Week 32-Changes in Practice

WEEK 32: Changes in my Practice

"Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi

With your basket and my basket the people will live"

Osterman & Kottkamp(1993) has contrasted traditional approach of professional development by outside experts delivering workshops for schools versus reflective practice model. They suggest that traditional approach results in knowledge acquisition while reflective practice can lead to change in behaviors via self-awareness.

Now I come to the end of my learning journey for The Mindlab!  I totally agree the Osterman & Kottkamp (1993) that,"reflective practice can lead to change in behaviours via self-awareness."

Initially I was abit hesitant taking on The Mindlab Programme...what really 'motivated' me to apply was because 'my besties' was applying too!  I'm so pleased I joined them and started The Mindlab Journey.  

The 32 week course has been 'busy' saying it mildly in addition with teaching demands.  So how has this changed my behavioiur via self-awareness...

Im so glad we were able to work collaboratively on assessments...it had been awhile since I had written essays so I believe that working with Lesa and Jeanette certainly helped in that area.

Meet and greet sessions in Rotorua, meeting like minded people on the course, travelling to Rotorua and reflecting on our learning for the night for me was 'fabulous;'  Lots of laughter, new knowledge, challenges and excitement on what we can take from The Mindlab will be exciting to use in the classroom.  I found the readings informative and even though I did have 'catnaps' in between I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to implement my learnt knowledge into our staff meetings and PD days.  

Overall, being part of The Mindlab postgrad I believe I have definitely seen growth in my personal teaching pedagogy.  Acquiring up to date research theories and how Digital Technology will and has impacted in Education is challenging and exciting and rewarding!

In New Zealand education context, Ministry of Education (nd.) has set criteria for Practising Teacher Criteria (PTC) in e-learning.

Professional relationships and professional values

Criteria 2: Demonstrate commitment to promoting the well-being of ākonga.

The well-being of ākonga is imperative in order for learning to take place.  E-learning needs to be a place where the learner is safe therefore 'digital citizen' will need to be the first point call to address.  

• How to be safe online for the student and parents
• Planning innovative ways to engage the learner to 'hook' them into learning
• Work alongside the student when involving technology...

Criteria 4: Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of professional personal practice.

Demonstrating that I can commit to completing a 32 week post grad is an example of ongoing professional learning.  I have become aware of the growth of Digital Technology has impacted in Education along with how it can enhance future generation simply because we are in the age where digital devices is where the learner is. There are a variety of ways that I will be looking at integrating e-learning based on The Mindlab Postgrad...I will 

• continue using blogger to use as a reflective journey and for PTC purposes.
• Access PD online / continue seeking ICTPD 
• Participate in learning communities
• Integrate ICT into my teaching inquiry...

Then share your next dream regarding your future professional development...
I wish to continue pursuing ICTPD as I enjoy the challenge and of course 'keeping up' with where Digital Technology is going.  I enjoyed the hands on activities especially the Makey Makey, Mindset, and Robotics to name a few...these activities will be an excellent introduction to 'my kids.'

Secondly, learning Te Reo and integrating ICT is an area I will be looking at for future professional development.

References
Image 1: Create right Now with Marie. Retrieved on 2 July, 2016 from http://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog/bid/79973/3-Journaling-Prompts-for-Self-Reflection

Ministry of Education (nd). Practising teacher Criteria and e-learning . Retrieved from http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/Registered-Teacher-Criteria-and-e-learning

Osterman, K. & Kottkamp, R.(1993). Reflective Practice for Educators.California.Cornwin Press, Inc. Retrieved on 7th May, 2015 fromhttp://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/files/RefPract/Osterman_Kottkamp_extract.pdf