. It would also make himself more engaged with the class. Linking to this, me and my partner noticed there was a lack of open body language and hand gestures used by the teacher. Similarly, if more of this was done in the classroom the teacher would engage the class more easily.

I was surprised in the video that the teacher did not stand up very often and spent most of the lesson sitting down. I think I was surprised by this as with my experience of being at school, I always remember the teacher standing up to deliver a lesson. I was not surprised with my partners notes as I believe that the notes we took were very prominent and noticeable within the video.

I did not think this study task was overly difficult, however it was a very useful task to complete in order to prepare me for placement and get into the habit of evaluating and assessing ourselves as well as others. After watching the videos I can also say I am clear on identifying the difference between judgement and feedback.

The idea that I will be sure to take with me on placement and further is that it is extremely useful to video a lesson in order to pick up things you are good at that you may not notice due to focusing on the negatives. This is also applicable to noticing things that need improvement or things that need changed in order to benefit yourself and/or the class.

Overall, I am looking forward to going on placement in the next few weeks. I am excited to see what goes on in within every classroom and to put my skills of self and peer assessing to the test. I am slightly anxious about completing the placement incase I do not pick everything up. However I will be sure to keep on top of them and take detailed notes in relation to each task.

Reference list:

TED Talks Education (2013) BILL GATES: Teachers need real feedback[Online] Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_teachers_need_real_feedback#t-70065

Behaviour2Learn (2011) Behaving With Cowley – Classroom Routines[Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v5UVdyu8Y4&feature=youtu.be

EDCHAT (2013) Relationships for Learning – Effective Feedback [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWBW_cbP86Q&feature=youtu.be

SitComm Independent Task: Self- Evaluation – 16th October

Before watching any of the videos I would have said self-evaluation would be critiquing yourself when there is much more to it than that. These videos helped me realise how important it is to look back and reflect on your own performance for example by taking a video or survey from another person. By doing such methods it helps you see what you might have missed the first time round as you were too engrossed in the task. For example, by taking a video of yourself you can see the key areas where to enforce a good habit that was received well and where to change a format that wasn’t received as well. The video example would allow you to watch yourself critically and help see places of improvement and growth as actually teaching a subject and planning it are two completely different things, “…there is a difference for teachers between the abstract of how we see our practice and the concrete reality of it”. (Ted Talks Education, 2013)

When watching the videos with my partner we both realised the importance of reflecting at your own performance and it surprised us at how beneficial it could really be from an outsider’s point of view. Having a visual reference to return to, whether that be a video or survey or report, that clearly shows what area you are doing well in and where you can improve can ultimately help your performance and growth as a Primary Teacher. My partner and I both agreed that in the second video the teacher displayed a lot of good eye contact while maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude with all the children when engaged in an activity. We however did notice that he did not display as positive body language as he could have, by crossing his arms while standing up at the beginning of the day and then sitting down to take the register without any eye contact (Behaviour2Learn, 2011).

The tasks assigned in this Independent task were not difficult, as I found a lot of it quite interesting on how we as people should reflect on our actions, words and performance, something I think applies in general day-to-day life and not just in the classroom as a teacher. I enjoyed watching Bill Gates video as it gave me an insight on how positive feedback with suggestions of improvement and how to go about them is useful for a teacher, as well as how reflection is the key to moving forward.

I believe I do understand the difference between feedback and judgement. Feedback being of a more positive nature, intended to help a person grow and improve in whatever field they are in. Feedback not only consists of suggestions of improvement but also includes a lot of encouraging and positive comments on what that person is excelling at which I think is very important (EDCHAT, 2013). Being told you are good at what you do helps build a person’s confidence and self-esteem, something that adults need as well as children. Whereas judgement is purely based on criticism and negativity and does nothing to help a person grow.

If I could take one idea into my placement it would be the fact of how important it is to give and receive feedback to help yourself and others grow into amazing teachers. Having an encouraging and supportive body that allows you to reflect positively is important for any student, teacher or adult in any given situation so having this kind of environment in schools and placement I believe to be very important.

The coming placement we have I am quite excited for. I am however quite nervous after hearing some people’s experiences at previous schools and how negative some of them were. I can’t help but worry about how my experience will be like and whether I will enjoy it. I also feel like there has been so much talk surrounding the placement that I can’t help but feel pressurised to live up to a certain standard. I generally don’t get too excited about things (slightly superstitious on it not going well if you get too excited, if you get what I mean) but I am trying to think more positively and hopefully everything will work out

Reference list:

TED Talks Education (2013) BILL GATES: Teachers need real feedback[Online] Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_teachers_need_real_feedback#t-70065

Behaviour2Learn (2011) Behaving With Cowley – Classroom Routines[Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v5UVdyu8Y4&feature=youtu.be

EDCHAT (2013) Relationships for Learning – Effective Feedback [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWBW_cbP86Q&feature=youtu.be

Integrated Arts- Music and Dance 17/10/2017

The focal points of this week’s integrated arts inputs where music and dance. Again, after these inputs I believe I have developed further knowledge and confidence within the integrated arts education.
During the lecture we explored why music matters within education and how music can complement other subject areas, in particularly literacy. The skills of music are encircled by the skills of literacy primarily transpiring as reading, writing, listening and speaking, Hansen et al (2014, p.1) connotes “children are learning valuable skills of music that are an integral part of becoming a literate person”. Likewise, Patricia Stock cited by Hansen et al (2014, p.3) denotes literacy as “the ability to use available symbol systems that are fundamental to learning and teaching- for the purpose of comprehending and composing- for the purpose of making and communicating meaning and knowledge”. Music empowers children to acquire additional skills of creative, perspective, comprehending and rhythm. Even at a young age when children are engaging in play, children are making emblematic connections to the real word. From early stage children should be encourage to listen to music and create their own music too, researchers have proven that music can enhance children’s language and literacy acquisitions. Decoding is a fundamental skill of learning to read and making the connections between the phoneme and grapheme (Hansen et al, 2014). Teachers are able to use music in literacy and maths for instance “using songs as a way to learn the content of reading or mathematics such as memorising grammatical structure or multiplication tables” (Hansen et al, 2014, p. 42). Similarly, music can also raise attainment in the primary school, children may become more engaged in learning and behaviour may improve due to the involvement of music. As a perspective teacher it is important that I find a way of implement music in the classroom, allowing the children to be engaged within all of the arts and give them the opportunity to create their own authentic pieces of integrated art work, whether it is an individual or with peers. There are many options that engendered children’s involvement in music, this can be through learning to play an instrument or learning to sing, learning to compose, using ICT to develop music, learning to produce a performance. What I gathered from lecture is music is a powerful subject which can help teachers to develop learning and teaching, and also aid the cognitive development of children, as a perspective teacher it is important that within my practise I express enthusiasm and energy in order to make learning engaging and enjoyable. Bloomfield (2000, p.67) highlights the importance of music in the curriculum “some children will find an opportunity to excel in musical communication while others will be highly motivated by musical activities. It is important to acknowledge that such music is such a powerful musical tool”.
The music workshop focused on the theory aspect of music and the advantages of music in other subject areas. In groups we were assigned a curricular area within the ‘International Journal of Music Education’ by Susan Hallam, my group was assigned physical development, below is the mind-map of information we abstracted.

Also within the input we consider lesson planning in music, using an interdisciplinary approach, below is our lesson plan

This week we were introduce to the dance aspect of the integrated arts. Before the input I felt rather apprehensive and uneased by the prospect of teaching dance, but throughout the input I acquired valuable techniques that has increased my empowerment and confidence in dance. Dance is made up of movements which are used to illustrate emotions and meaning, dance is part of cultural across the world, and dance is considering a means of social interaction (Bloomfield, 2000). Children are first exposed to dance “through singing games and spontaneous rhythmical play actions, acquired through family, nursery, and media resources (Bloomfield, 2000, p,45). Bloomfield likewise states dance is “experienced through awareness of kinaesthetic flow patterns, the awakening and development of skills through coordination… meaning of movement in a creative and expressive way (2000. P.45). Throughout the input we were shown a variety of ways to implement dance in an engaging way for instance dance whisper- the class form two equal straight lines and the two children at top is show a short sequence dance and must pass it along line to the end of the lines. Another approach is getting the children to form a conga line and different music plays and each child gets the opportunity to create a unique response to the music. Also in groups we consider bones and muscles that we use when we exercise, when teaching dance especially through Physical Education it is important to do a warm-up and ensure the children are ready to dance, likewise a cool- down is important too. Movements of the left side of the body are dominated by the fundamental motor and sensory sector of the brains right hemisphere, (Bloomfield, 2000). When teaching dance, it foremost to be aware that individual have one side of their body more presiding than the other, it is therefore principle to practise the movement on both sides of body, being resilient if one side of body is more challenged by the movement (Bloomfield, 2000).

Nonetheless this week we were able to establish the principle TEN words of any dance routine being:
• Twist
• Reach
• Roll
• Slide
• Gesture
• Hop
• Jump
• Kick
• Turn
• Balance
Utilising the ten words above in groups we create our own movement for each and next week we hope to incorporate into constructed dance routine.
I found this week inputs to be overall insightful, I have been able to consider the power, the influence and theory of music not only to the curriculum, but the significance that music can have on children’s development and attainment within learning. Likewise, in dance I have be able to acknowledge the importance of movement within dance and the thought behind creative dance routines.

References
Bloomfield, A. (2000) Teaching Integrated Arts in the Primary School. Oxon: David Fulton
Hansen, D, Bernstorf, E, Stuber, G. (2014) The Music and Literacy Connection .(2nd ed). London: Rowan and Littlefield

Interdependence

Interdependence is when two or more living things rely on each other to grow in their environment. There are three components of interdependence, they include: economic interdependence, social interdependence and environmental interdependence. Economic interdependence includes the global market and trading. The living things in any economic system must be involved in a trading system to … Continue reading Interdependence →

Economic interdependence includes the global market and trading. The living things in any economic system must be involved in a trading system to get access to products they cannot produce efficiently for themselves.

Social interdependence includes cultural integration and the interaction of theory. The level of interaction from species determines the outcomes.

Environmental interdependence includes the involvement from the wider world. The relationship between every species and their physical environment is important. All living things a function which they must fulfil in sustaining the web of life.

For our directed study tasks we were directed to make an infographic using Piktochart about sustainable seas. The infographic included, biodiversity, economy and industry, community impact and political elements. I have linked a picture above of the infographic and all the information we learned about sustainable seas.

This directed study task was very beneficial, I learned how to use Piktochart to create an infographic with information as well as making it look easy on the eye. I was able to summarise mass information which we found online into the key points for the infographic. This task also allowed me to improve my team working and communication skills. As we were in a group of four we took one aspect each and found the information, then shared it with one another and created the infographic. This not only saved time but allowed us the opportunity to teach each other what we had discovered on the topics. All the skills used and developed in this task will be effective in my development as a teacher.

Developing New Skills

The Sustainable Development module has developed my skills and knowledge not only as a learner but as a student teacher. One aspect of university i find challenging is academic reading, and summarising the main points. Some readings we are given are often lengthy and i often zone out quickly. However, after an input from the academic skills advisor i was able to pick up key skills that would help me with reading such as reading paragraph’s in chunks, using a highlighter to identify the main points and researching points further that i don’t understand.

Today’s independent study task involved summarising information and to use this information to create a Piktochart. We had to work collaboratively as a team to gather the information from different sources such as videos, academic readings and various articles. I found it difficult to pick out what information was useful and relevant for the piktochart. As there were 5 of us in a group, we all took on the roll of researching 1 source each, taking notes, and then we brought our information together. The other students in my group were very supportive and helped me to understand different concepts i did not understand.

Another skill i developed through this task was my digital literacy skills. In university we often come across new online resources such as Padlet and Glow. Its often difficult to get to grips with new formats and up to date technology. Working with others allows me to ask questions and familiarise myself with new resources.

Overall, i find that i develop skills as a learner that i can use as a student teacher in the classroom. I will be able to pass these skills onto the children in the classroom to allow sufficient learning.

Climate Change Learning Log

The last two week we have spent our time looking at Climate Change and the best way to teach it. Whilst many people try to deny the existence or the major issues surrounding Climate Change, the evidence and the devastating effects are hugely prominent. Due to the nature of this topic and the fact that … Continue reading Climate Change Learning Log →

The last two week we have spent our time looking at Climate Change and the best way to teach it.

Whilst many people try to deny the existence or the major issues surrounding Climate Change, the evidence and the devastating effects are hugely prominent.

Due to the nature of this topic and the fact that it has such a large topic base, it is more appropriate to explore in depth with second level students rather than first level.

In our lecture we looked at a brief introduction to teaching climate change and the main issues surrounding the topic itself and the issues that can occur when going to teach it. Our first workshop looked at further links with politics and policies. We looked in depth at how climate change affected people in certain case studies and what their governments could do to support them.

Our last workshop was a practical workshop with a range of science experiments we could use in a classroom to further consolidate the physical features of climate change. These activities were very beneficial to my understanding in both how to teach climate change and an insight to the physical factors.

Dance!

“I have the opportunity and freedom to choose and explore ways that I can move rhythmically, expressively and playfully”. (Scottish Government, 2004, p5). In this week’s workshop we had the opportunity to take part in a dance lesson. We took part and lots of introductory games that would be perfect to use in a primary […]

“I have the opportunity and freedom to choose and explore ways that I can move rhythmically, expressively and playfully”. (Scottish Government, 2004, p5).

In this week’s workshop we had the opportunity to take part in a dance lesson. We took part and lots of introductory games that would be perfect to use in a primary school setting. We began by writing down how we felt about dance, and if we would feel confident enough to lead the learning in this aspect of the curriculum. I felt fairly confident as i have took part in dance classes since the age of 6 and i am was also a British champion cheerleader.

Key skills that i learned through this input is to perform infant of a large audience. At first i felt embarrassed as i had to perform infant of my peers, however i quickly got used to the pressure and began to enjoy the freedom of dance. I think dance is a great way to express emotion, feelings and it also brings enjoyment to your life.

Through this input we also seen how dance can be cooperated in other parts in the curriculum. We learned about different body parts to help learn about warming up and cooling down without harming the body. This could tie into Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing and Biology.

References

Scottish Government (2004) Curriculum for Excellence. [Online] Available : https://www.education.gov.scot/Documents/expressive-arts-eo.pdf [Accessesed : 20th October 2017].

Self Evaluation Study Task

After watching the videos, I feel I am more aware of the importance of self-evaluation. I understand that the only way to improve and move forward is to take time to reflect on how well you did something and what you could improve for future. Without taking the time to look back and evaluate, you … Continue reading Self Evaluation Study Task

After watching the videos, I feel I am more aware of the importance of self-evaluation. I understand that the only way to improve and move forward is to take time to reflect on how well you did something and what you could improve for future. Without taking the time to look back and evaluate, you may stunt your professional progression. It is hard to get into the habit of self-evaluating. It can seem a little unnatural and uncomfortable, but the rewards definitely make it worthwhile and it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it.

With placement fast approaching, it will be useful for me to take time to reflect on how I perform when I am there, and what aspects could do with some improving. I know that it is okay to make mistakes (which is very likely in your first placement), as long as we learn from them. Hopefully this will mean I get the most out of my time at placement. Placement is an exciting but nerve-racking time, so it is important to use time efficiently and make sure we benefit from our time at school.

From watching the videos, I understand not only that self-evalutaion is important but also that peer evaluation is also key. A lot of the time, someone else can pick up on things you don’t notice. A second pair of eyes can catch things that may have slipped through the net. It is important for a peer or mentor to be encouraging, by giving praise as well as areas to improve. The videos talked about how vital it is for a trainee and mentor to have a good relationship of respect and understanding, in order to give effective feedback. I think it is also important that we, as teachers, are comfortable receiving feedback and don’t take it personally – we all want to be the best we can be professionally, and the only way to achieve this is through evaluation and reflection. We should make sure when we are reporting back to a trainee or peer, that we give constructive criticism and feedback, rather than judgement.

Observation on Videos

My partner and I had very similar notes while watching the videos and check list. We both pointed out were the student teacher went wrong while using both verbal and non verbal communication behaviours and when his interaction with the pupils lacked. The videos surprised me as I did not realise that teachers sometimes use body language that comes across as if they are not interested or angry. Also through the student teachers verbal communication he often used a monotone voice when he was talking about a lesson and the way in which he spoke to the children. I found the tasks relatively easy. While watching the videos I realised the importance of feedback because receiving feedback will give you a self esteem boost. Feedback also allows you to learn what to improve, also what went well during your time in placement or a lesson that you have taught. The idea I will take to placement will be to take feedback through observation as a positive point as it will show areas that do not need to be changed but also areas that may need to improve but does not need to be disheartening.

I feel nervous but very excited for placement on the 30th of October as I will have a chance to work within a school environment not just as a visitor or practitioner but as a student teacher. I am looking forward to observe the teachers techniques through teaching and my peers techniques while working with a group. Then I will be able to take that on as I go through my four years of university.

Integrated Arts Blog week 5

In week 5 of Integrated Arts we were continuing using the painting by Avril Patons called “Windows of the West.” In week 4 we were making several prints of a section of the painting we had drawn and this week we were to choose the print with most detailing and make a copy of this print of to white A4 paper. The print was in the middle of the A4 piece of paper where we then had to extend the drawing with pen in whichever way we wanted. I choose to stick to adding the features that the original painting had and once I had finished that I put some of my own features in the drawing too.

As some people finished this work before others we were handed out a whole range of colouring in books, from colouring in shapes and making your own drawing to colouring in more detailed pictures. These books were a stimulus to creativity and imagination and some of the books allowed the children with very limited guidelines to draw their own.

Books such as this one shown in the picture is a good way for the children who aren’t as confident with subjects such as math’s to put their energy into completing the drawings. This is also a good way for the children to relax and calm down.

Throughout the workshop of week 5 in music we were using an application called garageband. This app allows children to create their own piece of music and express themselves through this. I found this to be a very exciting and interesting way for children to make music. For children who are less confident actually playing instruments than others this is a good way for them to be creative and use the sounds of the instruments to create a song.