I really have mixed feelings at the minute, I have had a load of problems towards the end of RIWS, from my daughter being ill and my ISP not working in my area, this caused me some real panic as I was concerned how I was going to get my RIWS module portfolio finished, but I did and managed to get it uploaded in time.
I felt that I had really let my fellow researchers down because I was able to participate fully in the forums with discussions and giving feedback, nor was I able to upload any work to ask them for feedback, which added to panic as I wasn't sure if I was on the right lines with my work. But with my portfolio submitted I relaxed and believed that I had done the best that I could do given the circumstances that I found myself in and at the end of the day, what will be, will be!
The relaxed feeling soon disappeared with the thought of getting UAI module finished! I have struggled throughout these 2 modules as I feel that I haven't got my head around the both completely and I intend to hit the books again and re-read them during the break between year 1 and year 2, to try and get a better understanding about them as I know that they are both going to play a crucial part to this degree.
My biggest concern at the minute is what to do for LO6 and the in-depth report that we have to write for another cohort researcher. I'm not sure what it is I am supposed to do, the word count is what is bothering me, 1000 words, but is that for all of it or just my learning and understanding?
I have posted a question in the forum and I am hoping that I get some clarification on it from my cohort, but I have to say that I felt completely stupid asking the question as I am sure that it is very straight forward and I am trying to complicate things, which was a weakness of mine that I identified from RIWS!
Anyway, the beeper has been going so I best leave it now and see if I have received any answers to my questions, hopefully I will have
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Friday, 6 March 2009
Neglected
OK I know that I have neglected you again, and it has been some time since I last blogged! I have been so busy at work what with our mentoring schemes, parents evenings, meetings, report writing not to mention normal planning and marking. That I have spending all my spare time reading and researching critical incidents and action inquiry that I haven't had time to do anything else let alone blog!
I have found the action inquiry a little difficult to get my head around, and I don't know why really, maybe it's because I am so tired, I seem to be reading loads of different things but none of it seems to be staying in my head!! Or maybe it is because there is so much research and stuff to read that it kind of clouds into one, and merges into one! It seems that everyone and his dog has something to say on the matter!
I think that I am beginning to get an understanding of it all, I can see that there is an importance place for it in every profession and that there is a cycle process of Plan - act- do- reflect that needs to be gone through in order to achieve the outcome that you want. I know that you need to have identified that there is a problem that you would like to or need to improve.
Writing that just then I have realised that some of what I have read must have gone in to my head as I wrote it very quickly so it must be there, I just have to tap into it! I suddenly feel inspired and motivated, I feel that all my hard work and incredibly late nights have actually done some good and will hopefully pay off when this modules marks come in!!
Well it's goodbye from me at the moment as I am now heading back to my books!
I have found the action inquiry a little difficult to get my head around, and I don't know why really, maybe it's because I am so tired, I seem to be reading loads of different things but none of it seems to be staying in my head!! Or maybe it is because there is so much research and stuff to read that it kind of clouds into one, and merges into one! It seems that everyone and his dog has something to say on the matter!
I think that I am beginning to get an understanding of it all, I can see that there is an importance place for it in every profession and that there is a cycle process of Plan - act- do- reflect that needs to be gone through in order to achieve the outcome that you want. I know that you need to have identified that there is a problem that you would like to or need to improve.
Writing that just then I have realised that some of what I have read must have gone in to my head as I wrote it very quickly so it must be there, I just have to tap into it! I suddenly feel inspired and motivated, I feel that all my hard work and incredibly late nights have actually done some good and will hopefully pay off when this modules marks come in!!
Well it's goodbye from me at the moment as I am now heading back to my books!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
New Year, New Module, New Way of Thinking
I am in the process of reading about Reflective Practice and at times I have found it very hard going and I'm not totally sure way or even if I have a good enough understanding of it all.
I think that I was struggling to begin with because I started reading Schon and for me I think that this was the wrong place to start, I found it all too heavy and very wordy, not only was I read his theory/model but I also hard to have a dictionary at my side to understand some of the words that he was using, it all just didn't seem to make sense. Then I came across a website that put his theory in a scenario. which really helped, it also explained it much more simpler terms, which has since encouraged me to find out more.
I have to say though that I really like Gibbs Reflective cycle, I think maybe it is because he takes in account emotions and feelings, which I can really relate to, especially with my job. I am often reflecting back on how a lesson has gone, looking at what worked well/not so well, trying to find ways that I can change my lesson to engage all of the students to make it a much more productive lesson.
I guess that I have been more of a reflective practitioner than I first thought!
I have to say that I have felt under pressure to make a post with in FirstClass forum, especially with me not having a great understanding of this topic yet, however I have made a post and although I haven't had any feedback from it yet, I feel a lot better having dripped my toes in the water! Having not had any feedback, I am guessing (fingers crossed) that I am not too far of the mark with the post that I made, I hoped that if I was completely off the mark then someone would have (hopefully) told me and point me in the right direction or at least helped me on the right track!!
I am intending to do some more reading and look at other theories and models so that I feel more competent with this subject, so for now it's back to the books for me!!
I think that I was struggling to begin with because I started reading Schon and for me I think that this was the wrong place to start, I found it all too heavy and very wordy, not only was I read his theory/model but I also hard to have a dictionary at my side to understand some of the words that he was using, it all just didn't seem to make sense. Then I came across a website that put his theory in a scenario. which really helped, it also explained it much more simpler terms, which has since encouraged me to find out more.
I have to say though that I really like Gibbs Reflective cycle, I think maybe it is because he takes in account emotions and feelings, which I can really relate to, especially with my job. I am often reflecting back on how a lesson has gone, looking at what worked well/not so well, trying to find ways that I can change my lesson to engage all of the students to make it a much more productive lesson.
I guess that I have been more of a reflective practitioner than I first thought!
I have to say that I have felt under pressure to make a post with in FirstClass forum, especially with me not having a great understanding of this topic yet, however I have made a post and although I haven't had any feedback from it yet, I feel a lot better having dripped my toes in the water! Having not had any feedback, I am guessing (fingers crossed) that I am not too far of the mark with the post that I made, I hoped that if I was completely off the mark then someone would have (hopefully) told me and point me in the right direction or at least helped me on the right track!!
I am intending to do some more reading and look at other theories and models so that I feel more competent with this subject, so for now it's back to the books for me!!
Monday, 19 January 2009
Over the Moon
I have to say that I was over the moon with my first modules marks, it was much higher than I was expecting and in a way much higher than what I was hoping for. I don't know if I will be able to keep up to that standard now!
I have found it very hard to contain my excitement I have felt like I have wanted to tell the world, but I haven't said much as I know that there are people that haven't done so well and I don't want to look like I'm bragging. At least it's not the end for them they can always re-submit it at a later date.
With my second modules marks out on Friday, I'm getting a little apprehensive about them, I'm not sure how I feel about it either, as I thought that this was a better module for me, so I don't know what to expect with regards to the marks. I'm trying not to dwell on it too much, but I can't help thinking what if I don't get the same or more for this module, will I be very disappointed? I'm hoping not as it is a learning curve and lessons should be learnt from it.
I'll check back in next week after I've got them and let you know how I'm feeling.
I have found it very hard to contain my excitement I have felt like I have wanted to tell the world, but I haven't said much as I know that there are people that haven't done so well and I don't want to look like I'm bragging. At least it's not the end for them they can always re-submit it at a later date.
With my second modules marks out on Friday, I'm getting a little apprehensive about them, I'm not sure how I feel about it either, as I thought that this was a better module for me, so I don't know what to expect with regards to the marks. I'm trying not to dwell on it too much, but I can't help thinking what if I don't get the same or more for this module, will I be very disappointed? I'm hoping not as it is a learning curve and lessons should be learnt from it.
I'll check back in next week after I've got them and let you know how I'm feeling.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
A late Happy New Year wish
Happy new year to you all!
I can't believe how long ago it was that I made my last post, I seem to have found life without study a little too comfortable! I have been checking in a lot to FirstClass, but there's not a lot of posts to read! I think we must have all enjoyed the break and study must be on the back burner for everyone.
I'm hoping that this break will have been resting for everyone, I know that I felt great until I went back to work, and now I'm wishing that we had actually had a extra week off! Oh well only 5 weeks until the next school holidays but this time we'll all be back studying.
I'm waiting for the marks to come in now and I have to say I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it, I'm not sure how well I have done. I can't decided if I would like high marks or not, If I get high marks for my first modules will I be disappointed in the future if I don't get the same high marks! I am sure that I will be pleased with what ever marks I get as this is the first time that I have done anything like this before and I know that this is the beginning of a new learning curve for me.
I found the first 2 modules interesting and I did enjoy working through them even though there were a few late nights, stress and frustration spent on them. I do hope that I continue to enjoy my studies, as studying for a degree is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time now and I am doing the same as my local football team "living the dream", I really hope that the end is a good dream and doesn't turn out to be a nightmare!
I'm sure that I will post again soon when I have my marks, good luck to you all!
I can't believe how long ago it was that I made my last post, I seem to have found life without study a little too comfortable! I have been checking in a lot to FirstClass, but there's not a lot of posts to read! I think we must have all enjoyed the break and study must be on the back burner for everyone.
I'm hoping that this break will have been resting for everyone, I know that I felt great until I went back to work, and now I'm wishing that we had actually had a extra week off! Oh well only 5 weeks until the next school holidays but this time we'll all be back studying.
I'm waiting for the marks to come in now and I have to say I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it, I'm not sure how well I have done. I can't decided if I would like high marks or not, If I get high marks for my first modules will I be disappointed in the future if I don't get the same high marks! I am sure that I will be pleased with what ever marks I get as this is the first time that I have done anything like this before and I know that this is the beginning of a new learning curve for me.
I found the first 2 modules interesting and I did enjoy working through them even though there were a few late nights, stress and frustration spent on them. I do hope that I continue to enjoy my studies, as studying for a degree is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time now and I am doing the same as my local football team "living the dream", I really hope that the end is a good dream and doesn't turn out to be a nightmare!
I'm sure that I will post again soon when I have my marks, good luck to you all!
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
The end is nigh!
The end of the IOCT is in sight now, I think that I have covered everything that I needed to although the more that I read the more that I doubt myself! I have a few more days before the deadline and I think that I am going to take the same advice as I gave to a co-researcher earlier when I said that it was probably a good idea to have a couple of days break and come back to it with a clear head and a fresher pair of eyes!
I know that I have said it before but I have enjoyed this module and I feel that I have had a useful part to play within the community, I have been helping others out when they have been stuck and I have been able to give advice quickly and effectively, without having to go and look myself before giving my answer.
Having a good knowledge of ICT, has helped me greatly and I have begun to identify ways that I can development them more in the future. I would particularly like to develop my multimedia and web developing skills. I intend to investigate software packages that will help me do this and who knows I may even add them to my Christmas list, but I think a new pair of boots would be better!
I am looking forward to the handing this module in, just because I want to start getting in to the festive spirit and spending some quality time with my husband and children. Although it will feel strange not checking into FirstClass at every spare moment! It will be nice to break up from work and know that my studies are also on holiday! It will also be nice to pick up and read a book without having a notepad, pen and highlighter at the side of me, making notes!
Knowing that the end is in sight makes me feel excited but then I get carried away and I start thinking about the marking and assessment of my modules and I being to panic again, wondering if I have done enough, thinking about what else I should have done, but for the IWS module this panicking is too late, I do hope that I don't spend the Christmas holidays panicking.
Well the first part of this journey is nearly over, and I a step closer to my final destination (well hopefully anyway!)
Kirstie
I know that I have said it before but I have enjoyed this module and I feel that I have had a useful part to play within the community, I have been helping others out when they have been stuck and I have been able to give advice quickly and effectively, without having to go and look myself before giving my answer.
Having a good knowledge of ICT, has helped me greatly and I have begun to identify ways that I can development them more in the future. I would particularly like to develop my multimedia and web developing skills. I intend to investigate software packages that will help me do this and who knows I may even add them to my Christmas list, but I think a new pair of boots would be better!
I am looking forward to the handing this module in, just because I want to start getting in to the festive spirit and spending some quality time with my husband and children. Although it will feel strange not checking into FirstClass at every spare moment! It will be nice to break up from work and know that my studies are also on holiday! It will also be nice to pick up and read a book without having a notepad, pen and highlighter at the side of me, making notes!
Knowing that the end is in sight makes me feel excited but then I get carried away and I start thinking about the marking and assessment of my modules and I being to panic again, wondering if I have done enough, thinking about what else I should have done, but for the IWS module this panicking is too late, I do hope that I don't spend the Christmas holidays panicking.
Well the first part of this journey is nearly over, and I a step closer to my final destination (well hopefully anyway!)
Kirstie
Saturday, 6 December 2008
I Feel Good!
I am surprised that I feel so good with my studies at the moment, but I do, although I'm not too keen on all the late nights and abandonment of my children (with my husband that is!) I am enjoying the sense of achievement that I am experiencing throughout this module.
I have published my first video on YouTube, I never thought that I would do something like that and it's got nothing to do with me making a fool of myself! I have enjoyed the fact that I have felt that I have actually been able to help people and offer support, only earlier was I having an instant messaging conversation with someone, trying to help them work on their web page.
Initially I did have concerns about publishing myself on the Internet, I have since overcome these concerns by looking at it as way to building a stronger, more trusting community by giving my co-researcher information about me so that they can have an understanding of me, and what I am like.
I looked at it this way because of the research that I had done, and trust was mentioned a lot throughout this, and that it was vitally important to the development of a community. So I asked myself how could trust establish without anyone with never meeting them or knowing anything about each other, that is why I chose to share information about myself.
I know that my details on the personal web pages that I have created can be viewed by general public, however I have been very selective in the information that I have shared, giving enough of an insight so that co-researchers can get to know me, but not sharing anything that was too private that could be used for stealing my identity or other not so nice activities!
I have published my first video on YouTube, I never thought that I would do something like that and it's got nothing to do with me making a fool of myself! I have enjoyed the fact that I have felt that I have actually been able to help people and offer support, only earlier was I having an instant messaging conversation with someone, trying to help them work on their web page.
Initially I did have concerns about publishing myself on the Internet, I have since overcome these concerns by looking at it as way to building a stronger, more trusting community by giving my co-researcher information about me so that they can have an understanding of me, and what I am like.
I looked at it this way because of the research that I had done, and trust was mentioned a lot throughout this, and that it was vitally important to the development of a community. So I asked myself how could trust establish without anyone with never meeting them or knowing anything about each other, that is why I chose to share information about myself.
I know that my details on the personal web pages that I have created can be viewed by general public, however I have been very selective in the information that I have shared, giving enough of an insight so that co-researchers can get to know me, but not sharing anything that was too private that could be used for stealing my identity or other not so nice activities!
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