final work..1st draft!

A critical reflection on my developing professional practice

Professional Communication Technology

My initial reaction to communication technologies was a sceptical one (Appendix A). However, in continuing to blog and communicate with my peers via email and the internet I was forced to utilise the platforms available to me. The discussions within the ‘blogging’ world have allowed me to comment and discuss work and opinions with people who have a similar topic of interest (Appendix B) therefore extending my knowledge and inquiries into my own professional practice.

Embracing platforms such as flicker has allowed me to fulfil something that I often find difficult; to verbally explain the work of ChickenShed, as I expressed in my blog (Appendix C) therefore, simple and effective access to images and the like are crucial when conveying my professional practice. (Appendix D). The process of using these tools that I was initially ‘scared’ of, has provided me with the reassurance that they are a source of support for my work.

My skills within professional communication technologies are in constant development; however the demand to access such technologies in order to enhance my practice has allowed my work to become both efficient and effective.

Reflective practice

When reflecting on events within a given time, I find myself not only recalling incidents but forming my opinions and conclusions that I may not have considered at the time (Appendix E). This ‘reflection- on- action’, a theory formulated by Kottcamp, is one that I have used when writing my blogs, however I found myself questioning the way in which I learn most effectively(Appendix F). Evaluating my own learning has allowed me to gain an informed a perspective and extract a combination of theories that I both agree with and use: Kolb’s learning cycle- encouraging identification and active learning, Howard Gardener- each individual questioning their own learning strategies and raising question’s about Kottcamp’s ‘reflection-in-action’ theory. (Appendix G). The idea of actively encouraging my own learning and having an awareness of conflictions within theory has sparked a ‘rolling’ development of how to formulate my experiences.

The task of ‘Inquiry’ was one that led me to use and question resources available to me. My own discussion of professional’s around me formed a realisation of how far my relationships and skills have been both influenced and developed. Reflecting on sources of material that surround me led me to not only ask questions but also for others to do the same (Appendix H). The inquiry into my practice has allowed me to become my own ‘outside eye’, although a contradiction in terms, a tool in practice. Taking time to step back and reflect on my work is not only a necessity within my ‘inclusive training’ but in questioning comes progression as a professional.

Professional Networking

Understanding the construction of professional networking is something that has been influential to my way of working and communication. The idea that we divide ourselves into ‘units’ of people in order to achieve the most success, socially or professionally, is intriguing. The investigation of network theories has, for me, clouded the idea that a network is to work as a team or to co-operate and has highlighted the presence of competition within professional groups. From reading other blogs, I am fast discovering how the process’ by which I work and create within an inclusive professional network are often non- comprehendible to others (Appendix I). Networks within the Performing arts have shown a clear divide between on and off stage. A cast network is clearly one that is striving for the same acknowledgment of success; audience applause, and I agree with Crisp and Turner 2007 pp266 who said that 'a network of support that will help us when we are in need' but is this purely an on stage ideal? I have become aware of the networks around me and am now asking how they are an asset to me. Breaking down my networks into smaller pieces on my blog has allowed me to discover where I fit within them and how I utilise them to the best of my ability (Appendix J).

Studying my immediate networks in such detail gave me the impetus to question past networks and how I could incorporate them into my present practice to build a future. (Appendix K). I am now looking to develop my current networks in order to build awareness of my professional practice and how organisations/institutions could utilise my knowledge in the future. This is a platform that is ever growing in order to establish my career.

Task 2c: Reflective Theory

Education: 'Continual re-organisation, reconstruction and trasformation of experience' Dewey, 1916. This quote from John Dewy acknowledges the constant development ab]nd responsibility within learning. As this course is based on 'self' learning and relflection this idea of constant evalution is key in order to sucessfully produce the skills and knowledge needed to complete tasks. I agree that the quality of education is reflected in the engagement of the pupil, In my oppinion the non-engagement or desire to learn should be seen as a direct impact from the both the teaching environment and method NOT the learner themselves.
The importance of identification is acknowledged in the Kolb leaning cycle. This compliments Dewey's conecpt of evaluation and promts active rather than passive learning methods.
Howard Gardner's (1983) mulitple intelligences prompted me to explore my own style of learning and relflection. Looking back on experiences i have i had i think that it is true to say that i am a kinasthtic and interpersonal learner. For example;  having watched and studied workshop practices i find myself needing to make my own mistakes when workshop leading inorder to learn and devlop from them. Although i love discussion and oppionion, the physical side of learning definatly has the most positive influence on my own development.
Having discoverd this about myself i find myself asking if Robert Kottcamp's 'reflection-in-action' is easier for kinasthetic learners; 'the actor must simultaneously attend to performing the action and observe and analyze his or her action' (Kottcamp, R. B. (1990). Means
for facilitating reflection. Education and Urban Society, 22, 182-203.) The physcial action process for a kinasthetic learner is to their advantage and could it therefore positvley influence their reflection?

Task 3c: Sources of information

As i said in the earlier task, my main source of information and networks has to be the Chickenshed Theatre, however from within the company their are more specific sources that are of great improtance to my own individual development:

• The Chickenshed education programmes- I have written previous blogs regarding the nature of Chickenshed's education and its students, however it is the staff that have begun to inform my learning. Watching the teaching skills first hand has become invaluble as this is my most reponsive form of self-education. With each educator comes a variation of approach to the subject matter, however the core principles of inclusion are clear throughout'

• Professionals of all levels- It has been important for me to discover the levels at which staff are expected to adhere to regardless of artisitc/teaching level. The 'heirarchy' has allowed me to develop an understanding of each staff members contribution to the work while having understanding of their own personal training and development. 

• Communication via email-  Email has fast become my most valuble source of communication. It is a tool that i constantly utilise in order to sustain my contacts, and is something that i use purley as a professional communciation to create some sort of organisation.

• Blogs- Using blogging sucessfully is a great way for me to question and query both my own and other's interpretations of the same/similar event's. Although not all shared expriences will be blogged by both parties it is interesting to read how it effected someone and why they felt it was important  to write a blog about it. For expample; Lucy's reflective writing task consited of a project that we both took part in; 'Carterhatch School Project'. It was eye-opening to read about her understanding of a project in which we both took part.

• Linking my Profession to other things-  Although my interest for inclsuion lies within the arts, I have found it interesting to look at other areas where inclusion is being implemented. My part-time Job, for exmaple, is working at a health and fitness spa. Althought the lesuire industry is not particularly a place of interest for me, my curiosity led me to ask question regarding the inclusive practice and reading up on schemes such as the 'The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI)'. This has become an area where i can explore and expand my general knowledge of inclusion.

Task 3b: theories relating to networking

Having read the course reader on 'Professional Networks' i have found the comparision from the theories to my own practices intreguing. The extract from Axelrod, R. (1984 pp xi – xiv) asked the question 'How far should cooperation go before it becomes selfish?', something that i have often ondered myself both in a professional and social context. The ability to cooperate with someone is something that inclusion strives for; cooperation should lead to harmony. However, at what point does cooperation become compromise? Chickenshed as a company have always statmented that they will never compromise the quality of their work or members. Every member of the company is individually cast to fulfill their roll to their own highest standard which inturn reflects in the overall work. In order to do this they ask that their members cooperate and trust in them but, for example; should this coopertation be challenged and what point should a compromise acknowleged?
This non-compromise policy co-insides Crisp and Turner 2007 pp266, who said that the theory of affiliation aims to provide everyone 'with a network of support that will help us when we are in need'. This alongside the idea of homeostasis acknowledges the inclusive practioner's constant awareness of different needs and abilities within a group.
These theories boil down to the importance of the individual. Although we use Social Constructionism to buikd our own interpretation of the world, no mnatter how large the social/professional network, our own interpretation is what we keep with us and acknowledge to be true.
Communities of Practice, i believe, is probably the biggest source of professional and social networking. Having mutual interest in a subject is something that simply exists without force or debate and therefore in my oppinion is the most powerful. Going to events such as shows and festivals make it easy for these mutual interests to become apparant and can often have the most enourmouse repercussions, eg. Live aid, Student Marches ETC.

Task 3a: Current Networks

As a developing 'inclusive Practicitioner' my current and main source of professional networking is the Chickenshed Theatre itself. Having full time access to a profesional inclusion environment is something that is a major asset to me and my interest(s). A building mangaged by people who have the same beliefs and goals that i do within the arts, along side the physical offering of profesional facilites is priceless.
This network allows me not only to learn, discuss and be inspired by the staff within it but offers me a platform of responsibilites if i want them. I have been able to deliver and manage workshops/one to one support/ performances as a trusted member of the company, being given the support that i need to do so.
Another network i am starting to gradually build is with the BRIT school. By keeping in contact with them through exchanges of emails and phonecalls i am able to draw from both their knowledge and to an extent their 'ignorance' towards my inclusive practice.
The performing arts has the fantastic ability to mix 'business' with 'pleasure' as the forums and meeting's for the practice often take place in what is considered a social setting- the theatre. Going to the theatre can be seen a lesiure activity and therefore allows the ease of discussion and debate between 'strangers' after watching the same performance, inturn a possible creation of a professional network.
This is a tool that i know was used greatly by the cast of 'Crime of the Century' by the Chickenshed theatre company, when touring at the Edinburgh fringe. As professionals they were able to initiate their own networks through Q & A sessions but also through the 'Communities of pracitice' that the fringe brings.
As well as the theatre there are other social networks that i think could greatly impact on my own professional networks. Conversation and communication in order to develop any interest, is something that i am a great believer in and now that i am at this stage of my profession i must be constatly be aware of my engagement within social interaction regarding mutual interests. Facebook groups and blogging are also great sources as they already have an ever growing social interest and are therefore a great platform for professional networking.