Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Where I am up to (Round 2)



Today I have re-read my feedback from module WBS 3630 in order to clarify in my mind where I am and which areas need to be focussed on.
The working title of my inquiry is 'An exploration into the importance of Dance and Drama within education'. The overall intention of my inquiry was to evaluate whether subjects such as Dance and Drama have a place in today's educational system. I initially had grand ideas of putting my arguement across to the Principal of the secondary school I work in as a Teaching Assistant, and somehow re-molding the curriculum to incorporate more time to the creative subjects. Although I whole heartedly believe that this would be a massive leap in the right direction for the British education system, Paula's feedback made me realise that with the time frame I have and to be quite honest, the lack of authority I posses, it would be too difficult to 'prove' that a creative curriculum should be adopted in my school. This could be regarded with certain despondency, but what Paula also highlighted to me was that although I can not necessarily change the teaching methods that the government have set in place, I can certainly use the valuable, creative teaching methods I have explored to improve my own teaching performance.
The literature I had read during Module WBS 3630 was appropriate to my inquiry and I have continued to gather further sources of literature and create a ‘literature folder’, in which I keep all relevant sources. I still intend to include educational policies and curriculum information.
Having realised that the initial question to my inquiry is too wide a topic area, I will now concentrate on the sub-questions I had proposed in my Inquiry Plan.

1. Are creative subjects considered as important as academic subjects and why?

2. Should Dance and Drama only be taught independently of government run schools?

Choosing just one of these avenues will allow my inquiry to be more specific and ultimately executed with more precision.
My feedback also encouraged me to take on some voluntary activities that could aid my inquiry. I recently directed the Shakespeare's school festival production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which has enabled me to witness first hand, the growth in terms of confidence and ability that pupils' learn when taking part in creative projects. This has been as invaluable addition to my inquiry.

Since deferring, there has been a significant change to my previous research due to the decision by Michael Gove, Education Secretary, to abandon the proposed English Baccalaureate. My immediate response was somewhat fearful due to the new direction that my inquiry would possibly have to take. I have decided to use this new turnabout to my advantage, questioning and researching the reasons behind Gove’s decision whilst exploring the public’s reaction. Recently I remember watching a programme in which Julian Lloyd Webber conveyed his immense relief. This will now require further investigation into more up to date literature.
Having attended all three Module 3 campus sessions, my overall realisation is that I need to really look at all aspects and opinions throughout my inquiry. My personal view is actually not important whilst conducting an inquiry and I don’t, as yet, know the out-come. With this in mind, I will strive to be unbias and let the research, literature and my findings, ultimately produce the outcome.

2 comments:

  1. Right Sarah - and now round 3 - I think you are just about there - like to hear about the latest?

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  2. Hi Sarah, My inquiry is close to your with your first sub questions.

    Through my research I have discovered that creative subjects is just as important has academic sibjects for many different reason but I will give two main reasons that that keeps popping up again and again.

    First reason, it enhance academic subjects because it allows social inclusion and understanding (other wised know as interpersonal skills) that academic do not allow. This is one of the key skills employers are looking for.

    Second reason, it gives confidents, self-esteem and self expression. Again this is important for future employees to gain.

    Many people who do creative course whether as part of their education or as a hobby tends to be a more rounder, sociable an active person in their community and it society.

    It also helps that the creative people also contribute hugely to the economy.

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