Reflecting on Teacher Training Course

Reflecting on Teacher Training Course Reflective Assignment 2.3 This narrative account is based on my reflective journey which began in September when I started this teacher training course. It highlights issues that were encountered from the beginning, middle and end of this life changing career path. It is a very challenging course that requires dedication, focus, planning, time management and continuing professional development. Achieving most of these goals requires professional to reflect on their practice which helps in identifying development needs. Moon (2004) defines reflection as a form of thinking or mental processing used to achieve an intended result. This is supported by Dewey (1934)’s theory of reflective practice that aims to reach a conclusion. This purpose of this practice is to reach a common ground within professionals. During my initial stages of the course I had negative views about reflection as I was not comfortable with something that would unravel my inner beliefs. Reflection can be seen as self-destructive due to its nature of moving a person from his comfortable zone into the unknown situation. Hillier (2005 p17) states; ‘reflective practice actively challenges the comfortable focusing on professionals to be honest with themselves’. As an initial reaction of someone who had not taught a group of adults before I was nervous to conduct the micro teach. However constructive feedback was provided by both peers and the tutor and one of the main points which I picked up from the feedback was communication skills improvement in particular ‘the voice projection’ was low.Re-evaluating the role of the teacher as an ‘instructor’ allowed me to gain an understanding of the importance of effective communication in a classroom environment. One of the adjustments used to the enhance the communication skill was to try and sit in the back of the classroom to allow me to raise my voice when speaking to the group. As the course progressed I was placed within Seashell an environment where there is verbal and non-verbal communication. This was a challenge to my low skills as some students required me to speak clearly and slowly in a manner they can understand supported with symbols and pictures and started to engage myself in sign-along sessions. Communication is a two way process that requires skills from both the listener and the talker.Berlo (1960). During this course and my previous studies I have gained some transferable skills which can be used on daily basis. These include using fractions or percentages to calculate spending as well as the use of vocabulary when communicating within community. Developing these skills is essential in independent living which our learners are aiming to achieve. Pictures of money pictures and symbols of items such as cup of tea or cake are used. The use of work schedules allows learners to read through task before engaging in it. The current government requires all aspiring teachers to pass the skills test in numeracy and literacy before obtaining qualified teachers status (QTS) according to the Department of Education.(DEFS 2014). These functional skills will need to be embedded as evidence in all sessions as way of improving learner participation in these areas that have become important aspect of employability skill. All current teacher trainees are required to be aware of the new professional values and standards that are provided by the lifelong learning sector (LLUK 2007) 3.1 Schà ¶n (1983) suggests that professionals should reflect in situations that are relatively unpredictable. Teaching learners with severe disabilities can be complex due to multiple disabilities. The key to deliver effective lessons to most these learners lay with the understanding of these multiple disabilities. Organisations such as the Institute for learning (IFL) provide for resources to trainee teachers in different specialist areas. It also provides for ongoing support to all professionals using latest research related to that particular area.Enganging in personal and professional development opportunities within a specialist area requires linking theory to practice. To keep myself updated with latest research and theories I need to constantly visit websites of specialist organisations such as The National Autistic Society and The Epilepsy Society. The information provided on these sites is of vital importance and valid because researches carried out involves the learner. Contributions from medical experts and educational researchers who work closely with these organisations help us to make informed decisions with regards to classroom practice. 3.2 Continuing personal and professional development within severe learning disabilities will enhance my own skills as a teacher. Sharing of good practice with other professionals allows us to develop best methods that meet learner needs. A number of strategies are in use that has been proved to work within various specialist areas. Teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods that promote inclusiveness are required during the professional practice. Reflective practice aims to enhance personal achievements however when combined with professional practice it increases the competence within professionals. To achieve good quality learning within education, I needed to reflect as part of the learning process. The process allowed me to review my actions by looking into my evaluations to find out what went well and what needs to be developed. Results from these reviews can be used to influence future practice. It also provided me with the opportunity to explore a variety of reflective activities within my specialist area. Reflective language should be clearly explained to leaners at the beginning of their career journey to allow them to compile their reflective journals right at the beginning of the course. It is now considered to be an important aspect of employability within the teaching professionals. Most educational settings within lifelong learning sector are now free standing as business entities that are looking to employ people who have passion and willingness to help the development of learner and organisational progress. Most of these educational providers are partly funded by the government which in turn look at how the provider is meeting learner needs. Becker (1970) cited in Robson (2005 p11) describes professionalism as a ‘collective symbol of ideas that have a substantial agreement’. It is this set of ideas that all professionals try to follow using different methods but coming to the same conclusions as to what should professional should present 3.3 Schon (1934) suggests reflection ‘on action’ and reflection in action’ this theory seems to work well for me during the placement due to unpredictable actions that may arise within our classroom environment according to Miettinen (2010). Recording of self-evaluations at the end of every lesson allowed me analyse and respond to events afterwards. This can be effective where time is limited during the lesson to note down experience. Self-evaluations are best recorded at the earliest stage when it’s still fresh in one’s mind. Writing down these events can help us come to a decision on which method is best and what developments can be made. It could be said that reflection forms the basis for our understanding which in turn influences future decision. The information gathered from self-evaluations or observations with regards to what happens in the classroom will need to be analysed at a later stage and act upon it.As part of reflection two peer observations were carried out that allowing me to see how others perform compared to my own teaching practice. I realised that sharing of experiences with other professionals provides for the opportunity for me to learn from others and vice versa. 4.1 Professional reflective practice in teaching could be summarised as a pause taken by the teacher during a session to critically analyse his/her actions according to Larrivee (2000). This is not limited to my learning but also consists of all key elements of professional practice. A number of methods can be used to improve personal and professional development. Tummons (2007) points out that professional reflective practice cycle includes experience, reflection, professional practice and action plans. Reflecting on own experience and putting action plans helps learner in developing a platform. Gibbs (1988) encourages the use of a six stage questioning technique that includes feelings, description, evaluations, analysis, conclusion and action plan. This theory can be closely linked to Kolb (1984)’s four stage that includes doing the task, reflect on it, researching upon it and planning for the next stage.is not much difference from the Analysing these events require us to make a note of these events either through journal, diary, observation sheets, self-evaluations, student and peer feedbacks. The results obtained from these recordings will be used in combination with theories to improve own practice. Due to the varied nature of these strategies the results obtained can vary depending with the how the information used in the reflection was gathered. A reflective journal can be used to record all of events of concerns just after the lesson. This may include theories, political ideologies, research notes, and personal comments. Thorpe (2004) suggests that journals and diaries be maintained through-out the course or for a long period of time to allow consistency. Observations were conducted through-out the placement period with my mentor in classroom providing guidance on the sport. Where official observations were carried records were kept which I then used to improve my next lesson. In our placement due to hearing impairments photos that include the teacher and the learner could be used as evidence. Analysing my own personal photos working with learners, in my own time allowed me to view my practice in a different way. Another easier way of using reflective practice is story telling with peers. Self-evaluation of own practice and behaviours that are closely linked to the practice helps us to understand what works best. Taking a pause during these sessions helped me to drastically change my practice and began to see learners asking questions freely. References Beard, C. (2010) The Experiential Learning Toolkit: Blending Practice with Business Economics [Available] Berlo, D,K. (1960) The process of communication: An introduction to theory and practice. British Council (2011) [available] www.teachingenglish.org.uk (accessed 10/05/14) Dewey, J. (1934) The Need for a Philosophy of Education DFES (2014) [available] http://www.education.gov.uk/sta/professional/statistics (accessed 10/05/14) Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Further Education Unit. Institute for Learning (2014) [available] www.ifl.ac.uk (accessed 04/03/14) Lifelong Learning UK (2007) [available] www.lifelonglearninguk.org Moon, J,A. (2004).  Reflection and employability. Vol. 4. LTSN Generic Centre, Moon, J (2004) A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice, Routledge/Falmer Miettinen, R.(2010). The concept of experiential learning and John Deweys theory of reflective thought and action.International Journal of Lifelong Education [available] http://www.tandfonline.com (accessed 10/05/14) Smith, Karen, et al. (2007): The challenges of reflection: students learning from work placements Innovations in Education and teaching International. The National Autistic Society (2014) [available] http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with.aspx (accessed 10/05/14) The Epilepsy Society (2014) [available] http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/professionals (accessed 04/04/14) Tummons, J. (2008): Assessment and the literacy practices of trainee PCET teachers. International Journal of Educational Research Larrivee, B. (2000): Transforming teaching practice: Becoming the critically reflective teacher. Reflective Practice. Thorpe, K. (2004): Reflective learning journals: From concept to practice. Reflective practice Robson, J. (2005).  Teacher professionalism in further and higher education: challenges to culture and practice. Routledge, Malthouse, R. (2009):  Reflective practice in the lifelong learning sector. SAGE, Page | 1

John Proctor’s decision to die is the right one? Essay

In the play, The Crucible, John Proctor quoted ‘Because it is my name!, Because I cannot have another in my life. How may I live without my name, leave me my name! ( page 138).’ He has very strong belief’s that if his name is blackened there is no reason to live. John Proctor also chose to die because he could not double cross his friends, the fact that he has three children, John could not raise his children to walk like men in the world if he himself was not a true man. Therefore for the sake of his name,reputation and his kids, John’s decision to die is the right one. Family life and friendship is very important to John Proctor, husband and father of three, if he lived then he could not possibly raise his kids to be men in the world if their father is a sell out to his friends. He wanted to teach them that they should stand up for what they believe in and not give in to unjust courts and/or other examples in life. By dying he taught his kids that not only he is not a sell out but he also taught them that he stood up for what he believed in. John Proctor is not a man known to go to church often, but he must of remember this quote from the bible: ‘No one has love greater than this that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends'(John 15:13). This quote means that someone should surrender his or her soul for their friends, and by dying and standing up for what he believed in he taught his kids a valuable lesson. Proctors decision to die also solved his inner conflict with himself. This conflict is his adultery with Abigail, which really exasperated him. ‘Because it speaks deceit and I am honest! But I’ll plead no more! I see now  your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!’ (page 60). This quote made from John Proctor explains how he can not tear his guilt away from himself, and that he feels very bad for making this single big error of his life. By choosing to die John did not have to live with the guilt of defying his wife and God. The most important reason John Proctor decided to die is that he would not blacken his name throughout the town. If John betrayed his friends by confessing their sins, a man of his nobility could not live through the guilt. Also John did not want to ruin his reputation as a man who stands up and would die for what he believes in. John Proctor knew the importance of a name and how it defines someone. If John Proctor were named a sell out, then his whole family would be instinctively named as sellouts too. John Proctor was a man with strong beliefs that if his name was blackened he would have no reason to live at all. When he chose to die, he proved to everyone that he is not a sell out to an unjust court. Friendship and family is very important to John Proctor and he did not want his family to be looked upon as sell outs because of his wrongful doings. It is a very good decision that John stood his ground and died for what he believed in . Bibliography -Miller, Arthur, The Crucible, New York U.S.A., Bantam Books, 1981 – John, New world translations of the holy scriptures, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Watchtower Books, 1984

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Jonathan Rhys Meyers was born Jonathan Michael Francis O'Keeffe in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Geraldine Meyers and musician John O'Keeffe. His stage name is derived from his mother's maiden name, Meyers. Rhys Meyers was born with a serious heart problem and was baptized shortly after his birth, as it was feared he would not survive long enough for a traditional baptism ceremony. He spent the first few months of his life in the hospital. Born in Dublin, he moved to Cork City at one year old and was raised there. He has three younger brothers named Jamie, Alan and Paul, who are all professional musicians. When Rhys Meyers was three years old, his parents separated. His mother raised Jonathan and his brother Alan, while his other two brothers went to live at their grandmother's house with their father. Career Rhys Meyers was expelled from the North Monastery Secondary School at age 16, and spent much of his time hanging out in pool halls, namely the Victoria Sporting Club on Patrick's Quay and the Coliseum Leisure Centre on McCurtain Street. Casting agents looking for Irish boys to appear in War of the Buttons spotted Rhys Meyers at a Cork pool hall, the Victoria Sporting Club, and invited him to audition. Although he was passed over for War of the Buttons, the casting agents encouraged him to pursue a career in acting. His first film role came soon afterward, in A Man of No Importance (1994). In 1996, he appeared in Michael Collins, as the title character's assassin. In 1999, he appeared in Ride with the Devil as psychopathic guerrilla fighter Pitt Mackeson. Rhys Meyers has starred in television series including Gormenghast (2000) and in the CBS 4-hour mini-series Elvis (2005) as Elvis Presley alongside Randy Quaid as Colonel Tom Parker and Rose McGowan as Ann-Margret. The latter earned him an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe win. He is currently starring in the Showtime cable series The Tudors (2007) as the young Henry VIII. He was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Drama in 2007 for the role. His film roles range from a David Bowie-inspired glam rock star in Velvet Goldmine (1998) to a dedicated girls' football coach in Bend It Like Beckham (2002). He appeared in Vanity Fair (2004) opposite with Reese Witherspoon. His co-starred opposite with Colin Farrell in Oliver Stone's epic Alexander (2004). In 2005, Rhys Meyers starred in Woody Allen's film Match Point, for which he received a Chopard Trophy at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2006, he appeared in Mission: Impossible III. Other projects include August Rush (2007) and The Children of Huang Shi (2008). He is rumored to be appearing in Danny Glover's Haitian epic Toussaint (2008) and signed on to star as Lee Falk's comic strip hero Mandrake the Magician in an upcoming movie directed by Chuck Russell. Upcoming projects include Shelter, co-starring Julianne Moore, and From Paris With Love, co-starring John Travolta. He also has several films in pre-production, including Mary Mother of Christ and Mandrake, both set for release in 2010. Rhys Meyers, a self-taught singer and guitarist, has appeared in a number of musical roles. His first such role was that of rock star Brian Slade in Velvet Goldmine; two of the songs he sang (â€Å"Baby's On Fire† and â€Å"Tumbling Down†) are on the film's soundtrack. He sang briefly in the TV miniseries version of The Magnificent Ambersons, performed in studio scenes of the miniseries Elvis and played the flute in Gormenghast. In the 2007 music drama August Rush, Rhys Meyers performed on-screen as singer-songwriter Louis Connelly and is credited for four songs on the soundtrack – â€Å"Break†, â€Å"Moondance†, â€Å"Something Inside† and â€Å"This Time†. Of the four, â€Å"This Time† and â€Å"Break† were considered in the Best Original Song category of the 80th Academy Awards. â€Å"This Time† was not released as a single but peaked at #84 of the Canadian Hot 100. Rhys Meyers was chosen as the face for the Versace men's collection of Autumn/Winter 2006 and Spring 2007, and he has also been the face of the Hugo Boss men's fragrance range since 2005. Currently, Rhys Meyers is the face of Hugo Boss' newest fragrence, HUGO Element. He is signed to Independent Models in London. In February 2008, he became a celebrity ambassador for The Hope Foundation. This Cork-based charity aims to provide shelter and supplies to Calcutta's impoverished street children. Rhys Meyers hopes that lending his name to the organization will help raise awareness of the issue. As Ambassador he is expected to visit India and record a TV documentary for the charity. On 5 October 2008, Rhys Meyers received an Honourary Patronage from the Trinity College Philosophical Society in Dublin, Ireland. Interestingly, he has played the father of both Freddie Highmore (in August Rush) and Sarah Bolger (on The Tudors); Bolger and Highmore played siblings in The Spiderwick Chronicles film. [edit] Personal life Rhys Meyers owns houses and apartments in Nichols Canyon, Dublin, London and Morocco, splitting his time between Los Angeles and London when not working. He also owns a horse named Belle and a Chihuahua named Boo Boo. In May 2005, Rhys Meyers checked into rehab facility Promises in California seeking treatment for alcohol abuse. On 24 April 2007, the Associated Press reported that Rhys Meyers returned to treatment. The actor's representative Meredith O'Sullivan confirmed the news to People magazine citing his need to take a break from his busy schedule in order to maintain sobriety. On 18 November 2007, Rhys Meyers was arrested in Dublin Airport and charged with being drunk and in breach of the peace. He was later released on bail to appear at the Dublin District Court on 5 December 2007. He was in Dublin to promote his new movie August Rush on the Irish television programme Tubridy Tonight. The charges were later dropped. On 27 February 2009, the actor checked into rehab a third time, seeking help for his alcohol addiction. Rhys Meyers was believed to be in an English treatment facility this time. He checked out on 15 March 2009. On 20 June 2009, Rhys Meyers was arrested after allegedly attacking a number of staff at a bar in Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris and then threatening to kill them. He was bailed to appear before magistrates on charges of â€Å"willful violence, outrage, hitting and threatening death†, and will appear before the Correctional Tribunal in Bobigny, in September 2009.

Analysis Of The Movie Zac Beaulieu Essay - 1589 Words

Throughout adolescence and high school, students go through many experiences trying to figure out who they are and how they want to represent themselves. Zac Beaulieu, the protagonist in the film C.R.A.Z.Y., went through this transitional phase unlike most teenagers who live in Quebec’s 1970’s heteronormative society. As a queer trying to figure out his sexual identity, Zac goes through an unexpected journey when his non-heteronormative ways start to show. It started when Zac realized he was a little different than the other kids, and especially his brothers. Instead of being a jock or a nerd like his two of his brothers, he enjoyed to dressing up in his mother’s cloths, playing with babies, and pushing his baby brother’s carriage down the street. It was at this moment when his father caught him dressed up in his mother’s clothes talking to his little baby brother that he â€Å"had unwittingly declared war on his father†. Throughout the movie , Zac has many experiences which ultimately led him and his family to embrace his sexuality. Using music as an expression of his sexuality, Zac has been able to learn from each of his experiences and understand and appreciate the person he has become and was born to be. Some terms that I will use throughout my research essay are queer, cisgender, heteronormativity, and social identity. I will define these terms to convey a more uniform understanding of the term and its use in this research paper. Using the University of Michigan’s definition,