As I was reading through Reader 3 it became very clear that there were certain concepts that I felt more connected to and understood. When I saw that networking was part of the module I really thought I would struggle as I have always been uncomfortable in situations where I have actively tried to gain contacts and make professional connections. However, as I have gone through the tasks, it has become apparent that I automatically network through my communities of practice in a more sub-conscious way. Which I prefer as nothing is forced or fake, if somebody requires information or advice from me, I can offer it. Additionally, if I require help then I can simply ask for it (Cooperation).
Everyone has a choice to or not to cooperate (game theory) in every aspect of life. I believe in terms of networking, if you get this right, can be really beneficial to your network development. On the same note, if you get this wrong it could have a negative impact on your network. The question is, how long do you cooperate for? When is the right time to take advantage of the connection for your own benefit? Can you not make sure there is a benefit for both parties so no one is 'taken advantage of'?
In my practice cooperation isn't entirely necessary but it is most definitely helpful. The phrase 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine' springs to mind. People are always more willing to help if they know that at some point it will be reciprocated, the exchange does not necessarily have to be at the same time, there just needs to be an understanding that one party isn't always taking from the other.
The need for affiliation will be affected by 'psychological determinants and individual and cultural differences between individuals' (Reader 3). As affiliation is defined as a social process that provides us 'with a network of support that will help us when we are in need' (Crisp & Turner 2007 p. 266) and the definition for networking is: a deliberate activity to build, reinforce and maintain relationships of trust with other people to further your goals. It isn't surprising that Affiliation is a key concept for professional networking as without an affiliation there is no network to develop.
'Through social interaction, humans construct meanings of the world and their experience of it.' (Reader 3)
How do we 'know' anything? A lot of things we claim to know are from someone telling us it. How do we know that piece of information to be correct? Where did they find that piece of information? Do we trust the source?
Pupils gain knowledge by listening to their teacher and simply accepting that knowledge to be true. We have been taught to respect figures of authority and we go to school, partake in courses to learn new things. No one goes to school and questions what the teacher tells us in class. Should we accept what we are told to be correct? This is where propaganda can leak in, whether it be a teacher a politician or news reader. They could choose to tell us whatever they want us to believe and if said convincingly enough we will believe it and take on those thoughts and beliefs ourselves. So many catastrophes have happened through our interactions constructing meanings of the world and the people in it.
If there are two conflicting pieces of information, which do you believe to be true? Both parties (blog, individual...) believe themselves to be correct because they 'know' their information to be accurate. They have both chosen to trust the source they received it from. I always ask people 'How do you know that?' not from any suspicions but from my need for verification and clarity. If I am researching on the internet, my first port of call is usually Google, but I won't except the answer I receive from the first website I will check a few until I satisfied with the validity.
Having entered a new professional practice switching from performer to educator. I am constantly interacting and constructing my own ideas through various channels interaction. As a lot of the information I am given is advice, I have tried to gather this from multiple sources whether that be fellow teaching assistants, teachers, senior staff or Web 2.0. From this I can evaluate and reflect on all of the material, piecing together the parts I would like to help in developing my practice and in my internal filing cabinet, store the information accordingly.
Connectivism is highly used due to the expanse of Web 2.0 and how accessible it is. Learning is no longer restricted to the teacher student format. For example, blogs, the reader can feedback thoughts through comments. This may involve an exchange of knowledge or simply provide an opinion on the matter.
In conclusion, I feel all of these concepts are valuable and that they compliment each other. One isn't successful without an element of the other. A network cannot begin without affiliation, without some form of compromise the network cannot develop, without social constructionism we cannot form meanings and without connectivism there will be no knowledge to gain.
I have found an interesting post including tips on how to grow your network.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-long/8-tips-to-help-grow-your-_b_7562332.html
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-definition-of-professional-networking
Practice
4 comments:
Great Post. Really helped to clear some fog for me around the concepts in terms of networking. For me I am struggling with these concepts and my ideas and feelings on them, strange as i thought this theme would be the easiest!
I agree with your self that 'one isn't successful without the other'. But disagree the point that 'cooperation isnt necessary in your practice'. Being a TA I feel cooperation is vital within the classroom to have a good relationship with the teacher and school to further your network. If you are not willing to cooperate with the teaching staff, this will reflect on the learning of the pupils, who are the centre of the community of practice. You have to be willing to cooperate with the new ideas of senior management, government, school governors if they see you are willing to cooperate with them surely this will reflect on yourself?
Check out this article- Feel this highlights the importance of cooperation within our network. I
https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-views/im-quitting-teaching-mid-career-i-loved-job-all-my-hard-work-wasnt
It's a two thing if a teacher puts in the work as well as the school/goverment everyone is happy but if only one side does than one is loosing out.
Hi Jennifer, the link you shared was really interesting and a really good read. As it's based around using networking as a business tool it refers back to the idea that performers are little individual business within themselves. I agree with Lauren and I too feel we need cooperation, I think it keeps the harmony in some relationships such as director/performer, however it can beg the question: how far is too far? Perhaps these boundaries are set socially? Something to think about! I really like how you've related all the theories and ideas to your own practice, its nice to see how other people use them.
Thanks Jennifer
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