done

the journey continues

the journey continues


Yes, the MoRe pilot has come to an end. This pilot was conducted to establish if mobile and web-based technology could be used to introduce a more inclusive approach for developing reflection during Year 1 Initial Teacher Training for dyslexic students and attempt to match their needs and the way they feel comfortable and confident during the learning process to achieve their learning goals.

During this pilot, I had the opportunity to reflect on the current model used to record and develop reflection within ITT and experiment with technology to improve it. After initial data analysis and evaluation of data collected throughout the pilot, it became clear that audio reflections seem to be beneficial for participating students and their progress confirms that. Both participating students enjoyed taking part in the MoRe pilot and felt that they were learning. Audio reflection captured their attention, made reflection more accessible, natural and engaging.

The MoRe journey and encouraging results are evidence that natural ways of reflecting, such as audio and sharing reflections within a community can make a difference to the practice of dyslexic student teachers and enable them to develop and grow as practitioners.

There were some drawbacks, mainly linked to technology, which could be addressed in future applications through additional initial training, guidance and ongoing support.

Overall, the MoRe pilot provided food for thought and opened new paths for further exploration for using mobile and web-based shared audio reflective journals in mainstream ITT, with a focus to enhance the reflective process and the development of reflective skills for dyslexic students and others who face a variety of other challenges.

searching

a farmhouse would also be nice, really nice

a farmhouse would also be nice, really nice

We are moving to the Manchester area and are looking for a new family home there. I just hope that we will be able to find what we are looking for.

What we are looking for? Ideally, a period property (Victorian) in a quiet (not on a main street!), residential area with good schools. The property should be spacious with 3 or more good-sized bedrooms (over 3m) and a spacious (and flat garden) for the boys to play. Not too close to water and no pets due to allergies we have. Access to the local train/tram network is also essential.

What we like? Probably old properties, with proper fireplaces. We are not necessarily looking for the finished product and are prepared to put some work in for the right house to turn it into our new home.

So far, we spent a few days in the Manchester area. Viewed a number of properties but none of them really smiled to us… except one and this one, was not even build yet. However, after arriving home, I thought to do some searching on the web and discovered just too many things that could be potentially very problematic with the area, the soil and the construction company. So, we decided not to go ahead and have started again searching for the right home.

We are new to the area and would welcome any suggestions of family-friendly areas around Manchester.

red Easter eggs



red Easter eggs, originally uploaded by chrissinerantzi.

Big Thursday today and I am getting ready for Easter. Coloured the eggs this morning and also made tasty tsourekakia in the breadmaker. Works really well and all the time. Also, remembered to add the magical ingredient so that they taste as they should.

For anybody who would like to try (really easy!!! if I can do it, you can do it too!)
add ingredients in the order shown below, no mixing!

  • 2 eggs
    1.5 cups of warm milk
    1 tablespoon of olive oil
    0.5 teaspoon salt
    100gr melted butter
    5 cups of bread flour
    1 teaspoon dry yeast
    plus the magical ingredient (if you can find it: μαχλέπι)
  • Use the dough setting on your breadmaker. When the dough is ready, remove from pan. Make them in any shapes you like, as small or as big as you like.
    .
    Brush the top with egg and milk mixture (if you have flaky almonds put some on the egg-and-milk mixture) and put on a baking tray into the hot oven (180 degrees) until golden brown.

    Yummy when warm, yummy when cold!

    … ours might be eaten before Easter ;o)

    We are in moving mode. I just wish we could find our next family home now…