As the final deadline date nears and my time as a Middlesex BAPP student draws to a close, I thought it appropriate that I reflect on my learning during this time and how it has shaped me as a professional...
It is
hard to truly appreciate how much I have learned during this inquiry process. I
feel I have absorbed and now integrate new ideas on motivation/confidence of my
drama students that without my personal learning journal, it would be difficult
to see what outlook I had to begin with. The inquiry process itself has brought
to light the multitude of theories and variety of ideas that surround both the
concepts of motivation and self-belief. Insightful literature that I have come
across has been extremely thought-provoking in providing a series of often
opposing views. I now have a much deeper understanding of what intrinsically
motivates a drama student, in addition to the internal factors that could be
affecting their motivation/confidence. I also believe I have a greater
awareness of how teachers can only reasonably be expected to manage the
external ‘climate’ of their classrooms and various teaching methods employed to
support this such as; creating a ‘safe’ classroom, peer influence/the effect of
group work and differentiation of learning resources.
In
terms of my practice, I now know how to carry out a work-based inquiry, including
the importance of efficient time management skills to fit University
commitments/a commitment to improving my practice around my current responsibilities.
This process as a whole has provided inspiration for future research, in
acknowledging that my limited inquiry has only begun to ‘lift the lid’ on what
makes students tick. My development professionally means my approach to
teaching classes has changed in the integration of methods to reduce
performance pressures and I appreciate the importance of my supportive
role/responsibilities. I should endeavour to stay up-to-date with current and
evolving theories surrounding educational motivation.
Personally,
I feel that not only do I have the experience of personally carrying out the
project itself but I also have an increased knowledge about the field in which
I work. I am confident at and fully prepared to participate to my professional
networks; self-learning and reflection can only improve how something is done
to a certain extent, beyond that the points of view and input from others is invaluable
to continued learning. On a more literal level of learning, I have seen great
improvement in my abilities to use web 2.0 tools as well as technical skill
required to create my artefact. As I have previously mentioned, the inquiry
process itself has not been the pinnacle of either the course or my learning,
but instead I am viewing this experience as one long continuous journey, one
too that is not yet finished as I am intent on continuing to further my
practice.
I hope
everyone is well, and to my fellow Module 3’ers; hoping you have enjoyed (amidst
a little stress??) your final module as I have. Now roll on the presentations!