“Change is a process begun not by learning a new idea from an expert but by recognition that something is not exactly “right” in one’s own professional practice.” (Osterman & Kottkamp, 1993)
When reflecting on the past 32 weeks it has certainly been a whirlwind trip. I began wondering what the heck I had got myself into and what does all this mean for me and my practice. It is in the second half of the course that the penny has dropped and I can now see the path I am on. The reflection on my practice often leaves me feeling bewildered and wondering where to start rebuilding from. I am fortunate that as a new entrant teacher my children change every term as they cycle through my class and I can continue to refine and build on specific aspects of practice with new students without having to wait a year to get new students at the same point in their learning journey. I am working specifically towards greater student agency and collaborative practices in my teaching. This is in line with Criteria 7: Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. My inquiry is centered around collaborative practices and I am continuing through this process at present.
The leadership aspect of my job has been strengthened by my Mindlab studies and reading Osterman & Kottkamp (1993)
“Often, behavioral changes resulting from successful reflection are at
odds with the ongoing larger and organizational culture.”
(Osterman & Kottkamp, 1993)
has made me realise that my leadership reflection has empowered me to challenge further the organizational structure within my environment. Under Criteria 5: Show leadership that contributes to effective teaching and learning. I have shared in formal and informal settings some of the knowledge I have gained over the past 32 weeks. I feel that I see many aspects of teaching and learning through a different lens to some of my colleagues and I need to be mindful that not everyone has been on the same journey as I have. I find it incredibly empowering to be able to discuss with a colleague who has completed Mindlab alongside me issues, theory and practice. We are both in our leadership team and interject our learning into this forum to strengthen discussions we have as a group. I have also shared research with colleagues to support new initiatives and learning. This sharing is by no means finished now that the formal part of these studies end. I have far too much more to say!
My next learning steps include taking stock of where I am in my career and where I want to be in 5 years time. I need to consider if further study is practical for me with a young busy family and full-time classroom teaching position. I can say that I have enjoyed the study just not the impact it has had on my family life.
My professional learning dream is to have at least two of my team members choose to take on Mindlab studies to create a team that have 21st century learning skills at the heart of their practice.
Osterman, K. & Kottkamp, R.(1993). Reflective Practice for Educators.California.Cornwin Press, Inc. Retrieved on 7th May, 2015 from http://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/files/RefPract/Osterman_Kottkamp_extract.pdf
Ministry of Education (nd). Practising teacher Criteria and e-learning . Retrieved from http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Professional-learning/Registered-Teacher-Criteria-and-e-learning
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