Week 16 unfortunately brought around the end of our
placement and time to work on the dreaded portfolio. After having gone so
long with, let’s say having spent more time on the social aspect of Erasmus
rather than the work aspect, it was difficult to get started and try and
maintain focus and concentration on actual work.
For our portfolio, we were expected to present to our tutors
a document divided up into five main sections; the introduction, description of
institution, observations during the first week, the activities we carried out
and the new perspectives we had gained from our time in the different placement
settings. The two main focus points of the portfolio were the activities and
our reflection on how they went and how we could carry out the same situation only
better, in the future.
The second focus point was the observations; similar to
home they play a key role in the development of an Early Years Professional.
However the difference between the two were the planning techniques that
followed observations and led to activity plans, at home we use the Early Years
Planning template however Pedagogues and other teaching professions in Denmark,
greatly favour the SMTTE model. This particular model consists of five
different elements; Context, Goals, Initiatives, Signs and Evaluations.
Encouraging pedagogues to pull together their thoughts and observations in
regards to their aims and aspirations, what they witness during observations
and reflections on the outcome of the observation or activity. I have found
that having access to both similar, yet different models can improve my observational
techniques hopefully resulting in better application of theories and planning
of activities in future placements.
By working with the other two girls; Poppy, Leah and I we able to share our opinions and views making it a lot easier to
complete the portfolio! After a consultation with our tutor, the girls and I had
decided to split the observations and new perspectives aspects of the portfolio
into three different topics. I based my observations and new perspectives on
the classroom, discussing what I found different to what we see at home and how,
after my placement experience in Denmark, I can use their ideas to develop my
thinking and hopefully portray their effectiveness in settings at home.
Likewise, Leah based hers on the outdoor facilities and playground and Poppy
discussed her views based on the SFO. Having to complete a portfolio seemed
like a pain at the time, but now that I
think about it, it gave me a chance to reflect of my time there and really think about
the differences of the schooling system here in Denmark as opposed to home.
We worked really well and effectively as a team, knowing
when we had to knuckle down and definitely knowing when to take a few
occasional breaks and treat ourselves ;)! These girls are definitely two I
would be more than pleased to work with again, it was a pleasure!
'Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success.' - Henry Ford
The weekend had finally arrived and so did the sunny weather
at last! The class as a whole decided it would be a good idea to go to Brabrand
Lake and just sit and chill, seeing as it had been so long since we were
altogether, what with all the hard work we had to do!
When we were leaving the lake, I was surprised to feel someone small hug me, aw I so delighted to see none other
than little Maria, a pupil from Åby Skole. Of course Poppy and I stopped to say
hello and get a wee photo with her before heading off.
Later that evening, my class and I went to my dorm and cooked dinner together, then left for the Skjoldhøj
bar. Saturday brought around another
daunting workload, this time we had to work on a presentation that was to be
delivered to one of our tutors along with a member of staff from a local SFO
club. Unfortunately these things have to be done but our super group would make
light work of it no problem ;)!
References
Henry Ford - http://www.picturequotes.com/team-quotes/49
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