I must say that it would have been a VERY hard "row to hoe" without the support of my two colleagues that I worked collaboratively with. Working full time in an extremely busy job in addition to postgraduate study is a big ask for anyone. I certainly wouldn't recommend doing the course by yourself and have noticed those that have, have really struggled with extension upon extension. Working together we managed to "drag" each other along to keep up to date.
I have always been a very reflective practitioner, constantly trying to refine and improve what I do. Sometimes I think this has been to my detriment as I can spend too much time researching ideas and maybe get a little lost in too many ideas in a quest for perfection. I feel more focused as a result of this professional development and able to focus on evidence based practices rather than a million and one ideas.
Criteria 4: Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional learning and development of professional personal practice.
The biggest shift for me is including evidence based research into my practice. I now reflect on a number on inquires done over the past few years and believe that these could have been done more effectively using a range of good research rather than the odd random research article. Sources of research were never queried and on reflection I now wonder if these were very robust.
I really enjoyed the literature review (mad I know) mostly, I think, because it taught me what a literature review was and how to critique research and use this evidence for classroom based decisions. I feel much more aware of how research will influence my practice. I feel like I am a "bigger picture" person now and able to reflect on many different aspects within teaching and am more confident talking about these.
Criteria 5: Show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning. Professional knowledge in practice.
Gaining a better understanding of the differing types of leadership styles and theories was another informative area of learning for me. Having lead a major professional development programme over the past two years it was interesting analysing my leadership strengths. I could be known to be a "pacesetter" having conscientiousness, drive to achieve and initiative - unfortunately this is a style which does not necessarily have great outcomes. It has made me reflect on what other strengths I have and how these might apply these to leadership roles I hold. I am now more focused on the strengths I have within visionary and democratic styles of leadership.
Next dream........to gain my ACET (Advanced Classroom Expert Teacher) recognition and to study in a collaborative way toward gaining a Diploma in Education. Topics I am interested in are distributed leadership, culturally inclusive practices in a mainstream school and motivating diverse learners.
Interesting to see your reflections on your own leadership style. It sounds as if you are in the position to apply your strengths and continue along your leadership pathway.
ReplyDeleteI too, have though about my inquires prior to Mindlab - evidence based inquiry is so powerful. Interesting that you enjoyed the literature review and learnt so much from it (it was not our favourite!).
All the best in your future endeavours!
Awesome reflections here! I also would have found it hard if I didn't have the support of a colleague.. it was awesome to be sharing this journey together and be able to bounce ideas off each other!!
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to get lost in the research and either end up with no new ideas or end up with too many and not know which one to try first! Its also great to be able to use something in your class that you know works because of the research behind it!
More study after this?? You're crazy but sound extremely motivated to become an even better facilitator of learning which is awesome!!