So after a technological hiccup, I finally joined the group discussion at 5.30pm. The first topic up for discussion was course work related, and seemed to feature around AOLs-something I am still in the midst of. The difference between these and the final reflective essay was being discussed, and as a result I now think I get it. I did question as whether the reflective essay was about the learning content or the process of putting that learning into an essay. I now think its both .Personal reflection is now taking up my day, as I revisit my past teaching career in further education dance. and yes I didn't realise how much I know; the conversation from the October Skype now makes sense, what is instinctive and what is learnt ? Certainly until this process I was of the opinion that my instincts were on full alert, now I wonder as I examine how I learnt to teach.
We discussed Choreography verses technique, and how this is perceived by our students. Having recently spent the past half term preparing students for dance examinations, I certainly do put a lot of store by technique. But equally I enjoy choreography teaching as I always learn something new, students ways of moving and perceiving ideas into movement always amaze me. I realise I do foster creativity in my lessons, but feel duty bound to improve technique in codified genres such as ballet.
The discussion on learning skills resonated most with me this month. I spent most of the discussion listening very attentively, mainly because of poor sound quality, but also a little lack of confidence.
This made me consider something about listening skills-how much the person speaking determines your response as well as the manor of delivery? I have in dance class experimented with very quiet music, so students have to listen hard to the music. I saw a change in musicality and some classes in artistry as a result. I wonder if in the modern world, where we encourage everyone to participate and have their say , there isn't enough emphasis put on listen skills? I feel its one of the fundamentals of teaching and learning -what are you thoughts?
The learning environment was next considered, the physical environment, so important to dancers such as mirrors, flooring and light were briefly touched on by one speaker, saying how it had coloured her learning and she wondered about the contrast in learning for those without, for example mirrors. I learnt to dance without mirrors, and have taught in many places without mirrors. My opinion is that for certain students it makes a big difference, those with little or no proprioception, I find the use of mirrors essential. Here, this was a conversation I felt I could identify with, knew what I was hearing as it was within my experience and knowledge base. So this has helped me further in identifying my AOLs.
Language and communication as dance teachers and its affects was also briefly touched on. The mind shift between educational dance and vocational learning environments mention, but not explored. This did however lead onto technique verse style discussion. This has been an area which I have looked at with my students in a further education context, still an on going debate in my mind, and a possible research topic for me.
Lastly, thoughts around academia and alienation were aired by Adelosa as she summarised. Taking my reality and making it palatable to the MA is now the task I see I have to fulfil
