Week 1

What happened?
We were introduced to the module and were told what was expected of us.

In part of the lecture, we were given modelling clay and formed into groups where
we had to model representations of elements (earth, wind, fire, water). Most of
us just messed around and made silly models until the last minute where one member of our group made a rather silly representation of water.

We then had to choose the best model from our group, and destroy the others. We chose the bucket of water (complete with real water).

All of the groups then had to take their creations to the front of the lecture
theatre, where they gave a short description on what theirs meant. Everyone then had to vote which model they liked the best, and our groups was voted
the best! All of the ones that were out voted were destroyed.

In the workshop we formed into the groups we had to be in for the first 2 assignments. The 6-man group we formed is a mixture of people from different courses, and we were given the name 1B.

The group then huddled together to study the Assignment 1 brief. We decided on answering Question 2 for the 3000 word essay. We decided that we should all research a little into the question before we met again next week.


Thoughts, feelings, assumptions, beliefs, values, attitudes...
The outline of the module makes it seem that it is one that just requires group work and making 3D modules. However at the core of it some key skills are trying to be taught, like team working, in-depth reiterative study and journal keeping.

I felt that modelling with clay was a bit childish, and what we were told to do
with it sounded like something that was suited to people on a drama course...
However it was fun in the end and is obviously a good way to get students into
a new module.

I did feel that everyone's models were better then mine, as they had spent more time on them and had taken the task a lot more seriously. This was made
apparent when they were so shocked when the lecturer destroyed their group's creations.

I am very comfortable in the group I am in. I think all the members are able to
pull their weight at getting the group assignments done.


Reasoning and thinking behind actions and practices...
I don't think I took the modelling-clay task seriously because I felt it wasn't relevant to the course, and was childish.

Evaluation
Good: It was good to work in a group, study assignments in a close group and make democratic decisions as a group.

Bad: It was bad that no one in my group (myself included) in the lecture took
the modelling task seriously.


Reconstruction
I will work more closeley and seriously in a group. I will try and take part and share my ideas more.