Inquiry Network

Task (4a) 4c to be continued

I have a good professional network beyond the programme, and I have the support from my employer. I will continue to develop my questions within my professional network over the following week.

I have also brainstormed different questions and ideas with my son who is in final year at University, which really helped to start to define my inquiry, I could also give him some direction on research too.

task 4b

Have decided to join the Natalie Kirk SIG group via Facebook - although our Art form may be different we are all in a similar boat and on reflection we do have similar interests too in some form. This looks like a good SIG group to be part off! You can search the SIG Module 2 quite easy as Natalie suggests on her blog via Facebook.

Our blog following group is also only small and it could be quite difficult to find specific interests within our followers, as part of this task suggest.  So people that haven't linked to a SIG group yet, I would recommend this one.

Task 4a Continued

I am leaning towards the question below for my inquiry although it may need tweaking and extending. Going to ask the question to different professionals etc... and hopefully get some feed back from Alan. I like the question because I can bleed it into different directions leading to sub-heading and questions, pumping the heart to develop my practice. This is something that interest me and will lead in the direction I want to go.

How does the nature of creativity effect the performance in Primary Education?

I have also started to ask Primary Education Professionals, 'what does creativity mean within the Big Picture?' ...

What is the different between structured creativity and non-structured creativity? What are the pros and cons?  What would be the affects on behaviour and attitude?...

Where within Primary Education is creativity limited or abundant? Why is it limit or abundant? What are the affects?

Where are we in terms of creativity in the curriculum? What is the Policy insight?What in real terms is the creativity and how is it applied within in different subjects?

How has the nature of creativity revolved and how has this effected thinking skills?  How has creativity been extended to include digital media and ICT in a Primary school? What could you class as Creativity sub-subjects within Primary Education?

Develop creativity questions in relation to - interaction and communication between schools - interaction between staff and staff development - wall and displays - SENS - social development - Data the final performance.

Task 4a - to be continued....

As well as being very passionate about learning and education. In the pass I have been irritated when I have heard Art, Design and Media subjects downgraded or sidelined, devaluing the need of them, missing the fact the amount of mathematics in them.  This more relates to secondary schools, but sometimes this does impact on Primary schools. I feel this has had some bearing on the direction of my inquiry although not the main reason, as I am leaning towards Creativity as a whole. I believe creativity enhances learning in many ways for children and teachers and I am very much looking at the creativity in a primary school, its sense of purpose and why it is important.

I believe Art is an early stage of science and that Art is also a form of communication to many, it can give learning a sense of purpose and teach senses/skills that are sometimes abundant in an mundane academic environment. I also believe Art Direction in a primary school opens doors to learning, help see the bigger picture from the classroom, school, community and professional network. I believe Art Direction goes beyond the painting on the walls!  I have chosen Creativity in a primary school, rather than 'Art' Media, Graphic Design or Technology because I feel primary schools have revolved and Creativity reflects a Primary School more.

Does creativity develop thinking and problem solving skills? Why is creativity so important? Can creativity strengthen teaching and learning?   How does creativity reflect among the practitioners of the practice? When is it limited? What are its effects when it is abundant? What is Graphic Design in a primary school? What is tactic knowledge in a primary school?

I have started looking at creativity from a range of directions. I have also started an after school club and have now become a governor. I am developing my Professional Network and starting to develop my cognitive and critical thinking skills.

building on module one and leading on into module two

I am starting to become more aware of my professional network and other networks around me;  the different tools and skills that I may need to utilize them, in order to become more successful. Understanding the game theory has also helped, understanding that strengthening a team, helping others move forward, I will start to become more successful and reach the next level.

On Monday I am starting an after school club! I have been wanting to start this club for a long time. Originally I was going to call it Gifted and Talented, which I believe I mentioned in my Learning Journey. However after taking a group of year 5 Gifted and Talented children to a science day at a secondary school. I realized that many of the children in year 3 would have enjoyed and would have been very able, although it may not have been academically on paper. Furthermore by limiting the club I was limiting creativity and different skills from coming together. After listening to ideas from my son and Deputy Head, I have decided to call  it Creativity. Creativity will bring a broad range of creativity that will lead to enterprise and different digital media platforms 

In addition I also want to give purpose to learning and bring a broad range of creativity to a primary school, including looking at a primary school as a whole and the movable jigsaw pieces within it! Where it fits into the community and the networks it has already has? Building on elements of the ways we learn and interact from module one. I am starting to have several questions run through my head that will lead on to my professional inquiry and Artefact.

I will start blogging the questions after 30th September 2013, before this I will update previous blog entries.

I left work on Friday with a smile, after I saw a parent's eyes light up when she spoke about my club!

Flicking through module 2, blogs and reflecting

Module one was a little emotional at times for me, but also enriching, feel my confidence has grown since doing the module. I will go over and update a few bits, that I feel will help me continue develop ideas/grow in person etc.. .As I have considered my blog more like a Working Wall that we use at work.

Reading/flickering through module 2 has got me thinking about ideas/themes for my professional inquiry. I have also found looking through at some of the completed module 3 blogs helpful.

I found Paula's recent blog interesting in regards to teacher training, as it prompted me to look at the current training routes into teaching.  I personally would like to gain a PGCE while I work in a school, but I would also like to have a salary. (if I could)  I am applied/visual learner, I also need to financially support myself, but also feel the academic part in teaching is important too, as well as the different skills, experience and knowledge teachers bring.  If I could, I would design/plan my own teacher training in partnership with a school, university and student finance. 

My son has also passed his second year, he is doing a photography degree. (He is currently home for the summer) He did have a few hiccups during the year, but kept on going, so very proud of him. We are now due to graduate at roughly the same time. Tomorrow we are off to Isle of White for the day.