When was the last time, you did something for the first time?

Rather apprehensive with this first blog as my academic writing skills and vocabulary are not really up to scratch, anyway, as per my title I thought I had to give it a go!

I have spent a few evenings reading through the MAPP Introductory Handbook and Module 1 as well as conducting further research - mainly surrounding learning styles (with which I have some familiarity) and dualism - which academically is a new concept to me.

Firstly and interestingly I spent some time thinking about Kolb's learning theory (1974).  This is an area I have briefly researched in the past mainly for lecturing, passing on knowledge and encouraging students to engage (possibly with a few moments of self reflection, but mainly to add tangible examples to the learners).  This time I applied it to myself and particular areas of my work, I think it probably re-affirmed what I already knew however it did make me question myself and seemed to present my thoughts in more of a concrete manner.  However in conclusion I decided the learning styles I choose to adopt depend on the domain I am in.

To expand further (and it seems very indulgent to be writing about myself - I don't like it) but writing this blog is an area where I do not feel comfortable or confident at all, two main reasons being - I don't think I can write academically- as mentioned before - and I don't like putting my thoughts out there!  What validity do they have?  I feel it has a sense of arrogance!  On self reflection this is something I need to overcome and whilst reading other blogs I have noticed people have similar feelings.  Personally I feel this is due to lack of self esteem which is prevalent in our profession. During training...back in the day (let's not be too specific)  'we were seen but not heard' to quote the old Victorian saying, we were instructed, criticised and conditioned, a very authoritarian approach to teaching... different kettle of fish these days!!

I have digressed and to return to Kolb, writing this blog, I draw very much on concrete experience in terms of the setting up (as suggested by the handbook - which I have not referenced correctly!). Yes, this is from Facebook and also updating a website etc etc.  Mainly I work with reflection and observation, in this case I read several blogs before posting this and also literature on reflective practice, I am also keen on abstract conceptualisation.  I will plan and think things through, even to the point of doing a draft of this blog that I am now typing up.  I realised that I avoid Active Experimentation in all areas where I feel insecure and are unfamiliar, in this blog it is probably due to the thought of opening myself up to criticism and being judged.  To counterpoint I should look from the perspective of others and appreciate that perhaps there are people feeling the same as me, this objectivity I need to improve upon!!
Interestingly it made me think about how intelligence vs personality/temperament vs experience play a part in learning styles - this is bound to raise the question about what is intelligence?.... another blog in itself! However there are those people that naturally always want to experiment and seem fearless, how much can this be attributed to temperament?  What are your thoughts anyone please?

I am not afraid to experiment when I am teaching ballet, but then have taught for many years.  I feel that it's essential in terms of problem solving and finding solutions, catering for all the types of learners, working with limited physiques and encouraging the learners/students to take ownership of their own learning.  Sometimes it's a process of trial and error and I see this as part of an ongoing learning curve, there is no one hat that fits all!!  I'm also happy to say to a student 'try this..if it doesn't work we can go back'.  To reflect I believe this is due to a confidence which has manifested from experience and seeing positive results but also from observation and feedback from others, adopting techniques, being open and not being afraid of/or to  change.  I don't like using the word confidence as for me it has suggestions of arrogance that I mentioned earlier.  I think in our own context and situation with people and students we know then it is probably okay to say this.  In a completely new environment with different students and teachers observing I would feel nervous and have to assess the situation and the body language/vibe, these would influence how I taught and perceive myself in the situation.  I would certainly be less tempted to experiment for fear of judgement and my own pre-conceived thoughts about how others would perceive me.

Please feedback to me on any of the thoughts above, I'm scarily going to post this now!