Critical questions and issues

Task 3D

1. My engagement in my current network and sources is unplanned and I tend to keep in contact with whom I enjoy communicating and sharing with. Perhaps when I need to think more broadly, for example if I was to set up a dance summer course or teach a ballet class, my network and sources would be planned and more focused. 

2. My colleagues and I are currently building up to a premiere next weekend, and so I believe my concerns about keeping my body healthy and at it's best condition are shared with my fellow dancers in the company. There are many injuries within the company which entails extra pressure on the remaining dancers as the work load has now increased. 

3. Sharing ideas and listening to others definitely shifts my thinking, and I think it's good to have an open mind and not be stuck on an opinion. Blogging and reading other's blogs causes me to change my thinking and planning. I usually jot down notes in my journal to plan out a blog post, and when I'm typing it up when I read out what I have written and it doesn't portray what I would like it to I will change what I write. Also when reading others blog posts I find something I have missed in my own research, therefore expanding my knowledge.

4. If I didn't critically reflect, I don't think I would improve or develop, in both my professional practice and all other areas of life. I now believe reflection is ESSENTIAL. When I'm feeling stuck in my professional work I find the best thing to do is take a step back, look at what is important, what I can improve on and then take action. 

5. When beginning this course I had very little to no understanding of the concepts and theories in professional networking. This section has probably been the most interesting for me and I have enjoyed reading further into networking and how important it is in ensuring a successful career. As I mentioned in my answer to question 3, reading other's blogs shifts my thinking, and I seem to always learn something new. I consider this as practicing the theory of Connectivism, where learning is not just by having information passed on by a teacher but rather by interacting online and using a system to share information with one another. 

6. Definitely. I believe I approach my network and sources more maturely now. I already knew how important it was to keep in contact with fellow individuals in the industry and not to "burn your bridges", however now when looking at developing my professional network I think it will be beneficial to practice the theory of Social Constructionism, and contribute selflessly to my network. I would still like to further expand my knowledge on the theories of professional networking. I will also try to comment more on others blog posts.

I can't believe how quickly the end of Module one has come around! I'm shocked to say I'm really enjoying writing my Critical reflection essay, although it's challenging I'm determined to try and create the best piece of writing I can. 

Have a great Sunday everyone!