Learning from Experience: Embedding a Culture of Excellence through Reflective Practice (September 2021, Online)

This online event is a follow on to the Reflective Practice in Further Education and Training Settings PD event offered by FESS in March 2021. This new event, open to all and not exclusive to those who participated in March, aims to further support practitioners in their various roles as they endeavour to use reflective practice as part of their continuous professional development.

As teachers, tutors, trainers and administrators, we know the importance of modelling the habit of reflection and know that we can influence others through our practice, building reflective communities where we work. We want to be part of a supportive environment where enquiry into practice is accepted and prioritised. Leadership and teamwork are the platforms and scaffolding for this enterprise.

This event will:

• provide a brief overview of the history of reflective practice in the professions
• explore the relevance of reflective practice to the role of the FET practitioner
• discuss the dispositions, habits and skills needed to take part in learning conversations as participant and leader. These conversations may act as a catalyst for writing a reflective journal as an aid to learning from experience
• share examples of reflective writing and demonstrate how the development of the professional is enhanced by keeping a learning journal.

Learning together in this event will help us recognise the transformative possibilities that follow from our intentional efforts at reflective practice. Reflective learning is personal but holds within itself the possibilities for transforming our personal and professional lives with consequent benefits for all our adult learners.

The target audience for this event is: FET Staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, co-ordinators, managers.

Facilitation: This event will be hosted by FESS and facilitated by Carmel Lillis. Carmel is an independent education consultant in the primary, post-primary and third level sectors. She has worked in a variety of roles in the education system and has contributed to leadership programmes for teachers in Maynooth University and the University of Limerick in the areas of reflective practice and action research. She is a qualified personal and executive coach. Carmel works with Education Centres and presents programmes for principals and deputy principals. She has delivered professional development seminars to Special Needs Assistants and is involved in supporting nurture groups in schools.

Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person.