Week 32: Changes in Practice and Future Plans

Week 32: Changes in Practice and Future Plans

I have learnt an incredible amount through my involvement in Mindlab. It has truly been a journey of discovery. 

Using Rolfe's Model of Reflection (Rolfe et al., 2001) and the Cycle of Experiential Learning (Osterman and Kottkamp, 2015), I will critically reflect on a key change in my professional practice. This key change is related to being 'responsive' which is one of the themes from the Hack education research. 

Step 1 (What): 

Pre-Mindlab, I was exploring student agency, had begun to use iPads in my new entrant classroom, started a professional blog, completed some learning inquiries and was leading a team of teachers. I also had many questions and wonderings about the things I was doing, how effective I was and where to next. 

Step 2 (Now what):

Problem identification

My problem was I thought there could be a better, more effective way to do the things I was doing but I didn't know what or how. 

My students were using digital devices but were they using them as effective tools for learning. My professional blog read a bit like a 'Dear Diary', my leadership seemed to lack real substance, and I was looking for ways to accelerate my students' learning.

Observation and Analysis

My learning through Mindlab, particularly in the following areas:

Digital

• 21st Century Skills
• Collaborative, Constructionist and Constructivist Learning
• Agency
• Inquiry Learning 

Leadership

• Research Informed Leadership
• Leadership Theories, Styles and Attributes
• Teacher Inquiry into Student Learning

Research and Community Informed Practice 
Applied Practice in Context

• Reflective Practice
• Community of Practice
• Influence of Law and Ethics
• Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Responsiveness

have taught me many important skills and given me a wealth of knowledge. 

Stage 3: Abstract re conceptualization
The new skills and knowledge I have developed have enabled me to become a more responsive practitioner as I now have a strong foundation of understanding which underpins my thinking and actions.

Stage 4: Active experimentation

• My new understanding of leadership theories mean I can adapt my leadership to suit the purpose and people I am leading. I can effectively respond to a range of situations.
• My new understanding of reflection and inquiry mean I can respond to current research in ways that will positively impact the learning of my students and impact my own learning.
• My new understandings of ways to use digital devices as tools for learning, my knowledge around a range of digital technologies, and my new learning about 21st century skills/learning means I am able to respond effectively to the needs of my 21st century students.

Step 3 (What next): 
I intend to continue my learning journey. Continuing my reflective practices and keeping up-to-date with current educational research is my aim. 
I would like to further explore the use of digital devices for learning in New Entrant classrooms and continue to work on effective leadership.

References

Osterman, K. F., & Kottkamp, R. B. (2015). Reflective practice for educators : professional development to improve student learning.(2nd ed.) New York: Skyhorse Publishing.

Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D., Jasper, M. (2001) Critical Reflection Model. Retrieved from: https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/media/MyCumbria/Documents/ReflectiveModelRolfe.pdf