Log Twenty Eight: A Teenager Brings His Class To Tears Just By Saying A Few Words

I thought I'd share this because this video is truly emotional and inspirational. Thanks for watching.

Log Twenty Seven: ‘A Critical Reflection on Principles of Professional Inquiry’

Introduction

Now I have critically reflected on Module Two – Principles of Professional Inquiry - I feel I have struggled to get as engaged in Module Two on the Principles of Professional Inquiry as I was in Module One in Establishing Professional Practice. However, I feel I have learned valuable aspects about designing a work based inquiry proposal.

Part One - “Developing Lines of Professional Inquiry”

Starting the module later than planned I quickly realised that this module would be much harder after I had read Reader One on Developing Lines of Professional Inquiry. Immediately I dived straight in with creating and developing my own questions on transitions a child experiences in primary school. After I reflected upon my questions and having a burning passion to become a primary school teacher I proposed that my award title be “BA (Hons) Professional Practice (Arts) Of Inclusive Teaching and Learning in Primary Education”. I feel my valuable experience of inclusion I learned at my previous placement (Chickenshed Theatre Company) and putting it into practice shaped my decision.

Part Two - “Professional Ethics and Tools of Professional Inquiry”

Having read Reader Two on Professional Ethics I was intrigued at the thought process one goes through in promoting good behaviour. Immediately I felt I could relate to this thought process working at school. I always thought it was common sense to ‘treat others how you wish to be treated’ which creates the foundations of what I believe to be the ethos of inclusive teaching.

Part Three - “My Learning Journey”

I feel at the start of the BAPP course I was actively engaged in blogging about my experiences in professional practice. However, since returning to my studies from my break I have struggled to recapture engaging with my peers and blogging about my journey on the BAPP course. I feel the knowledge I have gained from my learning journey on the course will help me develop my critical thinking in my professional practice because it has opened a door to way of thinking I never considered at work. Whilst I always maintain an inclusive approach to my work I never questioned why I did it and why others didn’t because it came naturally to me.

Conclusion

Upon reflection I feel while I have tried my best to be engaged in this module following my late start that I need to be more motivated to blog and interact more with my peers. I also feel I need to be more assertive and feel more confident in sharing my experiences with my peers. I will definitely look to take what I have learned and what I have identified I need to improve on to Module Three.

Log Twenty Six: Task 4A – Professional Inquiry Questions (Part Two)

Q1. "How does a special education needs learning support assistant (SEN LSA) impact a child’s learning development inside and outside the classroom?"

Q2. "Why is it important to identify a child going through a transition? And how does it affect their development?"

Q3.  "How does praising a child’s effort and success help others focus on what they are good at?

Q4. "Why is it important to be consistent about classroom rules when promoting positive behaviour?"

Log Twenty Five: Task 6D – Delicious

http://www.delicious.com/mpicard1990

Log Twenty Four: Task 5A - Codes of Practice

Having read Reader 5 on Professional Ethics I found this to be an interesting task. I found it easier to brainstorm the codes of practice I saw at my place of work.

My initial thoughts, having evaluated my own performance on a random day, I considered how I could improve certain aspects such as ensuring children do not think that their need is greater than others. As I have mentioned  in Log Twenty Four: Transitions  the child I work with has a lot of behavioral ‘obstacles’ and sometimes would interrupt the whole class just to be heard. I will develop this thought process and expand on it in my professional inquiry proposal. Thanks for reading.

Log Twenty Three: Transitions

As an SEN LSA in a primary school I am working one to one with a child who has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and for me I always go through everyday transitions. I go through a state of mind where I know that I have to slow down my speech for SEN children that will take what you say literally. When a child starts at a new school midway through term, it’s teacher and LSA’s responsibility to identify the transition of moving schools because of a special circumstance e.g. bullying in old school, parents being divorced, new family member. Recently, I have been able to identify numerous children going through different transitions that could affect their educational development so to counter this we encourage a child going through a transition to build positive relationships with their peers. I hope to touch more on this in my inquiry proposal. Thanks for reading. 

Log Twenty Two: Independent Learning

In my primary school we work very hard to develop independent thinkers through teaching. Within my role as an SEN LSA I have been able to identify independent learning in the classroom. The class teacher has given every child a ‘job’. We have jobs for the following:

·         Answering the telephone

·         Sharpening pencils

·         Register monitors

·         To count how many children are in after the register is taken

·         To turn on the lights

·         To turn off the lights

·         Handing out books

I believe this encourages the children learn independently as well as taking ownership and responsibility with something within the classroom. I feel that providing children with opportunities develops their independent learning helps build their self confidence and positive relationships with their peers. This video clip shows the ‘the ethos of independence’ at a primary school. Thanks for reading & watching.

http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Independent-Learners-A-Classroom-Approach-Primary-6084061/