critical reflection

Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry

This inquiry has been of great value to me, enabling me to identify what I know, what I don't and what I want to look further in to for the future of my performing career. From the beginning I have been certain that I want to carry on auditioning as well as teaching. (Appendix A)

However, I also want to become successful as an actress, even though I teach and love dance. I wanted to just focus on one of these elements of my career, so I wanted to develop my lines of professional inquiry in this area as I wanted to become more knowledgeable on the acting industry. (Appendix B)

 I started talking to people in my SIG's on my blog and in acting workshops, and was surprised at how many professional associates had the same thoughts, equally passionate and asking the same questions. “Jonathon Howard” replied to one of my posts which helped me develop my questions and my professional line of inquiry. It also gave me an insight into looking at different acting techniques.  He expressed that he was an actor and was glad he found me on the blogs so that we could network and help each other with ideas. From this I also completed his survey which I found very interesting relating to acting in schools. (Appendix C)

Once I had "categorized" my questions, as Jonathon Howard expressed his ideas, I realized they linked far better than I thought they would and was able to define my question. (Appendix D) It was these comments that I felt I knew what I wanted to base my line of professional Inquiry on as I knew I could explore this inquiry and get the most out of it.

Doing ethical research was an important step in my development and probably my most crucial discovery (Appendix E) I now realize that ethics will be a hugely important factor in my inquiry in order for the safety and well being of my interviewee’s, beliefs and opinions and how they perceive the acting industry.

Using surveys has been a very valuable discovery during this module. Having read 'Tools of Professional Inquiry' and sending out a pilot survey with the site "Survey Monkey" to my fellow BAPP students, I have now discovered that it is a useful tool to gain a wide range of response and opinions from other performer/actors. I now understand the better way to approach my inquiry to get the most beneficial, reliable and valuable results. (Appendix F)

I also looked in to using focus groups as a tool of inquiry because the group has the validity of understanding the issue but I feel using an interview technique will be more appropriate for my inquiry as it will allow for deeper discussions and opinions as shown in my pilot interview a fellow actress who I trained with at vocational college, who has made it into the industry successfully and has played various roles. (Appendix G)

This module has also made me realise the importance of research. Once I started looking at other blogs and other people’s thoughts I was intrigued and interested to see what other people had written about and surprisingly inspired me to my particular line of inquiry. (Appendix H) Now I have learnt how to find literature for research and how to find the important information from it, I am confident that I will have enough information to conduct a full and rich inquiry to gain the most relevant information possible. It will also be extremely useful for the future.

Appendix

Appendix A: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/my-chosen-award-title.html

Appendix B: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/4a.html

Appendix C: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/4a.html (Comments)

Appendix D: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/sig-groups.html

Appendix E: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/5d.html

Appendix F: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/survey-and-sig-groups-6a.html

Appendix G: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/developing-my-lines-of-inquiry.html

Appendix H: http://islajane01.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/discussion-of-my-topics.html

Appendix I (Attached below): Professional Inquiry plan

Professional Inquiry form (Appendix I)

The award title I propose is a BA Honours in Professional Practice in Performing Arts. The reason because of this, it is my strongest area and performing has been my passion from a young age. I teach dance, as well as perform on a daily bases. I also audition for acting roles, musical theatre and dancing jobs in performing arts, so it is my job to keep up to date with any new performing jobs or changes in the industry. Performing arts relates to all the aspects in my profession, and I enjoy inspiring students studying performing arts as well as other professionals in the industry. My future desires are to perform, achieve acting roles and teach performing arts to all ages, in order to fulfill my enjoyment and also encourage others.

The reason I believe a BA Honours in Professional Practice in Performing Arts would be my award title is because I am very knowledgeable in this area and hard working in what I do. Performing Arts is what I have trained in since leaving school.  I Attended the Brit School from the age of fourteen and achieved a BTEC National Diploma in performing Arts. From there I went on to Italia Conti vocational school, for three years where I achieved a diploma in performing Arts. As well as this I achieved many dance and teaching qualifications, and completed a PCE professional certificate in education in order to teach dance to students from a young age and students and adults in higher education.
I feel that this course has given me skills in networking and has taught me how to achieve the upmost out of my performing career. It has introduced me to new people and their opinions, and has given me knowledge that will help me develop further as a performer and teacher.  I have realised that networking is a crucial part of performing in the industry, and feel this course has given me a greater insight into this.

My Award title in Performing Arts is my expertise and will enhance my future career developments.

For my inquiry I plan to be ethical in order to do this I must consider many different issues that may arise and I will follow principle in order to make sure I am holding good practice in many aspects for e.g. safety and well being for others that are involved in my inquiry. It is important to apply theses when working with others in the same industry. When conducting my inquiry I plan to use data protection. All the information I gain will only be for the inquiry itself and nothing else on my behalf or others. The information will be kept safe and will not be used for anything else and will be destroyed after use. All the contact details of the interviewee’s will not be shared and will be kept only between myself and them until the inquiry is over. I will not share any personal information between anyone else.

Before the inquiry starts I will explain how the interview will run and the purpose of it, in order for them to participate and understand fully. The questions I ask my interviewee will only relate to my inquiry and will not be relevant to anything else outside of the inquiry itself. All the questions I ask will be reliable and valid to the inquiry. There will be no discrimination or bias remarks made to any sex, age, religion, race, ethnicity or colour. I will treat the interviewee with upmost respect and behave in a professional manner throughout. Because of the use of Dictaphone and writing notes I will ensure that I ask permission in regard to copyright of any recordings or information. The inquiry will be safe and no harm will be caused to others involved. This means making sure the area I use to interview the actor/actress is well ventilated, clean and no obstruction in the way to cause any or harm. I will be honest about the results of my inquiry and I will ensure that it is completely accurate and reliable. Above all if my interviewee doesn't understand  any questions or doesn't wish to be asked something, I will be happy to spend the time explaining  and go through anything misunderstood and I will respect my interviewee’s wishes. Throughout the interview and in the contacting process I will maintain professionalism throughout.

Survey and SIG groups 6A

THIS IS MY PILOT SURVEY BELOW I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD FILL OUT

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LD2Y8MG

I have also added this to my SIG group on my Facebook page would be great to get as much of a response as possible as will help with my inquiry. please feel free to add me on Facebook, it also a great way of networking with other performers in the industry that I know.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/232274866914601/

5d

For my inquiry I plan to be ethical when conducting a structure for my proposal . In order to do this I must consider many different issues that may arise and I will follow principles in order to make sure I am holding good practice in many aspects for e.g. safety and well being for others that are involved in my inquiry. It is important to apply these when working with others in the same industry. 

These are some points below which I plan to be ethical when conducting my inquiry. 

Data Protection: Make sure all information gained is only for the inquiry itself, is kept safe, and is not used for anything else. make sure the information is destroyed after use and not kept for any amount of time. all contact details should not be shared and kept only between you and the person in the inquiry. No personal information should be shared between anyone else

If my participant want to be kept anonymous it is vital I take this into consideration and keep their name unknown to anyone else.

The inquiry should be explained before so they know the purpose of it, in order to participate

The questions I ask should only relate to my inquiry and should not be relevant to anything else outside of the inquiry itself.
All questions must be reliable and valid to the inquiry

No discrimination or bias should be made to any sex, age, race, ethnicity, religion or colour

Ensure permission is taken in to hand in regard to copyright of any recordings

Prevention of harm: The inquiry should be safe so that no harm is caused to others involved

Be honest about results of the inquiry and make sure is 100%accurate 

If something is not understood b the participants in the inquiry I will be happy to spend the time explaining

Be respectful to participants

Maintain professionalism in inquiry

5b

After researching professional sources of Code of conduct I have found many different aspects that are similar to my assumptions and are very interesting.

I look at the C.D.E.T website and came across there code of professional conduct and practice guiding teacher to good practice. As A teacher I have come across this before from when I did my teaching qualifications and found this very helpful in order to promote good teaching practice.It is also similar to my workplace ethics in teaching dance as my manager is CDET recognised, so takes this code of conduct very seriously in order to run the dance school smoothly and successfully.
website link: 
http://www.cdet.org.uk/teaching-and-qualifications/code-of-conduct/

I found it very interesting to read and although a lot of it is similar to the dance school I teach at there were some points on the C.D.E.T  website that I was unfamiliar with. It mentions a teachers teaching name. It would have never crossed my mind that a name would have an impact when teaching. But it could be clearly against the law and against the data protection Act if the teachers name is not there's or is entitled too, for e.g. used as a description, title or used on designatory letters. It also should never be misleading.

The Rad website mentions that professionalism should allow you to engage in reflective practice and observing other practitioners in order to be responsible for your won professional development
website link: http://www.rad.org.uk/files/ART255_Code%20of%20Conduct%20English.pdf

I thought that this point was very interesting as I find that by watching other dance teachers you can enhance your learning and teaching skills by gaining ideas and combining with your own in order to make your classes compatible and interesting.

Another webiste I found whilst researching was dance east academy
website link:
http://www.danceeast.co.uk/academy/student_area/code_of_conduct.aspx

I found that some of these principles mentioned where very useful to promote safety and courtesy. If students arrive 10 minutes late for class they will not be able to participate for their own safety. I found that this was a very fair principle and was used when I studied at vocational college. By the student being late it can disrupt the class and cause other students to loose focus. This is one principle I think really stands out for me as some students do like to push the boundaries in a class environment. Also no food or drink except bottled water allowed in the studio is a principle. This promote health and safety for the students and stops any spillages which may cause risk or injuries. It also encourages the student to keep hydrated with water to stay healthy.  

5a Ethics

As well as performing  I currently work part time at a local dance school.  When getting the job I was presented with a handbook on ethics in order to work safely to the regulations of the school. Below is a list of aspects that have to be considered before teaching in the workplace.

Safeguarding: I has to take this before even working with my students, as I am sometime have to work with vulnerable adults, and it is my duty to protect them there interests and ell being hen they are in my care. 

Confidentiality: When information is shared by a students, it is the teachers duty to ensure it is confidential, unless it has been consented with the pupil or parent unless there is legal right or it is a duty to disclose should never use confidential information to their personal advantage.
for eg vulnerable adults. 

Data Protection: teachers have to be aware and abide by the current data protection legislation. data protection is important information which is shared between you and the pupil. This could be the pupils address, contact number, problems or disabilities the pupil may have or have had in the past. This information is strictly confidential and should in no case be shared with anyone accept you and he student if in any case. Below is an example of what some of the principles are for The Data Protection Act 1998 states some of the below information:

• information is accurate
• information should not be kept longer than necessary
• information is secure
• information should not be transferred to countries outside Europe without adequate protection

Ensure health and safety in classes: 

• classes are an appropriate size in the space being used
• Ensure that there are helpers in classes for children under 5 years
• make sure flooring and dance space is clean and safe to minimize risk of injury
• heating levels and ventilation are adequate
• record accidents in an accident book for health and safety legislation
• studio space is fire reg

Prevent Harm :

• Be aware of child protection legislation (all members of staff should hold an up to date CRB)
• Ask for students permission before and physical contact is made.
• Make sure another member of staff is in the room in case of any false allegations or accusations being made against a teacher from a student.
• Teachers should not put themselves in any position of harm 

Equal opportunities:

Make sure students are treated equally, and are given the chance to enhance their dance skills for their style of learning. Each student should be treated fairly and discriminated in any way.

Discrimination: Make sure students are not discriminated against color  sex, race, religion, disability, age, national or social origin or any other status.

Keep up to the Standards of Good Practice

• keep up to date with graded examination syllabus work (keep up to date with courses)
• communicate a love of dance to students
• encourage students and develop self discipline and self motivation.
• demonstrate professionalism 
• encourage communication skills between students
• recognize development of students and offer appropriate guidance to their level
• be aware of students with any difficulties and learning styles
• dance moves and choreography should be taught in a safe manner
• demonstrate professional attitudes
• punctuality of students and teachers should be prepared 10 min before class
• demonstrate reliability and responsibility care of students

General rules

• No swearing

• No Bullying

• Correct uniform worn around the dance school

• No running in Tap shoes

• No jewelerry worn in dance classes

• Respect others students and teachers

Ethics in the workplace not only creates a safe atmosphere but promote respect for the school and members of staff. It allows the students to work to their best abilities reaching their full potential, and in a safe environment. It is also promotes equal opportunities between each students and stops any discrimination. This all works hand in hand for a successfully run dance school where students and teachers are both respected.

My chosen Award title

After a long think and discussion with many people in the same industry as me, I feel that my award titleI should propose is BA Honours Professional Practice in Performing arts.The reason because of this, it is my strongest area and is something I have been doing form the age of three, and I feel that choosing something else would not be for the right reasons. I teach dance, as well as auditioning for acting, dancing and all round musical theater roles in the performing industry. My everyday job relates to Performing Arts, and also what I want to achieve in my future to fulfill my dreams in teaching Performing Arts and performing myself whether it is dancing in a musical or landing an acting role in tv or film.
The reason I also believe a Ba Honours professional practice in performing Arts would be my award title is because I  am very passionate about Performing Arts and it is what I have trained in since a very young age. I attended the Brit school from the age of 14 and  achieved a BTEC National diploma in Performing arts. I then went on to Italia Conti for a further three years, where I achieved a Diploma in Performing Arts. As well as this I achieved many dance and teaching qualifications, and completed a PCE professional certificate in education in order to teach dance to students from a young age and students and adults in higher education. 
I feel that this course already has given me skills in networking and learning how to blog for the first time, and has introduced me to new things that will develop me as a performer in the industry.  I have realized that networking is  70 percent of the job before even auditioning. The tool of networking on this course has provided me with experience and confidence in my chosen area in order to  become successful in the industry as a performer. I believe that it is vital we network in this day and age in order to learn about new skills and people entering the industry we are in for e.g. whether it is a new upcoming director or a friend lading a job on film. This course has provided me with this tool and has made me more aware of my profession which I am very grateful for.Please feel free to give me any feedback if you think any other award title's should be proposed from the information I have covered, although I found it quite hard to think of anything else that matches my expertise and future career developments.My chosen award title is Performing Arts, so hope you can all agree this is my strongest selling point as a performer and teacher.

discussion of my topics

After interacting with students on the BAPP course and reading their blogs,as well as networking with actors , I feel that there is a question in itself about success. Looking at "Georgie Bird's" blog on the BAPP course, she particularly asked people on her blog about "What is Success?" which I found very interesting and commented on as this related very much to my topic. I feel that Success can lead to many areas and depend on what the individuals dreams and achievements are and may be. For me success is about achieving goals in your life and being in a job that you enjoy. I feel it is also about the journey of becoming what you want to be for e.g.  A actress/actor in a Shakespeare company. If this is the case, your journey would be to study the plays of Shakespeare, understand Shakespeare, learn how to perform on stage, learn techniques for acting Shakespeare plays, pronunciation, inflection and rhythm of the voice.  I feel that there are many more things that you would have to achieve in order to become a successful actor/actress of the Shakespeare company.

I feel that this is a great stepping stone to my line of inquiry and I feel that there is a lot of areas I can cover within my inquiry and question.