Yesterday's discussion group was focused around knowledge-learning and information, and great thoughts, ideas as well as personal experiences were heard from many people.
As I've mentioned while we were discussing one of the first habits I picked up from the MAPP back from Module 1 is that I keep a reflective journal of my daily actions, things I am noticing during my teaching methods, all sort of ideas and thoughts I am having during the day, incidents I observe etc.
At that point when I started doing that I didn't know that I was collecting information that I was going to find so useful along the journey of the program. Reflecting back and noticing how I have changed as a professional throughout this time, how my teaching methods have developed, and how my communication skills have switched as well as have been developed, is something I find fascinating!
Also things I've written down have helped me in many others way such as when I'm writing down an essay, a blog, or even when I'm trying to develop my own thoughts into written words...
So! Reflective Journal is a must !!
Another thing I kept and would like to further think and dive more into from the discussion is how as an artist and more specifically as I dance teacher, I can communicate my knowledge with others in new ways...
Because we live in times that are constantly changing, process and evolution are ahead I should always come up with new ways to pass on knowledge to the children. But what I find tricky is that in a dance class environment you can have even 5 different types of learners in only just 1 class.
How can you be sure everyone takes in the information you are trying to give? How can you be sure you are communicating your knowledge basically the way you want?
I am constantly thinking that communication can be achieved in 2 ways: by OBSERVING-LISTENING. By becoming an observer you can learn a lot more about your own self that you can imagine...And it always so important to just be a listener, not trying to be heard all the time.
As artists we think and act all the time, by being an observer and a listener when you teach-dance, you can gain so many useful and important experiences that may lead to discovering new ways to communicate the knowledge you have with others.
Just brainstorming at the moment, what are your thoughts?
Maria
Monday, February 22, 2021
Thoughts on knowledge, learning and information...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hello Maria,
ReplyDeleteI agree that observation is key in learning for both teacher and student. As for listening, I think that we all process information differently and that one explanation of a theory might not make sense to all of your students. Using the observation technique, we can see who is reacting to your method and who needs further reinforcement of the information. The learning cycle works in both directions when teaching.
I've never kept a journal before this course. when I look back on my notes, even from not that long ago, I can see the learning journey I have taken and how I am growing. It is highly advisable to keep a journal!
Hi Jacob,
DeleteThank you for you comments!
The journal worked for me because now I find myself looking back at it when I am thinking and brainstorming something in particular. It gives me that extra push to ask myself more questions around what I'm thinking.
Maria
Hi Maria,
ReplyDeleteI read about keeping a journal in Module 1 handbook but it became more like my study notebook. I just keep notes, quotes, key findings but not really reflections. I keep my thoughts in my head and my blogs so just hope I'll still be able to show my progress and learning somehow. I know I have learned a lot, I guess I just don't write about it unless it's part of an assignment. Any tips on how to unlock that and write more reflectively on a regular basis?
I definitely agree that there is no one set way of passing on knowledge/information as each student is different which is why a job of a teacher is not actually as easy as it seems. Not teaching at the moment has definitely slowed my thoughts on information and knowledge. I guess for now I'll focus on my learning although it's hard as it's supposed to always relate back to my (at the moment non existent) teaching practice. At least there's plenty of reading to keep me going ;)
Hi Lena,
DeleteBlogs is a great idea to share your thoughts and ideas as well!
When I was in Module 1 and 2 I found it more difficult to share what I was thinking with others and also discuss my own experiences as a teacher, and now that I'm currently in Module 3 I don't know how, but it has suddenly become more easy and fascinating to do so:)
I would suggest when you finish off your day just give yourself 10-15 minutes and sit down to write anything that has happened during the day that you found interesting or intriguing ! Even small words and quotes... (I know not teaching at the moment can be hard! I do online lessons at the moment)
I think this will help you later on and it is a great way when you look back at them to have that extra push if you are brainstorming something particular.
Wishing you the best in your term ahead
Maria