ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

Name: Peeran Dittah

Student ID: 0000465967

Level: B.Ed. (1.5 Years)

Semester: Autumn, 2023

Tutor Name: Sir Muhammad Siddique

Course: Critical thinking and REF PRAC

Course Code: 8611

Tutor Name: Sir Muhammad Siddique

Q.1 How does Gibb’s cycle help for making decision? Explain your answer with working
examples.

Answer: Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is not explicitly designed for decision making; rather, it's a
framework for reflective practice and learning from experiences. However, I can provide a
generalized explanation of how reflection, as encouraged by Gibbs' cycle, can indirectly support
decision making:

1. Description (What happened?): Recount the situation or decision you are reflecting
upon. For example, consider a scenario where you had to choose between two job offers.

2. Feelings (What were you thinking and feeling?): Explore your emotions and thoughts
related to the decision. Perhaps you felt excited about one job but uncertain about the other.

3. Evaluation (What was good and bad about the experience?): Analyze the positive and
negative aspects of each option. This step allows you to identify key factors influencing your
decision, such as salary, job responsibilities, or company culture.

4. Analysis (What sense can you make of the situation?): Delve deeper into the factors and
their implications. If one job offers more career growth but less work life balance, weigh the
importance of each.

5. Conclusion (What else could you have done?): Consider alternative actions or decisions.
In our example, you might think about negotiating terms with the preferred job or seeking advice
from mentors.

6. Action Plan (What will you do if a similar situation arises?): Outline steps to improve
future decision making. This could involve refining your criteria for evaluating job offers or
seeking more information during the selection process.

By systematically reflecting on past experiences using Gibbs' cycle, individuals can

enhance their self-awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. While not a direct
decision-making model, this reflective process contributes to informed and thoughtful decision
making in future situations.

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Q.2 What are the steps of action research? Write each step-in detail.

Answer: Action research is a systematic process used by individuals, typically practitioners or

educators, to improve their practices through systematic inquiry and reflective problem solving.
The steps in action research can be outlined as follows:

1. Identifying the Problem or Topic:

Define the specific issue or area you want to investigate. This could arise from challenges
in your professional practice or a desire for improvement.

2. Literature Review:

Conduct a review of relevant literature to understand existing theories and research related
to your identified problem. This step helps establish a foundation for your study.

3. Formulating Research Questions or Hypotheses:

Clearly state the research questions or hypotheses that you aim to address through your
action research. These questions should guide your investigation and help focus your efforts.

4. Planning the Research Design:

Develop a research design that outlines the methods and procedures you will use to collect
and analyze data. This includes specifying your research approach, data collection methods, and
analysis techniques.

5. Data Collection:

Implement your research plan by collecting relevant data. This could involve surveys,
interviews, observations, or other methods depending on your research design. Ensure the data
collection aligns with your research questions.

6. Data Analysis:

Analyze the collected data using appropriate techniques. This step involves making sense
of the information gathered and drawing conclusions based on your research questions.

7. Interpreting Results:

Interpret the results of your analysis in the context of your research questions. Identify
patterns, trends, or insights that emerge from the data.

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8. Reflecting on Findings:

Engage in reflective thinking to interpret the implications of your findings for your
practice. Consider how the results align with your initial problem statement and what changes or
improvements may be necessary.

9. Taking Action:

Implement changes or interventions based on your findings. This step is central to action
research, as it involves applying what you've learned to improve your practice.

10. Evaluating Outcomes:

Assess the outcomes of the implemented changes. This involves determining the
effectiveness of your interventions and whether they addressed the initial problem or research
questions.

11. Sharing Results:

Communicate your findings and insights with relevant stakeholders. This could include
colleagues, peers, or the broader professional community. Sharing results contributes to the
collective knowledge in your field.

12. Iterative Process:

Action research is often cyclical. After sharing results, consider whether further
adjustments or investigations are needed. This iterative process allows for continuous
improvement in practice.

Remember that action research is a flexible approach, and the steps may be adapted to suit
the specific context and goals of the practitioner or researcher.

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Q.3 Spend a day in the teacher’s staff room and then present it in the form of reflective
writing.

Answer: Reflective Writing: A Day in the Teacher's Staff Room

As I entered the bustling teacher's staff room, the hum of conversations and the aroma of freshly
brewed coffee greeted me, setting the stage for a day of collaboration and camaraderie. The staff
room, a hub of professional discourse and shared experiences, proved to be an invaluable space
for both personal and collective growth.

Morning:

The day commenced with a palpable energy as teachers gathered, preparing for the day
ahead. Engaging in casual conversations over coffee, I noticed the diverse array of experiences
and perspectives that make up our educational community. From the seasoned veterans sharing
anecdotes to the newer educators seeking guidance, the staff room was a microcosm of our
collective expertise.

Midmorning meetings brought forth discussions on curriculum updates and teaching

strategies. The exchange of innovative ideas and best practices underscored the collaborative
nature of our profession. As I contributed my thoughts, I felt a sense of validation and inspiration,
realizing the impact of this communal sharing on my own teaching philosophy.

Lunchtime:

The lunch break became an informal networking opportunity. Conversations shifted from
pedagogy to personal anecdotes, fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. This bonding
time not only provided much needed relaxation but also strengthened the foundation of trust and
support crucial for a healthy work environment.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, the staff room transformed into a haven for lesson planning and resource
sharing. Colleagues huddled around tables, laptops open, collaborating on activities and materials.
Witnessing this collaborative effort reinforced the importance of a supportive professional
community, where ideas flourish and challenges are collectively addressed.

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Late Afternoon:

As the day wound down, impromptu discussions emerged about student achievements and
challenges. The room echoed with laughter and empathetic nods as teachers shared stories of
breakthroughs and setbacks. These authentic exchanges illuminated the human aspect of teaching,
reminding me of the profound impact educators have on shaping lives beyond the curriculum.

Conclusion:

Leaving the staff room at the end of the day, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and
connection. The reflective atmosphere of the space, coupled with the camaraderie among
educators, emphasized the significance of continuous learning and collaboration in our profession.
This day in the teacher's staff room not only enriched my pedagogical insights but also reinforced
the importance of a supportive community in navigating the rewarding yet challenging journey of
education.

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Q.4 Prepare a mind map with pictures, headlines, and connections to make your career.

Answer: A textual representation for you to use in a mind mapping tool or describe the
structure. Here's a suggested outline: Mind Map: Building My Career

Central Node: Career Goals

Sub notes:
➢ Passion
➢ Skills
➢ Values
Passion
➢ Interests
➢ Hobbies
➢ Connections:
➢ Align with career choices.
➢ Drive motivation.
Skills
➢ Technical skills
➢ Soft skills
➢ Connections:
➢ Enhance strengths.
➢ Develop areas for growth.
Values
➢ Work life balance.
➢ Ethics
➢ Connections:
➢ Guide career choices.
➢ Shape workplace preferences.

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 Career Choices

➢ Job A

➢ Job B

➢ Connections:

➢ Match with passion.

➢ Utilize skills effectively.

Education and Training

➢ Formal education

➢ Continuous learning

➢ Connections:

➢ Enhance skills.

➢ Align with career goals.

Networking

➢ Professional contacts

➢ Mentors

➢ Connections:

➢ Opportunities

➢ Guidance and advice

Professional Development

➢ Certifications

➢ Workshops

➢ Connections:

➢ Stay updated.

➢ Improve skills.

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Job Search Strategies

➢ Resume building.
➢ Interviews
➢ Connections:
➢ Tailor to career goals
➢ Showcase skills and achievements.

Continuous Reflection

➢ Progress assessment
➢ Adaptability
➢ Connections:
➢ Adjust goals if necessary.
➢ Learn from experiences.

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Q.5 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of reflective knowledge.

Answer: Advantages of Reflective Knowledge:

1. Enhanced Learning: Reflective knowledge encourages deeper understanding by

prompting individuals to think critically about their experiences. This process leads to more
profound insights and a richer understanding of the subject matter.

2. Improved Decision Making: Reflection allows individuals to learn from past experiences,
leading to more informed and thoughtful decision making. This is particularly beneficial in
professional settings where complex decisions need careful consideration.

3. Personal Growth: Reflecting on one's experiences promotes personal development by

fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It provides an opportunity for individuals to
identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

4. Effective Problem Solving: Reflective knowledge supports effective problem-solving

skills. By analyzing past experiences, individuals can identify patterns, alternative approaches,
and potential solutions to challenges they may encounter in the future.

5. Enhanced Communication: Reflective individuals often have improved communication

skills. They can articulate their thoughts and experiences more clearly, leading to better
interpersonal relationships and effective collaboration.

Disadvantages of Reflective Knowledge:

1. Subjectivity: Reflective knowledge is inherently subjective, as it relies on individual

interpretations of experiences. This subjectivity can lead to biased reflections, impacting the
accuracy of insights gained.

2. Time Consuming: The reflective process takes time, which can be a limitation in fast
paced environments. Individuals may struggle to allocate sufficient time for reflective practices,
especially when faced with numerous responsibilities.

3. Overthinking: Excessive reflection may lead to overthinking and indecision. Some

individuals may become overly critical or dwell on past mistakes, hindering their ability to move
forward or make timely decisions.

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4. Resistance to Change: Reflective knowledge may bring about uncomfortable realizations
or challenge existing beliefs. Individuals may resist change, preferring the familiarity of their
current perspectives, which can impede personal and professional growth.

5. Limited Objectivity: Achieving complete objectivity in reflective knowledge is

challenging. Biases, emotions, and personal beliefs can influence the interpretation of experiences,
limiting the objectivity of the insights gained through reflection.

In summary, while reflective knowledge offers numerous benefits for learning, personal
growth, and decision making, it also comes with challenges related to subjectivity, time
constraints, and the potential for overthinking. Balancing the advantages and disadvantages
requires a thoughtful and mindful approach to reflection.

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