Tasks

Previous task:
Make a bulleted list of 3-5 key 'learnings' that you have had over the last 9 months. (How should this be set up within the wikispace? Use an anchor?) At the moment we'll do it like this:

Robert: I have learned:


 * Something of the power of group learning; having other minds to bounce off is very empowering
 * How action research can be a wonderful way to reflect in an on-going way on practice - with feedback
 * That once you get interested in something, doors open that you never knew were there
 * That theory and practice can evolve simultaneously

Jim W: I have learned:


 * Frank, open, candid discussion with direct peers is the best catalyst for self reflection.
 * The education system is competitive, teachers are competitive, regular re- examination of my motives for teaching is healthy.
 * The special relationship formed with the individuals in this project group has spilled over into everyday school life, enhancing the professional atmosphere.
 * This A-R small group model is a very commendable one for PD.

Nicola:
 * That my own research/anecdotal observations have merit for me and my kids, and just because I didn't read about an idea in a book doesn't mean it isn't legitimite research.
 * That action research can take place inside a classroom by the teachers/learners and doesn't always consist of someone 'observing' from the outside. ( I think that is the same as Bob's number 4 but he is much more succinct than me!!)
 * That regular, professional discussions with other adults are hugely important for a) helping to validate the hows and whys of what I am doing in my classroom and b) giving me the courage to implement changes.
 * That my left brain overwhelms my right brain which really makes a project like this a challenge for me. Might retrain as a physics/calc teacher. Is this why none volunteered to be in our group???

Michele: I have learned
 * To listen more carefully to my colleagues
 * To take 'wait time' during discussions
 * Working on improving relationships with colleagues has a spin off with students. I am more reflective in the classroom.
 * There are not enough hours in the day for the reading i wish to do.

Maran:
 * I too have been praying to father time for more of it! So that I can read more, explore more movement and creative ideas outside of class (audience).
 * Sometimes, for me, it is hit and miss. The motivational waves sometimes break on other shores and I am left no choice but to take control completely in class and in extra curricular events instead of serving students ideas because sometimes they are not ready to share ideas and collaborate with eachother so i must get in there and go for it just to make them happen. (hopefully my structures and choreography will inspire them to atleast change and then use what I have done) Maybe a number of contributing factors, such as group dynamics and lack of clarity on my part that is responsible for no leadership in the student body (in my projects). So far, my "leaders" from the start of the year have mostly backed out and abandoned projects...???I have no substantial idea why. So, I am reflecting as much as I can and searching like mad for the window of opportunity to find new leaders and juicy insentives for them.
 * I have learned to maintain health despite overwhelming work load. To do my best for my classes and let the rest wait on good timing.
 * I have learned that everyone is so talented and passionate and willing to help when I reach out. And, everyone is stretched like a yogi at our school.
 * I have learned that I would benefit from more proffessional development in dance and drama as it evolves so quickly with modern culture. I am constantly researching on the nt and in magazines even! To keep a finger on the pulse of whats IN, otherwise my creativity starts to go through droughts and this is most repulsive to my adolescent cohort
 * Intelligent planning and execution is the holy grail . Back to father time.....
 * p.s. trying to get year 11 and above to work with year 10 and below is SHOCKING! The seniors are pejudice of the juniors when it comes to collaborating and performing with them. Its amazing! I thought the seniors could get into being the leaders and the role models ect. because the juniors do look up to them...but having seniors working with juniors has been very risky as their trust with me is on the line...maybe worried that they won't look cool-or that other seniors will judge them. I have a few or just a couple brave senior souls coming to practice with juniors and I am really praying they commit until performance day as they are valued dancers with all the fresh ideas! So, I have learned that this is a new issue for me.

Peter: