From the start of this programme, we have been consistently encouraged and reminded to reflect on experiences and to find ways to learn from them. During Module 1, we were asked to describe 3 separate learning areas that have been significant to our practice and what we learned from each situation. Since planning and conducting this project, these areas have been highlighted again especially during the reflective sessions following the interviews, which have each been an eminent experience for my leaning journey whereby I have realised that these key areas can be exploited for professional development.
Planning and time management
Firstly, time management is a skill that I have focused on before, and planning this project over a 12-week term introduced elements, such as establishing the research framework, considering ethics and procedures, and using a Gantt chart. I believe that these elements will prove useful when progressing through my career as a Company Manager as I plan rehearsals, or as a General Manager whilst organising workshops, or even when producing an entire musical if I manage to make it as a producer.
Networks and affiliations
The process of reaching out to various practitioners throughout the industry has enhanced my professional network. The very simple act of reaching out to people for a project, who may be interested and willing to take part in, has provided new opportunities for establishing relationships with potential associates. I am hopeful that these affiliations will grow over time and, as I discussed in the first module, I think that certain relationships can be beneficial to my career by creating possibilities that may not be available if the relationship did not exist; therefore, these interviews have instigated new connections, which may prove to advance my career in the future, however, I must learn to maintain them first.
Ethics and diplomacy
As I said in my previous blog, I have become much more aware of ethics; I now understand how my words and actions can be perceived by others, the implications of those actions and what can be done to mitigate the consequences. In Module 1, I disclosed an occasion where my choices of words had been perceived badly and I caused upset amongst some of the cast members of the show that I was working on; I believe that this a combination of nerves whilst speaking in front of a group and not thinking before I spoke... So, when I listened back to the recordings of the interviews, I can immediately tell that I sound nervous and I am rushing to speak before I have even thought properly - in other words, my mouth works much faster than my brain! Therefore, these interviews have revealed a significant area that I can work on, which will improve my disposition and allow a more confident and diplomatic personality to develop; I am now compelled to stop and think before I ask or answer a question, and to speak slowly with a greater level of assertiveness. If I can improve this new quality of speech, I am sure that it will work in my favour when meeting new professionals in the industry that will help to expand my network, being heard and noticed in company meetings, interviewing for new jobs and, when I manage to climb the ladder, interviewing potential new team members.
Literature review and connectivism
Conducting this research project has involved a great deal of reading, whether this has been online or in books, journal, news articles, etc. So, carrying out a literature review has really helped to elaborate my inquiry topic, which was seemingly unfamiliar at the beginning, and it has provided a brilliant visual aid especially when choosing my inquiry and interview questions. However, taking this topic to the internet has expanded my knowledge even further as I became more acquainted with connectivism. This method of research has introduced a tool that I can use when I learning anything new in my career, for example if I chose to redirect my career again in the future... could this be the start of that already and I am already on my way to becoming a theatre critic?
Reflection
I believe that the most useful skill that I have cultivated from this inquiry is reflection. This was never an aspect of my learning process that I was particularly aware of, or that I would actively choose to do; it was more of a passive reaction if something significant went wrong. I have slowly started to enjoy writing these blogs (must admit it was difficult at the start), but it has grown on me and I can see their true potential. From just reflecting after these interviews, I am much more adapt at breaking down an experience, then concluding what I have found, i.e. the areas that need improvement or a different method, as well as the areas that went well and can be repeated or developed further. After concluding, the planning stage for the next interview has become so much easier! (You may notice this is basically Honey and Mumford's Learning Cycle, which was significant in Module 1). Although, this method of reflection doesn't stop here... This reflective session shows how each module of this programme plays a significant role in the development of my professional practice and there is always an learning area to develop or exploit. Reflection is a skill that will help me learn from all professional experiences and prove incredibly useful as I venture through my career on whichever path that I choose.
What learning areas have stood out for you?
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