My previous post was written a couple of weeks ago -I had written it one evening -just put my thoughts down on paper and then had to go out so didn't actually post it. Then I was sick for ages and couldn't face any work and forgot all about it. I suddenly thought today that I had better look at my blog and realised I had fogotten to actually post my last thoughts. Anyway, it's on now.

Next term is going to be more challenging for me. I am still doing my usual job - teaching 24 wonderful 3-4 year olds, but will also be studying, getting my reports in, doing some work in the library after school once a week and also meeting with the 8 Year 2 classes -introducing myself as the TL for next year as part of their transition process from Year 2 to Year 3.(Our school year ends at the end of June.) A busy time ahead!

I was reflecting this morning on what I have achieved so far in this course. I have learnt...
* how to search data bases
* how to blog
* that this is a shared learning process and that you can post a request for help on the forum and people will help you out
* there are differest styles of referencing and what APA involves (even though I'm not sure I followed it strictly enough in my last assignment)
* about the myriad of issues, such as collaboration, that are essential to the success of the TL
* that Standards can both be harmful and helpful to a TL

and much, much more.

This morning I listened to James' podcast (though I do find it disconcerting looking at an orange witch's hat instead of the person speaking as you do in a vodcast) and found it great listening!

Amongst all the ideas James presented I found 2 particularly interesting:
1. The implications of IL in the workforce, whether those skills, so useful at school, are transferable to the workplace. So far he is saying it really depends on the job. I agree but I think that the IL skills learnt at school might still have life implications for the person concerned even if they don't emply those skills at work. (ie they might still use some of those skills- but in their pursuit of leisure activities)
Also I think you can't dismiss the confidence those skills have given the person.
I see education as being layers of learning. As you go through life more and more layers are put on top of the ones underneath.None of it's wasted -it just goes to make up the whole person's capabilities/skills/confidence/persona.

2. The concept of reflection of skills resulting in transference -whether students are analyzing which skills have proven useful in past work and which of those useful skills might be relevant to use in a new assignment. James raises the issue of whether skills are being transfered across the curriculum or not.

I can't believe I ever thought this course was going to be dull! I love finding out all these interesting ideas!

Anyway, I have a plane to catch tomorrow, a husband who is feeling neglected so must go!