This course, keeps constantly asking us to reflect and think about the learning.
At first I wasn't completely sure of the answer, and of course you cant find it in a book, as it lies within you. The less you are determined to delve deeper, the more shallow answer you will find and be able to divulge.As well as studying for my Masters I have been involved in a training course with a large group of teachers from different schools in my area in the last few months ( talk about too much work on my plate!)We are looking at best practices, improving the classroom environment and if our teaching methods will set up kids, to have the correct knowledge, skills to make their way in the world and follow their own path of continual learning.Are we in fact building success on the core values of ambition, respect, determination, creativity and enthusiasm, within a modern, high tech learning environment? Their way of learning, communicating and how they research and gain information, is miles apart from how we "learned "in the Education system growing up.So how do we ensure that what we are teaching and how they are learning is both motivating and challenging and promotes a love of life long learning that goes way beyond the school bell at the end of each day?
These questions were ones I asked myself, when I started teaching Full Time in Dance Education 5 years ago.As I knew I needed more information to teach beyond the choreography, I looked into what information was available to people in similar roles as myself. Like myself I felt most Dance Teachers were working alone in a department together with Drama, Music and / or Sports in our Schools and colleges and Universities. So being able to teach together, collaborate, learn from one another is not always an option for most.Whenever I get the chance I go to classes, co-teach with Dance Teachers and see how they approach Dance in Education. Learning from others is a huge part of my observational practice.
Since taking up my current position, I have both taken online courses with NDEO, - the National Dance Education Organisation in the USA, and for the last year an MA Professional in Dance Technique Pedagogy at Middlesex University.
It has allowed me to adapt my teaching style and methods into a flexible way of creating a suitable learning environment for all levels. It is since working online with courses, that enhance my teaching methods and give me great motivation, that I am determined to work for a school, who actively encourages Personal Development and constant learning.Although I love my work in the K12 Education system, I would love / my hope is to be able to work in a School, who positively supports Dance Education, and have the chance to take my Students to programmes at different institutions, workshops in the community as well as throughout the country and overseas.My aim is to continue to develop a system that would be taught in all Education, from Pre School to Higher Education, to support learning and overcome learning and behavioural difficulties.
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