Journal Writing & Areas of Learning

I have spent some time thinking about areas of learning within my practice. I've found that reflection is key to everything I do. With that in mind, I started keeping a journal, where I jot down a few key thoughts/learning points/ activities related to my practice a day. Then, in a study session, I revisit my ideas, and try and relate them back to some key theories/ideas in the module handbook. Through this, I will begin to map out certain learning areas, and see which ones are the most common, and that will hopefully become the three learning areas discussed in my essay.

This week, I have come up with 4 key points.

1) I've been thinking of my discussions with my agent. I feel that throughout drama school we make an opinion on the industry through stories we hear from tutors and other people connected to the industry. This method of learning (learning from the experience of others) is called "Vicarious Learning Ref1" During the early stages in life as a graduate, we have to make this jump from vicarious learning into learning through our own experience. I felt this myself when I got my own agent. During drama school, I felt I learnt a lot from my tutors knowledge. However, while I respect their knowledge, I now feel its a truly individual industry, and we have to learn from our own experience. My agent and I have had some rocky, awkward moments after I signed, however I have now started learning from these early conversations and build a strong relationship. Thinking about this form of personal reflection, I feel it relates closest to Honey & Mumford's theory on reflection.

2.) I've been thinking of Web 2.0 on the concept of connectivity. We use social media as a constant stream of information. We pass on information from castings/auditions, we share with fellow actors. We form our professional network by following industry people on instagram/facebook. It is how we stay connected especially during Covid Times. It is our current way of collective intelligence. Also keen to hear your opinions on Spotlight... is it a form of Web 2.0???

3.) I've been thinking of tacit knowledge. We all know there are some unwritten rules of professionalism that are never taught that are just KNOWN. I have seen people who don't understand these basic concepts, and unfortunately without knowing them, you cannot survive in the industry. Is this a form of tacit knowledge? Things that are just at the subconscious core of a professional. I also believe that our previous life experience is a form of tacit knowledge that informs every part of our identity as an actor. These experiences inform our gut instincts that go into interpreting a piece, it is often by following these natural instincts when the best performances occur.

4.) Lastly CRITICAL THINKING. I don't really need to say much, its just at the heart of everything. This whole blog is critical thinking it is just a part of every theory and concept.

My task for myself over the next week is to reverse my steps this week and see how it works. I will read the literature first and relate to ideas afterward, and see where it takes me.

Thanks guys for reading, and remember

ONE POSITIVE THOUGHT A DAY 😃🌞

Ref 1. www.valamis.com/hub/vicarious-learning    "Vicarious learning is a way of learning that allows individuals to learn from the experience of others. It is a conscious process that involves sensing, feeling, and empathizing with what people are doing and taking notes, and evaluating. Rather than direct, hands on instructions, vicarious learning is derived from indirect sources such as hearing and seeing.