SIR KEN ROBINSON - TED TALK

Hi bloggers,
I came across this inspirational lecture by Sir Ken Robinson.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Although it does not directly link to my inquiry, it is interesting for me as a Teacher to hear the value he puts on the importance of teaching the arts.
I am at the moment reading an article suggesting that the high incidence of boys in special needs education might be attributed to the lack of teaching knowledge around catering to the mindset of boys.

Although, Sir Ken in his lecture discusses the dancer Gilliam Lynne, I can see parallels with the boys I teach  in mainstream education and wonder how many of these fidgeting, hyperactive boys, would thrive in the dance class if dance wasn't so stigmatised by our western perception of masculinity.

Betty x

BOYS IN DANCE

Thought I would share this you tube video  for all those studying boys in dance.

Getting Boys to Dance

Also these video links which are both really interesting to those looking at teaching and learning strategies for boys in the dance class.

BOYS CAN DANCE  (if this link doesn't work then you will need to sign up / it's free to join and is full of valuable advice and for Teachers. http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/boys-dance-class

Betty x

I HAVE A PLAN

Time to take stock, reflect on feedback and work out where I am.

Aim - ' I want to motivate the boys in my dance class'. 

I have been that busy switching from one section to another, writing the introduction, trying to design the artefact, carry out the literature review that I seem to have lost direction and focus. How can I write the Introduction or design my Artefact when I haven't analysed all the findings?

Talking it over with my employer has been valuable.  I can see that I am trying to run before I can walk and having to explain my inquiry indepth, face to face has highlighted the flaws and the lack of clarity of my inquiry.

My inquiry doesn't follow the usual pattern in that I have had to analyse the literature, Teachers interviews and questionnaires  in order to be able to trial  researched strategies in my dance class.  So I have had to research -  analyse -evaluate - trial strategies - analyse.  Until I have all my key findings and evidence in place I can't move forward.
So in the words of Baldrick 'I have a cunning plan'.  Just hope that unlike Baldricks' plan mine actual works:)

A PLAN

Panic over......for now:)

Betty x

7a CHANGES TO MY INQUIRY..again..

Please read link on  Google Doc

• I have decided to make some changes to my original inquiry.  I have done this for several reasons.  My initial plan had been to video interview a selection of Teachers from both mainstream education and the  performing arts sectors to produce a montage of clips with useful advice and tips from Teachers on motivating Boys. However, having piloted one interview, I realised very quickly that this was not a good data medium for my inquiry or artefact.

Rationale for Changes

• I was only able to interview a small number of teachers and therefore representation would be limited to only a small number.

• Teachers I approached particularly from mainstream education felt uncomfortable being videoed.

• Teachers I approached felt that they would be unable to be totally honest in their opinions without the security of anonymity.

•  The pilot interview I conducted was awkward and I felt that the interviewee was unable to express their true feeling and emotions on the subject with a third party being in the room filming.

• Having conducted a Teachers questionnaire with great results, I believe that all the valuable tips and advice from teachers with knowledge and expertise would be lost among the pages of my dissertation. Producing a booklet using all the information received from questionnaires, my interventions, telephone interviews would provide me with valuable information to create a really useful booklet.  

Is anyone else thinking of producing a booklet?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Betty x

Keep calm and carry on - module 3

Welcome back fellow bloggers. Wishing everyone a  good 2014. 


Having some time to reflect on my inquiry has been great for me, I have been able to sit back and look at what I've achieved so far and plan the direction I want my inquiry to go.


At the end of last term I was bogged down with literature reviews, questionnaires, evaluations, interviews etc., I  struggled with time management and work commitments and I lost focus.
Setting it to one side has given me time to reflect on what I want to achieve from my inquiry and the changes I need to make to my practice to keep my inquiry on track.
I have had great support and feedback from the SIG groups, and I am relieved that the groups formed in module 2 are still going to continue even though many have now submitted their final dissertation.


The SIG groups have been and are a lifeline to me, somewhere where I feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking for advice, and a place where I have been able to express my worries and concerns without feeling I'm asking 'stupid' questions or being judged.  It is quite amazing the bond and connections that have been built with strangers via the SIG groups.


I am currently writing all my proposed changes to my inquiry and hope to get them up on here soon.


 I am enjoying reading everyone's blogs and am looking forward to making new friends.


Betty xx