Discussion- Learning in and as professional practice
On Tuesday we had a discussion session with Adesola with a focus on module one (DAN4510). Adesola started by asking if we had any questions regarding the module and it seemed the majority of us weren’t too sure of the difference between our AOL submissions and the Recognition of Prior Learning essay. It soon became clear to us that the RPL essay was rather an articulation of the theory behind our current practice and how we would contextualise what we know; whereas the AOLs were specific to each area knowledge and the experiences that allowed this learning to come about.
Later in the session, Adesola showed us a TED talk conducted by Ken Robinson on the subject of Changing Educational Paradigms. His talk went on to describe how the current educational system wasn’t fit for purpose and that there was a divide between young learners who are classed as ‘academic’ and those classed as ‘non-academic’ From a young age, children are deemed best suited to jobs that are either ‘intellectual’ of ‘vocational’. This poses a big issue for society as people’s learning styles/strengths aren’t taken into account in turn, risking people not reaching their full contributing potential to society.
Adesola encouraged us to see the MAPP as an argument against this system; that through our AOLs and RPL essay we are in fact advocating that our knowledge of our experiences in the vocational field is intellectual and can carry the same weight as any other academic claim. Through the interaction with our peers and analysis of various publications we are given the armoury to argue this case.
Some might argue that no matter how long you spend in an academic setting intellectually analysing a subject, you will only ever learn when you start ‘doing’.
Great blog Jesse! Ken’s talk really was quite inspiring. Definitely giving more hope for the education in the arts.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jesse. Although the older I get I guess I'm, starting to realise we need to write what we do as well. In my case the body is breaking down!!!! Good luck with your MA, Jesse
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie, I suppose this will only add to the skills in our everyday lives, but for know it seems we're wondering in the dark!
DeleteHi Jesse great observations, you really have a great way of writing, well done!
ReplyDeleteAre you starting to feel more settled in the module? I think I’m still getting there...
Hi Chris,
DeleteI think I'm still trying to navigate the first module a bit, not quite knowing if I'm going in the right direction. It's hard to find inspiration or examples of writing on something so unique as your own personal professional practice but I gather this is how we will shape this course to our needs?
Hi Christopher, Jesse, Debbie, I am so sorry I missed this Skype chat as we didn't have one so specifically geared to Module 1 last term. I completely agree Christopher about Jesses writings and for all of us, we just have to keep writing and talking until we find our way and help each other along the way.
DeleteI sadly had to defer last term, due to work commitments so I'm trying to start this term like its the first time for me and not trying to cut any corners, if anything take bigger turns and get as much as I can out of the course.
In the first month I understand how you feel, that you are travelling along and not quite sure where you are bound. But keep on and you will get there. If you look at anyones blogs in module two and three we all said the very same in the beginning.
I did my CV this week, which even though it took me forever, it really helped me think about the areas of learning in my career. Even though I am no way near narrowing it all down, to what my essays will be, I believe I am going in the right direction. I could not believe all the courses, classes, workshops I have attended and taught over the years. We as dancers / teachers have so much knowledge and have learnt so much that I think we forget to give ourselves credit for. In module1 its finally a chance to take charge and turn all that learning into something accountable.
Hi Linda, it's great to have you with us! The module one skype was a great space where everyone could share their concerns, and because we were all at the same point on the course I don't think anyone felt that they were holding others back in voicing their initial fears of module one.
DeleteLooking at other blogs it's easy to see that module one can feel like you are in over your head, so I am using this to keep reassuring myself that the unknown is a good place to be. It is this sense of unknown that will lead to further learning and development.
Although the difference between the AOLs and the module one essay was explained, I'm still struggling to understand what the Review of Learning essay should look like. Is it an opinion piece or a narrative of your current learning journey or a summary of what you feel your skills currently now consist of... the questions go on!
Hi Jesse, great to see so many module 1s are already blogging so frequently, it seems we are all off to a good start.
DeleteI had my first tutorial with my supervisor this week, and I heard myself explaining what the AOLs were. The supporting essays of your RPL claims– I think I finally cracked it 😀 Long time coming!
My supervisor was thinking more along the lines that we fill in a table or a column of claims simply for the RPL, but that's for the BA program. A table though seemed like a great idea to start mind mapping.
The Module 1, Handbook 2 Claims for Prior Learning Review of Learning really helped me decipher where to start and explains very clearly, that our practice is the knowledge, and that is what we are trying to claim credits for. This type of non academic knowledge we all have from years of practice, we transfer into our continuing teaching in our professional practice.
So first we decided to look at my first AOL, to break it down and then decide the other 2. With the view that 3 strong AOLs are better than 3 good and one weak.
These AOLs Areas of learning are essays you will put in your RPL form if you will. So if you say, I will look at
a. class management b. communication c. choreography
as your AOLs, then you will need to write a 1500-2000 word essay on each of these topics to prove that learning from your experience.
We decided to leave the reflective essay till after AOLs were solved, as it will be easier to write then as you use what you have already proven in your AOL essays. This reflective essay ties together all the AOLs but just you need to dig a little deeper. In the AOLs you have dug the holes and planted the seeds, now you are letting your work flourish.
I wanted to write this as I really struggled and couldn’t find my starting point when I started Module 1 and found it overwhelming, everything I read seemed to take me round in circles and brought me no where closer to where I needed to be.
Hopefully I have not led you in more circles!!!
Linda
Hi Linda,
DeleteThis is great to hear! I have been really struggling to decipher it all but it seems like from your explanation this is all starting to become clear.
I have a tutorial later on before I begin my drafts so hopefully I will find my eureka moment!
Thanks!
I think I just needed to talk it out loud with someone, instead of trying to digest book after book.
DeleteAnd really pleased you can follow my way of thinking!
Hope you get your eureka too on your tutorial!
I like what you said earlier, about it being so hard trying to find something to read that is actually about your own practice.
Thank you so much Jesse and the rest! It is so reassuring that I am not the only one feeling a bit lost, and that even the those onto Module 2 and 3 felt this way in the beginning, too! This is a very different learning experience for me, I am a visual learner who does best reading the information rather than sharing and hearing, so seeing written everyone's thoughts is so helpful! Additionally, reading other's interpretations of blogs, skype sessions and videos is really helping me to understand even more. I've read some things that seem over my head, but others that really hit home! Thanks to all for sharing!
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