Module 1: Web Seminar 2 - Useful Tips on Reflection

I found the web seminar with Adesola extremely helpful with getting my head round the idea of reflection. It really is a useful tool and comes in a variety of forms. 

It was reasurring to recieve some advice on the course in general. It is all about using initiative and finding out what works best for you as long as it relates to your professional practice.

One of the main focuses of conversation during the skype session was finding new ways to record a journal for reflective purposes. We talked about the advantages of writing as an inanimate object or from a colleague's perspective. This can often lead you to begin reflecting from your subconcious and viewing things in a different way to what you might do normally. The example Adesola used was writing your journal entry from your bag's point of view. If you wrote about your bag being weighed down and heavy, subconciously that might be how you are feeling yourself. Therefore, it might open you up to reflecting on feelings you might not have normally pulled on.

Another tool for reflection that I am very much looking forward to trying, is voice recordings. James (http://www.jamesbapp.blogspot.co.uk) mentioned that he often creates voice memos that he then messages to himself to remind him to do something. I feel like this is something I would find useful as I find it difficult to find time to write things down that could be potentially useful for reflection. 

We touched on the idea that you don't always need to use the same method of reflection for every occassion. It can be useful to use a variety of methods depending on what is suitable for the thought and the amount of time you have to record it. We discussed the use of pictures that can represent an event or a thought you've had during the day. 

Lastly, Adesola advised us to start thinking of ways to bring the three parts of module one together. Each set of tasks covers a different subject that we use within our professional practice. The first section of tasks allowed us to explore the tools we use most (Web 2.0). The second section of tasks allows us to focus on ourselves and how we learn. The third section covers networking and how we communicate with others. 

Adesola asked us to try and think of examples where we have used our learning from the module to improve our professional practice. An example of this for me personally involved Schon's idea of 'Reflection-In-Action' and 'Reflection-On-Action'. When working with children, I will have a plan for a session that I will stick to. Even if things don't go to plan, I tend to perservere then reflect on what can be improved later. However, since reading the benefits of 'Reflection-In-Action', I have been trying to improve my sessions on the spot when things don't go to plan. It's given me the courage to divert from a plan if it's not working.

The session in general has given me lots to think about and develop. I currently feel content with my progress and understanding of the course .