Assignment 2... Never trust a computer

This second assignment has been really interesting for me it has enabled me to begin to look at something I am particularly interested in and battle with a lot of self doubt. A lot of times during my time on the course I have felt like I don't belong but within this essay I found an interest and yes there was still doubts and worries but it has allowed me to grow and discover answers for myself.

I have spent time reading and allowing myself to learn and grow with my readings finding interests in books which were not necessarily linked directly with dance but with the path I am about to adventure down. Now although this sounds very positive there has been days where I have believed that this was no longer possible but I have succeeded and early this afternoon I finished my second assessment. Now when I finish an assessment I always like to let the excitement settle by walking away and coming back to it an hour later with fresh eyes to check over my work.
This evening this is what I have done after an evening of work and teaching to then struggle with the upload to turn it in. For once I have not spent the day worrying about the finish line and self annoyance that I had left the assignment too late and this is the time that the computer system fails and does not allow me to upload my work to feel the satisfaction of the completion instead now I am having to wait in limbo as I wait to see if my work will or will not be accepted. I really hope it does as I would love to feel that accomplishment that comes when a piece of work is finished but the unknowing of what may happen next just worries me deeply.

And do you know what the worst realisation is.... its the weekend tomorrow so finding out could have to wait several days.

:( Keep your fingers crosse and learn from my mistake never trust a computer

A change in thoughts

So over the past few weeks I have been busy trying to discover a topic I would like to further explore for my module two MAPP Programme. I began by re-reading my module one reflective essay looking at what I had learnt previously and where I would like to go that would benefit and progress my professional development.

One of the reasons why I took on this course was to gain a greater understanding of dance technique and its importance, so thats how I started. I began researching into what 'inspired' meant, how we inspire students, what technique was, and its benefits. Then I began to device a working title for what is was I was looking to enquire about. The following was what I arrived at:

'An enquiry into how teachers inspire the importance of technique to their students'

I understood that through this project I was not necessarily looking for an answer but a better understanding. But through my research I found a quote which began to get my mind thinking about some recent experiences i had participated in.

‘The distinctions between ballet, modern dance and jazz are becoming increasingly blurred as choreographer of one discipline create works for companies associated with another discipline.’ (Franklin 2014:109)

 Recently I have been taking students from my private dance school, KS Dance to festivals to compete with dance works for the past few months. As a teacher and a audience member watching students compete within dance stylised sections I began to notice that although there were different sections for different styles I noticed that some of these began to merge. This merging of styles I found difficult to differentiate between for example a large amount of dances involved a lot of acrobatics in lyrical and jazz sections. But the biggest idea I began to question was when we began to watch the contemporary sections. There did not seem to be many distinguishing features between the two. Hence causing me to ask what is the difference between the styles and how do teachers view the styles differently. Hence me turning to the question:

'How do teachers distinguish between dance styles when choreographing work when lines between the disciplines are becoming blurred'

 I am hoping that this enquiry will help for me to further my knowledge on dance styles and what people expect to see when seeing students perform these styles. Dance styles such as ballet and tap have such a specific dance vocabulary that it is easy to see the stylistic features of the dance style but as you step away from the classical styles lines become blurred and distinguishing features seem to become lost. This is something I am hoping to find out.

I would love to hear what your view is on this subject so please let me know with your view

Inspiring our students

Inspiration according to the oxford dictionary is 'the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.'

As a dance teacher not only is our job to teach our students the art of dance but it is also to inspire those we teach to find their own love of dance.

To me having the ability to inspire students is a gift that is regularly given back. The simple experience of having a child skip or run into class because due to my ability to inspire these students to become excited about classes. 

So as a group of individual teachers how do you inspire your students? 

In the past I have tried to inspire my students by giving them opportunity to participate in different opportunities with industry professionals. So they can meet and be taught by those who have succeeded in the field. I have also taken students to view professional performances so they can see what the future opportunities could include. 

But if there is anyone out there reading this, I would love to hear your opinion...
Is inspiring students important to you as a teacher? What is inspiration to you? and how do you go about inspiring your students of so many ages?

Looking back on module one

Module One feedback

A problem I have always found is that I always under-estimate myself and the achievements I can accomplish. Module one was a great way to look back at what I have accomplished since I was last in education. Recognising my achievements in creating my own business, completing and passing my PGCE in Post Compulsory and developing my experience teaching a range of different ages. 

Having this chance to look back and reflect on my experiences has enabled me to look at what I've learnt from both good and bad experiences. Moving forwards I want to develop the use of my blog further to ensure a more productive method to its uses in reflecting on my process through this programme. 

First Assignment

So over the past couple of weeks I have been trying to find literature to help support my first assignment on the MAPP. I have two AOL's I am looking at the first looking at business and the set up of my dance school and the second looking at the art of teaching young students.

I just feel very lost currently hopefully I will find my way.

Struggling and initial thoughts to Skype

The course has now officially started and I find myself really struggling to write blogs and in particular what to write on. I think this is just a beginners struggle and once I have found my footing with blogging I believe I will be okay, but until that occurs I feel that my blogs will feel very forced and not particularly the most beneficial in terms of reflective practice. 

[BREAK] 

I left the above paragraph on hold whilst I tried to see if I could resolve the issue I was having. Time soon ran away and I found myself participating on my first Skype discussion. The Skype call was a very new and interesting experience. Many topics were spoken about during the Skype call such as; the expectations of the dancer, organisation and time management, how different cultures require different approaches to teaching, and the parents expectations of a dance class. 

Although nerving at first due to the unsure knowing of what to expect the whole experience was extremely positive. The entire group was extremely supportive and highlighted some interesting topics to look at for future blogs. Hopefully this will help to enable myself to begin to find ease in my blog topics and enable me to use the experience of a blog with more effectiveness. 

After the Skype call I have finally found myself exciting to get stuck into the course. 

Every Journey Begins with a single step

I have been reading through the module handbooks and course handbooks and although I feel slightly overwhelmed I am also rather excited about the prospects this adventure will bring.

From previous educational experiences I am aware that as a learner I like to have a knowledge of what to expect from a course. Knowing submission dates and tasks involved within the MAPP course enables me to plan for the future and the timescales I need. This I found very difficult to find within the module handbooks and course guide. I am finding myself still questioning what the course actually contains and the core assessment details which I need to complete.

Whilst completing my PGCE I completed a lot of reflection blogs and worked a lot on the idea of reflection and what it entails. I am very much looking forward to getting back into this particular aspect especially with it focusing on my personal career experiences.

I look forward to reflecting on the joy of teaching.