I need your help guys!

Okay so when I go to write a post on top of the post it says: Compose and HTML. I use the HTML to write my post but the layout in which I write it always changes when I publish it. My previous post I have just published erased all the new paragraphs I had and just merged into one big post! Can anyone please help? Also when I click on compose it doesnt let me write anything what so ever! Been on google all afternoon trying to find out the problem but had no luck :( Would really appreciate if anyone knows how I can get this problem sorted? Mel x

Task 2a - Reflective practice



By reading Reader 2 I became more aware of reflection and why we should use reflection to turn our experience into learning. We all reflect on things in different ways which can be conscious or unconscious processes.

'Understanding what you don't know is important as it is the first stage of learning, seeing something is missing makes you open to finding' I particularly engaged with this quote straight away because most of the time I personally try to focus on what I do know and never reflect on what I don’t know, this made me aware that if I did spend more time reflecting on what I don’t know then maybe I would become more open to find what is missing and continue to learn and develop. Having experience plus reflecting can develop new ideas helping me learn something new.

After being deep in thought about reflection I started to think about my teaching and how I reflect on my own teaching practice, what do I think whilst teaching? Do I reflect throughout the class or does the reflection take part after the class? This is where Kolbs developed idea comes into it 'The idea of a cycle' - A learning cycle. He talks about the different ways of learning:

'Some people start to learn when they are involved in a concrete experience (doing something), some people can do something but start to learn about it when they are watching the people around them doing it (reflective observation). Some people need to work it out in their head first (Abstract Conceptualisation) and some people start to learn when they start trying out ideas (Active experimentation)' 'The point you start to learn and find meaning is your entry point into a learning cycle' I learn best when being involved in a concrete experience as well as using active experimentation for example I started my blog not knowing a thing about blogs but played around with things, using trial and error making many mistakes but finally got to grips with it.

Trying things out and experimenting has always been my learning style within dance but also in general life. I like to do things myself and try it, if it doesn’t work then I will move onto another idea and by doing this I feel it helps me develop new ideas. I am going to make a conscious effort to use   the learning styles that I do not regularly. It would be interesting to try these other learning styles and evaluate the outcome. Reflective observation will probably help me throughout this course by visiting other people’s blogs and evaluating their ideas, thoughts and knowledge.

I downloaded and printed off the image of 'Kolb's learning cycle' but although I understood the principle of it and what it was trying to say I just couldn't come to grips with it, so I found another one online which became clear to me.

Sometimes we probably don't even know we are having an experience at the time of an event. Dewey used the term 'reflective thought' to talk about ways for us to be aware that we are having an experience, ways to find links to other experiences and ways to find meaning for ourselves.

He saw reflective thought an:

'Active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusions to which it tends'

Having many beliefs for example we all believe dance is an art form but Dewey see's reflective thought as a more scientific approach as he believes we need solid proof to support our belief, so the question would be how is dance an art form? What supports this knowledge? And this is where I feel reflective thought comes into it.

When I look back on my past general life events (reflection-on-action) I find it easier to reflect on my experiences with more understanding and knowledge than I would of done in the present moment, although for dancers we have to constantly adapt in the present moment, correcting and executing our movements with precision (reflection-in-action), it would be a lot harder to wait weeks and then reflect back on the movements. Robert Kottcamp supports this by stating 'reflection-in-action is harder to achieve but more powerful for improvement of practice because is results in 'on-line' experiments to adjust and improve one's professional action'

I have started to think of how I am going to go about my journal and how I can develop, continue to learn and observe my own practice by using reflective practice and journal writing. For me I am thinking a constant diary of my thoughts, experiences and ideas won't work as when I look back on my writing I find it boring and difficult to recall the events. I recently read David Boud's article on 'using journal writing to enhance reflective practice' to help me expand my knowledge and understanding on journal writing to allow me to develop and get the best from my journal. It taught me the features of journal writing:

-Capture an experience

-Record an event

-Explore our feelings

-Make sense of what we know

-Narrate something of importance so that others can see what we saw in it.

I will be writing my journal for self expression and to create a record of events from engaging in my practices as a way to make sense of what has occurred, hopefully this will enhance what I do and how I do it.

Boud states that a lot of professional effective practitioners use journal writing to reflect from there on going experience and learn from it, one being teachers. As I am in the process of developing my teaching skills, journal writing should really help me reflect and engage with what is going on in the present moment of teaching. I would love to use videos and images in my journal because these excite me more than words on a page but I am not sure I could video the students in the process of creating and teaching? That’s something I am going to find out next week!

I am going to start my journal today and use some reflective writing by trying out different ways to write my journal within the next week. My first event will be the driving lesson I have just had; there is a lot of reflection needed before next week’s lesson!!

Professional Profile updated! hopefully the last :)

After reading Megan Lewis's comment I just wanted to add a few things to my professional profile which I feel will create a fuller picture....

My name is Melanie Cannon and i'm from Liverpool :) After leaving school with 10 GCSE'S A*-C grades I trained at Liverpool community college for two years and gained a BTEC triple distinction in Dance and performing arts. I then moved to London to further develop my training at Doreen Bird graduating with a trinity Diploma in professional dance and musical theatre and graduated in July 2012. I am trained in Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, contemporary, singing, acting and musical theatre. I have been very fortunate to be trained by a variety of fantastic teachers who have all had very colourful,successful careers.

 In between training I worked part time in a bar and hostessed at a lot of fun events! including The Les Mis world premier after show party! I gained many transferable skills through my part time work and thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years living the London life!

 Performing has always been my main passion and I have always been set and stone in my ways of thinking 'I just want to perform' but recently in the last 6 months I have opened up to a lot of different opportunities within the performing arts world. At the moment I am shadowing a teacher across two schools in Liverpool teaching GCSE and A Level dance which I am thoroughly enjoying and embracing. Having not much experience in teaching I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to learn and develop teaching skills that will hopefully enable me to move onto a PGCE after I have completed the BA Honours course with Middlesex university. I have really been thrown into the deep end with the teaching but in my eyes that is the best way to learn!

 Other than dance and performing I really enjoy bikram yoga. Since graduating I started taking the odd class and now a year later it has become a part of my daily routine!

 As well as enjoying hard work I love to have fun!! :-)

Flickr :-) Task 1d

Task 1d - Flickr

I just set up my Flickr account! Take a look :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/104793795@N06/

I hadn't heard of Flickr before I started this course so I have just read about it and realised it basically does the same job as Instagram! Didn't take me too long and of course I could of gone on for days uploading picture after picture but just thought I would upload a few of my fave memories from college!

The importance of Images play a huge part today in social media. When it comes to grabbing attention online images are just as important as headlines. As Heather mentioned in her blog 'A picture speaks a thousand words' which we must of all heard before!

When I think of images I automatically think of photographs but images can include: Drawings, charts, postcards and even text when designed as an image.

I recently read this article written by Robyn Fizz which states the 3 main responses viewers will have when an image is posted on a social media site.

Effective images evoke responses from viewers. That's the goal. There are three types of responses:

• Emotional: Images can elicit any of a range of feelings, from awe to amusement to sadness. The emotion doesn't have to be positive to create a connection.

• Mental: An image can make its mark by challenging, instructing or informing.

• Social: People tuned in to trends and memes, who have a pop-culture awareness, may respond to images that play on that awareness. Social responses can also be cultural: an image that speaks to a Finnish audience won't necessarily resonate with Fijians.

I found these points very interesting and believe that we use all 3 responses at some point when looking at images without even realising it.

The internet is becoming one big picture book; can you remember we didn't have cover pictures on Facebook?  It was only within the last few years Facebook started placing more importance on pictures. Images play a huge part in today's society, where many of us have the advantage of web 2.0 and use social media sites like Facebook and twitter to post pictures of ourselves, friends and family and our happenings of events, which made me question why do we do this? There are a lot of reasons behind posting images on social media sites, it could be that you want to advertise your business, create memories with a quick and simple way to look back on, to show friends and family what you have been up to or simply for the attention.

Images on social media sites are becoming a huge source of advertisement for businesses. Using the correct images to inspire potential customers is very important alongside having a healthy balance with 'fun' images and 'business' images.

Whole Foods Market posts representative photos to promote healthy, wholesome food products, store events, sustainability and their active community of customers and employees.

Whole foods attract their target market with images that share a compelling and inspiring story. With a massive 118,028 followers I would expect  'whole foods' pay huge attention to what images they post on social media sites to keep their company forever growing.

Images play a huge role in the performing arts industry, employers would prefer to see a head shot or professional photograph of you before attending an audition or casting as they have a breakdown and know what they are after, if you simply don't fit the bill there isn't much point in auditioning as it becomes time wasting for you and the employer. This proves that performers need to make sure they have the best possible photograph that not only captures their 'image' but also shows their personality. Having the right photograph can be a huge advantage for a performer. Having a professional network on a social media site with the right images can be a huge advantage for a performer to be recognised by an employer.

Anyway hope you like my Flickr account, it brought back some very happy memories!! :)

X

Task 1a - My Professional profile

I have just been reading some professional profiles and thinking how I could show my personality through mine but also include all the detailed information without going on and on about myself as that might become a little bit boring for the reader! I looked at my profile what I had written originally when I set up my blog and it looks very bland with not much information included.

My two CV'S are very detailed and I think I need to find a balance between them both to include in my professional profile, so here goes....

 My name is Melanie Cannon and i'm from Liverpool :) After leaving school with 10 GCSE'S A*-C grades I trained at Liverpool community college for two years and gained a BTEC triple distinction in Dance and performing arts. I then moved to London to further develop my training at Doreen Bird graduating with a trinity Diploma in professional dance and musical theatre.

 In between training I worked part time in a bar and hostessed at a lot of fun events! including The Les Mis world premier after show party! I gained many transferable skills through my part time work and thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years living the London life!

 Performing has always been my main passion and I have always been set and stone in my ways of thinking 'I just want to perform' but recently in the last 6 months I have opened up to a lot of different opportunities within the performing arts world. At the moment I am shadowing a teacher across two schools in Liverpool teaching GCSE and A Level dance which I am thoroughly enjoying and embracing. Having not much experience in teaching I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to learn and develop teaching skills that will hopefully enable me to move onto a PGCE after I have completed the BA Honours course with Middlesex university. I have really been thrown into the deep end with the teaching but in my eyes that is the best way to learn!

 Other than dance and performing I really enjoy bikram yoga. Since graduating I started taking the odd class and now a year later it has become a part of my daily routine!

 As well as enjoying hard work I love to have fun!! :-)

Professional communications technology and ethical considerations

Task 1b

 Having just sat and read Reader 1 about professional communications technology it really made me realise how much we use and rely on technology on a day to day basis without even realising it! It shocks me how much things have changed since the traditional days of learning and communicating and I really don’t think we could live in this day and age without Web 2.0.

 Gone are the days of web 1.0 where it is about one way communications between the creator and the reader leaving us with limited opportunity to interact or create our own content, similar to the likes of the TV or newspapers. O.reilly shows the development between web 1.0 and web 2.0. It has grown and developed a huge amount and provides opportunity for the reader and the creator to interact where the reader can become the creator. It’s amazing how we can re-create and edit things using web 2.0 through social media such as Facebook, twitter, you-tube and blogs.

 Hamilton states an interesting point that reducing the barriers of time,skills,money and financial commitment and making participation cheap, easy and quick people will be more likely to get involved in the processes of sharing and interacting. Ullrich et al says web 2.0 services are constantly evolving and that each platform is progressively developed and replaced. For example I read the 'social media statistics' page and was shocked to see that in 2004 Facebook had just 1500 registered members which started as a small system aiming to bring US college students together and now in 2013 only 9 years on, Facebook has 1 billion users, 604 million mobile users, more than 42 million pages and 9 million apps which proves Ullrich’s point of the services constantly evolving.

Web 2.0 frees people up to be able to do much more with communications and information. We have the choice in:
 - How we look
 - What we follow
 - What we download
 - What we share
 We are our own creators of how we use web 2.0.

 Web 2.0 is so powerful in the majority of people’s lives, most of us keep in touch with friends via Facebook and twitter, find out news on social media before we have even heard it on the news or read about it in the papers. When I am unsure about things Google is my answer and I am sure many of you are the same! One quick click on my phone and there I am with lots of informative information or links to blogs related to my question. However we must be careful not to believe everything we read on social media is true, a lot of the time it is people expressing their thoughts and opinions on things although it is a very intelligent system where it recommends friends, groups, pages that relates to you.

 Using web 2.0 as a professional you have to think about the ethical considerations and make sure you are careful about what you say and how others will see you. It was only a few weeks ago that ASDA caused a stir on twitter when the official ASDA page posted a fancy dress ‘mental health patient costume’ causing people who are suffering the illness to post pictures of themselves directed to ASDA and leaving many comments suggesting ASDA was creating a stereotypical image for the illness. This post caused several re-tweets, shares and anger comments which resulted in ASDA posting a sincere apology alongside a huge donation to a mental health charity. This is a prime example about not considering your professional reputation needs.

 The technology of Web 2.0 is such a great platform for most people today that we can learn and develop from but I do however feel like we should not completely give up on the traditional ways of communication as there is nothing better than a conversation with someone whether it is a friendly chat or a professional chat. We can always take positives and negatives from both but must remember to take full advantage and usage of web 2.0!

Task 1a - Attempt number 2!

Task 1a: Professional profile

 After reading task 1a and what it requires has left me thinking a little about my CV. I have two CV'S, a general CV which I have used since I left school and a performing CV which was created in my Final year of training.

 I use both of the CV'S for example when I moved back to Liverpool I was looking for a part time job so I used my general CV whereas when attending auditions and castings I will use my performing CV.

 Both CV layouts are completely different and I can't say if they are right or wrong as always it comes down to peoples personal opinions, most people will have different preferences.
 I am going to show you my general CV and my performing arts CV and I would love some feedback and opinions on my CV and what you get from it when you first read it without knowing me? Is the layout and format clear? Is there enough information about me? Is there too much information? Is it well structured?

 I have started a teaching placement recently two days a week teaching GCSE and A level dance across two schools, I have not yet added this to my CV but would love opinions on what you think would be the best CV to add it on to? Should I make a new CV for teaching and try to build on it as I develop and gain more teaching skills?

Performing arts CV

Melanie Louise Cannon

Height:  5.5              Hair: Dark brown          Eyes: Blue

               

Nationality: White British  Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano    Native Accent: Liverpudlian

                                         

               

Training: Bird College National Diploma Dance and Musical Theatre 2008-2012  

Role                             Production                          Venue- Director/Choreographer

Dancer                         Sleeping Beauty                   Liverpool Empire

                                                                               Liverpool Proscenium Youth Ballet

Dancer                         Aida                                    Manchester Opera House

                                                                               Kate Mackie (choreographer)

Dancer                         Jack and the Beanstalk        St Helens Theatre Royal

                                                                               Lee Kelly

Dancer                         Alladin                                Southport Theatre

                                                                               Lee Kelly

Dancer/Ensemble          Annie                                  Liverpool Neptune Theatre

                                                                               Harlequin Productions

                                                              

Dancer/Ensemble          Burlesque                          Orchard Theatre Dartford

                                                                              Luis de Abreu

                                              

Dancer/Ensemble          Broadway Then And Now  Orchard Theatre Dartford

                                                                                Luis de Abreu

Dancer/Ensemble        Hooray for Hollywood          Orchard Theatre Dartford

                                                                               Luis de Abreu

                                              

Dancer                       Cody's Moving Group            Laban Theatre

                                                                                Cody Choi         

 Special Skills & Interests

Ballet - Strong Pointe - Jazz – commercial - Tap - Contemporary -Jazz pas de deux – contemporary improvisation

Swimming - Athletics - Yoga - Pilates

Accents

Liverpudlian - Northern - General American - English R.P.

General CV

Miss Melanie Cannon

Email: melaniecannon@hotmail.co.uk

Personal Profile

I am an ambitious, dedicated hard worker with the capacity to succeed. I am organised, a good time keeper ensuring tasks are completed by their deadline. I listen and take on board feedback to improve my work and professional skills. I am a presentable, outgoing, friendly and empathetic person who will give 100% to a task. I have worked in teams since leaving school but am also able to use my own initiative when required as I moved away from home when I was 18 and have been independent since this period. I have gained many transferable skills in the previous 6 years. I am an energetic and enthusiastic person who seizes new opportunities to progress and develop.

Key skills

•             Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

•             IT literate

•             Flexible and adaptable with the ability to think on my feet

•             A high level of interpersonal skills

•             Self motivated

•             Reflective with the enthusiasm and dedication to continuously improve.

•             Excellent knowledge and skills in customer service

•             Reliable, trustworthy with a positive outlook

•             Well-developed organisational skills

FOH/Compass Group/Lola                            August 2012-January 2013

Various roles

This involves working at various prestigious events, waitressing and hostessing and providing high levels of customer care. Some of the most recent events I've worked at are:  The annual Scientology anniversary event, Les Miserable's world premier after show party, the BBC children in need charity auction and most recently being at Aintree races in greens owners and trainers bar and restaurant.

Selfridges                                                     August 2012-January 2013

Sales associate

I worked on Women’s contemporary wear, dealing with luxury high end fashion. This job included giving the highest quality service to the customers ensuring they have a positive experience whilst visiting the store. I also had to ensure the store was in top condition, ensuring the floor and displays looked immaculate. 

Portrait public house/restaurant                       October 2010-August 2012

Bar person/waitress

This job included serving customers with food and beverages. My duties included handling money, cleaning and maintaining the appearance of the pub, re stocking the supplies, taking orders and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

County Children’s Centre                                 Summer 2009 & 10

Voluntary work covering reception and administrative duties.

During the summer holidays I undertook voluntary work covering reception and undertaking administrative duties. This included typing, answering calls, faxing, filing, first point of contact at reception and dealing with service user queries, Inputting data and completing other tasks to ensure core staff could complete their role effectively

JD Wetherspoons                                             Summer 2009                 

Bar person/waitress

My duties were taking orders for drinks and food, serving customers, handling money and maintaining the environment.

JD sports shop                                                  September 2007- August 2008

Sales assistant

I worked as part of a team selling footwear and sports clothing/equipment to customers. I also worked on the till handling money and cashing up at the end of the day. I also ensured the stock on the floor was replenished and the environment was clean, tidy and presentable.

Education, qualifications and training

Doreen Bird Performing Arts College        2009-12

Diploma in performing arts                        Merit          

Doreen Bird Performing arts College         2008-09                             

Pre Vocational Foundation course

Liverpool Community College                   2006-08

National Diploma in Dance                        3 distinctions - equivalent 3 A levels

Broughton Hall High school                       2001-06

GCSE’s

English Literature                                         A*

English Language                                         B

Mathematics                                                C

Science Double Award                                  BB

Spanish                                                        C

Art                                                               C

Religious Education                                       C

Performing Arts Dance                                  A

Textiles Technology                                       B

Interests and hobbies

I enjoy dancing, keeping fit outdoors, going the gym, cycling, walking, running and Bikram yoga.  I love to set myself challenges in every area of life whether it is at work or in my spare time. I enjoy going to the cinema and theatre.

I also enjoy socialising and meeting new people.

After reading some peoples CV'S and what they have to say I agree with the comment about personality and that a profile should show personality. At the end of the day the world we live in is very competitive and our CV'S should make us stand out from the crowd, but how can we do this? On that note I am going to browse more CV's and profiles to pick up on some positives and negatives that will hopefully help me improve mine!

Wow that was one long post! I would appreciate your opinions :-)

So here I am finally blogging! Feel as though I have left it later than I normally would to get started but I have been really busy lately. I woke up this morning nice and early and told myself that this was my main priority today :) I missed the induction because I was teaching in Liverpool and it left me feeling a bit worried as it would have been good to be there to absorb all the information about the course! I feel my brain works better by listening to people rather than reading the information! Today I have found the time to sit quietly in peace and read through everything and get moving with things which has left me feeling more confident! When I began my First year at Doreen Bird my dreams had come true and my hard work felt as though it had paid off. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was about to leave Liverpool at the age of 18 and move to London to pursue my career in dance which I had dreamed about from a very young age! This was just start of 4 years of hard work, up and downs and the best 4 years of my life! As well as developing and growing as a dancer and performer I feel as though I really grew as a person and gained many life skills. Coming to my fourth and final year, I was excited about my future as well as feeling very nervous about going into the professional world! I didn’t have a clue what was going to happen, how many rejections I was going to receive and how hard it generally was going to be to try and pursue a professional career in something I have loved and dreamed of doing. I moved back to Liverpool and decided to commute to auditions and the option of topping up my National Diploma to a degree in the space of a year was an amazing opportunity! So I jumped at the chance and here I am about to develop, learn and grow even more. As well as attending auditions I am teaching GCSE and A Level dance in two schools in Liverpool shadowing the main teacher. I have really been thrown into the deep end with this which in my eyes is the best way to learn! I am thoroughly enjoying myself and trying to soak in and absorb as much as I can to learn and develop my teaching skills! I can say I am really looking forward to what the next year is going to bring and the challenges I will face. I am ready to absorb all the knowledge and information I am about to receive from students and tutors and try to use it to my best ability! Who knows what the future holds? But right now I am focusing on this stage in my life and what I want to achieve and gain at this moment in time.