Tanya's Reflective Journal

Reflective Practice and Changes in Practice Āta tirohia te ngaro nui te ngaro roa, te ngaro paewhenua. Analyse critically the gigantic wave, the long wave, the shoreward wave. Week 32! Wow. Hard to believe we have arrived at the end. A real journey of both self and professional discovery.  I have been waiting to do the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice since it first began a few years ago. Unfortunately, I was no longer teaching so couldn't afford to study. When I came back to the classroom this year the first thing I did, was sign up to Mind Lab! I really loved the first 25 weeks when we went to class. The professional discussions and the fun we had made the weekly trip 'down the road' worthwhile. I did struggle a wee bit with writing assignments and above all, getting them in on time, until I was introduced to EXTENSIONS!!! These have saved my sanity on more than one occasion. However, I am absolutely making sure that I do not finish these

Professional Context - Crossing Boundaries Activity 7 - Interdisciplinary Connection Map An interdisciplinary approach is the combination of multiple disciplines that help to create teams of teachers and students that strive to create an outcome of an enriched educational experience (Jones 2009).   As my Interdisciplinary Connection Map (above) shows, without even realising it, we are engaged in multiple interdisciplinary relationships every day. It's only when we meaningfully collaborate to further benefit the educational experiences of our students do we realise just how many times we actually do this.  Potential Interdisciplinary Connections 2018 will see (so long as we have permission from the Ministry of course) our CoL (Kahui Ako) begin a journey of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. We will be focusing on establishing positive relationships with our learners and incorporating culturally responsive pedagogies that have a positive impact on our learners with

Social Online Networks in Teaching or Professional Development Social Networking has evolved! Melhuish (2013) discussed the variations of contexts for engagement of social network sites by educators. For some it is advice or affirmation of practice, for others it could be resources or mentorship, whatever the context, social networking can provide great connections, communication and collaboration. How I have used it in my classroom: I discussed in one of my earlier blogs the reluctance I initially felt when using Facebook within my classroom. I guess I'm 'old school' and worry about the dangers of using it, although, my children don't have access to it, so the only time they get to see our 'Group' is when either I share it, or their parents share the posts with them. So no real interaction with with the children there.  We have, however, started using Seesaw, which I am sure will have great benefits for the children and their learning. I feel, and