Assignment 3 part 1B

• Kolb's reflective cycle is a model that allows us to reflect on our experiences and learn from them
• The four stages of Kolb’s reflective cycle are concrete experience, Reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation.
• 1. Concrete experience- doing or having an experience
• 2. Reflective observation- Reviewing/reflecting on the experience
• 3. Active experimentation- trying out what you have learned
• 4. Abstract conceptualisation- concluding/learning from the experience
• Kolb believed that effective learning is achieved by following the cycle of reflection
• My strengths of Sticky note observation were:

  • Ensuring sufficient detail
  • Remaining focus on maths
  • Recording information in an objective manner
  • Keeping in earshot to listen out for use of mathematical language
• My weaknesses in Sticky note observation were:

  • Being confident in my ability
  • Knowing what I was looking for concerning maths
  • Linking to a specific aspect of mathematics
  • Trusting my own judgement of knowledge
  • Didn't manage to record a 'Shape' related moment
• Ways to improve Sticky note practice:

  • Shadowing observation completion of key workers
  • Reviewing work and making next steps with mentor
  • Training/research on curriculum to gain further knowledge and understanding
• My strengths of Checklist observation were:

  • Successful in listening out for those mathematical interact
  • Prior awareness of child's current ability to choose specific skills I haven't observed yet
  • Ensuring information is precise and accurate
• My weaknesses of Checklist observation were:

  • Unconfident when making judgements of level of ability
  • Maintaining focus on specific child
  • Multitasking the observation with general practice
• Ways to improve Checklist observation:

  • Training and practice based on methods to boost knowledge and confidence
  • Shadowing key workers to observe common practice
  • Practice making informed judgements on level of ability
  • Refreshing/updating knowledge based on the curriculum
• My strengths of Narrative observation:

  • Ensuring I include sufficient information
  • Recording an accurate account of what is happening
  • Ensuring writing is neat and layout is easily readable
• My weaknesses of Narrative observation:

  • Keeping up with what is going on to record quick enough
  • Remaining focus on the observation
  • Listening to what is being said in a loud enviornment
• Ways to improve Narrative observation:

  • Creating personal aims and goals prior to the observation to stay on track
  • Asking mentor for support and guidance
  • Training/online courses on observation methods to gain useful tips
• Sticky note observation- Over a 3 day period, I recorded mathematical language uses relating to Number, shape, space and measure.
• For the Narrative observations I recorded the Child's interactions with others and mathematical resources in the maths area of the setting.
• For the Checklist observation I observed the child's mathematical abilities relating to objectives within the pre school session.
• I used the observation methods: sticky notes, narrative and checklist.
• To reflect on my observational practice, I used Kolb's reflective cycle which is a model designed to allow effective learning on past experiences. The model has 4 stages which allow reflection, conclusion and action. This process has allowed me to recognise my strengths, weaknesses and therefore methods of improvement on this area.
• By engaging in this methods of CPD it will allow me to:

  • Boost confidence
  • Improve practice
  • Support others
  • Ensure maximum support and intervention for children