Review and Self-Assessment

 

 I

 Unit: Assessment

 Theme: Mid-Term Quiz

 

Introduction

Every semester I assess your understanding of the content covered so far. Just right before the progress report's dead line, you test your own abilities to retain some of the themes we have learned and experienced together.  Today's quiz evaluates how efficient I have been in communicating ideas about Methodology of Teaching Dance based on your responses to the questions below.

 

II

Objectives

• Understand the nature of self-assessment
• Make sense of the various concepts explored in class
• Gather an awareness of assessment that is conducive to further learning
• Experience what is like to put into practice the content learned in class
  

 

III

 

Main Lesson

 

VOCABULARY

1. Teaching Philosophy Statement:

Your teaching philosophy is a self-reflective statement of your beliefs about teaching and learning. ... It develops these ideas with specific, concrete examples of what the teacher and learners will do to achieve those goals. Importantly, your teaching philosophy statement also explains why you choose these options.

 

2. Mission Statement:

A mission statement is a short statement of why an organization exists, what its overall goal is, identifying the goal of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation.

 

3. Vision Statement:

A vision statement is an inspirational statement of an idealistic emotional future of a company or group. Vision describes the basic human emotion that a founder intends to be experienced by the people the organization interacts with, it grounds the group so it can actualize some existential impact on the world.

 

 4. Curriculum:

A curriculum is the totality of student experiences that occur in the educational process. More specifically, the curriculum is a planned sequence of instruction. It is a view of the student's experiences based on the instructional goals of the teachers and the school. 

 

5. Macro-Curriculum

In curriculum design, macro means understanding where you want to end up before you begin.

6. Micro-Curriculum

The micro-curriculum relates to the specific content within topics or sub-topics, set out as specific knowledge, skills and experiences.

7. Action Plan

The final core component of a classroom behavior management plan is an action plan—a well-thought-out timeline for teaching and sharing the rules, procedures, and consequences with students, families, and other relevant school personnel. The action plan includes: What needs to be done. How it will be done.

 The action plan allows the teacher to know exactly what to do every minute of instruction. It helps the teacher to control behaviors and and be able to teach without disruption. It is important to teach these behaviors, reason why the action plan is part of curriculum building.

 8. MindUp

 MindUP helps children form positive relationships, and act with kindness and compassion. MindUP teaches the skills and knowledge children need to regulate stress and emotions. 

9. Coaching, Mentoring, Teaching 

11. Movement Lab

12. Kinesthetic loop

13. Creative Method

 

 IV

 

A Note to Remember

 

Notice that this assessment is based on an honor system. My objective is that you explain these concepts in your own words.

 

 

V

 

 Case Study 

 

The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies derives from  Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy founded in 1983. Hancock Center is expanding its focus to provide more creative arts psychotherapy services to people of all ages and abilities, on-site in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.  

 

Rena Kornblum, featured in this video, is a board-certified dance/movement therapist with over 40 years of professional experience as a dance/movement therapist. She is also a professor in the University of Wisconsin and the Dance Movement Therapy Certificate Director. Deborah Thomas was the Clinical Supervisor, Consultant and Founder (in memoriam) of The Hancock Center.

 

In this video, they explain how children face all kinds of challenges from personal mental health issues to bullying in schools to issues in the home. For these reasons, The Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy in Madison, Wis., created a program that uses movement and dance in schools to teach kids about healthy boundaries, expressing their feelings, and how to stay safe. 

 

 

 

 

 VI

 

Discussion Questions

 

1. What is questionable about the Roman method of memorizing and speaking publicly as a form of learning?

 

2.  How can Dance be an important learning experience for all kids (speakers of other languages, children with special needs, etc)?

 

 3. Why are empathy maps important when developing the curriculum?  

 

4. What is the importance of the Action Plan when managing behaviors in the classroom/studio ?

5. Based on Kenneth Robinson's speech, how can we create a safe and creative learning space for dance?

6. Why should teachers, parents and students be familiar with the vision and mission statements of educational institutions? 

 

7. Read the quotes below and briefly explain the teaching philosophy behind the statements.

a)

 b)

 c)

 

 8. When designing your ideal studio, which are some of the practical considerations you must understand to make it a successful business?

9. What would be an example of a macro-curriculum in dance and what would be its equivalent as a micro-curriculum in dance?

 10. After watching the video posted in your Case Study, in terms of education, what is the purpose of The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies?

 

9. What is the meaning of the acronym BEST-R?

10. What is the main difference between coaching, mentoring and teaching? What would be a good balance for an educator?

11. When we explored the idea of the Movement Lab in class, what did you conclude as a result of the experience?

12. The kinesthetic loop allows teachers to understand the importance of experiential learning in dance. Explain.

13. Most dance schools teach a codified set of moves as the content of dance styles such as ballet, modern dance, tap and jazz. In which way is the Creative Method a different alternative for all students?

 

14. So far, how do you feel this class has prepared you to teach?

 VII

Activity

 

 PRAXIS

 Indigenous Peoples' Day

  It serves as an alternative to Columbus Day, which also falls on October 9. Many argue that Christopher Columbus should not be credited with "discovering" the Americas, and thus, Indigenous Peoples' Day has gained favor as a more appropriate commemoration.

Columbus Day

Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries of the Americas and elsewhere, and a federal holiday in the United States, which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Columbus went ashore at Guanahaní, an island in the Bahamas, on October 12, 1492

 

 Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

 

 Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day, annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.

 

 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (as of 2009, officially changed from Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month)is observed in the U.S. during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Question 

 Gather with your group and device a mini-lesson designed to teach a dance activity referencing one of the above celebrations.

VIII

Journaling

IX

Glossary

X

Sources

XI

Students' Work 

Quiz

Samantha Weissman

Review and Self Assessment

1. What is questionable about the Roman method of memorizing and speaking publicly as a form of learning? 

The emphasis on memorization is questionable in the Roman method of teaching. Memorizing can prevent students from fully understanding the concept or meaning of what they are learning.  Students aren't able to engage in what they are learning just by memorizing the material. 

2.  How can Dance be an important learning experience for all kids (speakers of other languages, children with special needs, etc)?

 Dance is an important learning experience for all kids because it allows kids to express themselves through movement, allows kids to communicate their ideas and stories, allows kids to engage in body awareness and be able to enjoy themselves through movement, improves kids' ability to respond to their environment and the people around them, allows kids to connect physical movement to cognitive processes, ans collaborate with other students through teamwork.

 3. Why are empathy maps important when developing the curriculum?  

 Empathy maps are important when developing a curriculum because it allows the educators to put themselves in the learner's shoes by understanding what specific needs their students have, what experiences they have had in the past, and understand what their goals are. Empathy maps allow for educators to create an inclusive environment anf safe space for students to grow and learn. The empahty map allows for the educator to learn more about the emotional aspects, identify any issues such as stress, and be able to personalize the students' learning experience.

4. What is the importance of the Action Plan when managing behaviors in the classroom/studio?

When managing behaviors in the classroom and the studio, the action plan helps educators and teachers create a set of expectations and rules, implement exercises and activities that prevent any bad behaviors, and provide support if any student is feeling uncomfortable or bullied by another student. It is important to set an expectation of having a positive and inclusive environment. By having rules and expectations, it is important to let the students know about these rules so that they understand what the consequences could be for their actions. 

5. Based on Kenneth Robinson's speech, how can we create a safe and creative learning space for dance?

We can create a safe and creative learning space for dance by encouraging freedom of expression, having exercises with no right or wrong answers, emphasizing the need for students to feel safe in the classroom environment, knowing that it is normal and okay to make mistakes and learn from them, paying close to attention to those around us and having spatial awareness, learning diverse styles of dance, recognize that students are all at different levels in the classroom and celebrate that, encourage collaborative creativity, and allow sutdents to be creative and curious. 

6. Why should teachers, parents and students be familiar with the vision and mission statements of educational institutions? 

Teachers, parents, and students should be familiar with the vision and mission statements of educational institutions because it allows them to understand the framework and purpose of the education that their student is receiving, teachers need to adjust their lesson plans to align with the institutions values and mission, and the alignment of values and expectations allows the institution to make informed decisions and create a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, accountability is important because teachers, parents, and students can get in trouble for acting against the institutions values, rules, and expectations.

7. Read the quotes below and briefly explain the teaching philosophy behind the statements.

a) The quote talks about how developing personal and emotional growth is crucial for learning. This philsophy is the student centered approach.

b) The quote talks about how you learn through experiences and mistakes. This philosophy is the teaching philosophy.

c) This philosophy is the hollistic approach because it allows students to acheive their goals, continue learning, going through the processes step by step, and making sure that the students are using their creative skills to go through the motions and processes.

8. When designing your ideal studio, which are some of the practical considerations you must understand to make it a successful business?

You would need to understand the leasing options, utilities, insurance coverage, license certification process, employees (managing finances), how many classes are we teaching, who are we going to hire, dress code, website set up, and cost. These factors are crucial when designing your ideal dance studio.

9. What would be an example of a macro-curriculum in dance and what would be its equivalent as a micro-curriculum in dance?

A macro-curriculum in dance would consist of teaching basic techqniues in ballet and the micro-curriculum equivalent would be focusing on barre exercises, jumps and leaps, and then applying the techniques by choregraphing dances. 

 10. After watching the video posted in your Case Study, in terms of education, what is the purpose of The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies?

 The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies' purpose is to promote health and well being through art. The purpose is to integrate different forms of art such as dance, music, and arts and crafts to support individuals mental health and allow them to express themselves and communicate with others around them. 

9. What is the meaning of the acronym BEST-R?

Body, Energy, Space, Time, and Relationships. This acronym is important to understanding dance education and therapy. 

10. What is the main difference between coaching, mentoring and teaching? What would be a good balance for an educator?

Teaching consists of knowledge and skills. Coaching involves enhancing performance, improving specific skills or goals. Mentoring involves personal growth. It is important to know the difference between the three types because it is important to know when and how to act as a mentor and teacher. Additionally, it is important to understand how to teach students in a way that is effective and will allow students to grow. A good balance would be the educator to teach the student specific movements and teach them the foundation of the technques, mentoring consists of answering any questions they have and guiding them through the movement by giving them constructive criticism and motivating them so they can grow, and coaching consists of providing the student feedback and critiques on the movement so that they can improve.

11. When we explored the idea of the Movement Lab in class, what did you conclude as a result of the experience?

As a result of the movement lab experience, I can conclude that there is a connection between movement and education specifically how movement helps out with one's mental and physical health and allows them to develop creative expression and that there are integrated teaching strategies.

12. The kinesthetic loop allows teachers to understand the importance of experiential learning in dance. Explain.

When we perform movement, our brain sends us signals and senses. It allows us to feel something and dance allows us to connect our mind and our body. When we move, our brain interprets the movement and then we have a sensation which allows us to form emotions and feelings. Self identification is a big part of this beause it allows us to be aware of our emotions and the information going into our brain. 

13. Most dance schools teach a codified set of moves as the content of dance styles such as ballet, modern dance, tap and jazz. In which way is the Creative Method a different alternative for all students?

The creative method emphasizes creativity and exploration rather than focusing mainly on perfecting the steps and techniques. This allows for students to develop their creativity skills, use their imagination to come up with their own movement, and develop improvisation skills. Creative method also talks about how there is no right or wrong answers which can make students feel more comfortable to take risks and express themselves. 

14. So far, how do you feel this class has prepared you to teach?

This class has prepared me to teach a dance class by learning about the seven different types of curriculum and the key differences, learning about the differences between mentoring, teaching, and coaching, and learning about the kinesthetic loop and how it impacts the mind and body connection, as allowed me to understand the fundamental aspects of teaching dance. 

Activity: 

Our group choice to focus on Black History month. We plan on doing this by showing videos to students of the different styles of dance such as African dance, hip hop, afrofusion, and the conga. We will explain the history of each dance and show the students these videos so they can get a better understanding of the culture. 

Quiz-Jenny Rivas

What is questionable about the Roman method of memorizing and speaking publicly as a form of learning?

Memorization does not guarantee that a student has learned a concept. They must be able to apply the concept, so just memorizing and speaking publicly would not actually show that the student has learned anything. 

How can Dance be an important learning experience for all kids (speakers of other languages, children with special needs, etc)?

Dance brings different learning experiences for all kinds of students! Dance also uses different aspects of oneself, such as your cognitive and physical awareness, your social/emotional development, and your development of different motor skills. These skills can be acquired by any kid that takes just one dance class.  

Why are empathy maps important when developing the curriculum?  

Empathy maps are a way to allow the teacher to put themselves in the shoes of their students and observe things based on how a student may feel, see, hear, etc. certain things in class. This is important because as a teacher, you want to be able to better understand how your students may feel, in order to create a better curriculum & better overall classroom environment.

What is the importance of the Action Plan when managing behaviors in the classroom/studio ?

The action plan allows the teacher to have a point of reference, for any time there are any conflicts with behaviors and students in the class. This will also be important to keep, as proof, that you have an action plan in case proof is needed for the principal or any other administrators. 

Based on Kenneth Robinson's speech, how can we create a safe and creative learning space for dance?

By accommodating to all of our students' skill sets and limits. Allowing students to be comfortable, even when they do not have any experience, is important because it will allow them to open up and be creative. 

Why should teachers, parents and students be familiar with the vision and mission statements of educational institutions? 

The vision and mission statements can give parents and students a good look into what will be learned in the class. This can also help students create goals for themselves and ensure that they are open to learning new things. 

Read the quotes below and briefly explain the teaching philosophy behind the statements.

These quotes essentially talk about how learning is so much more than just its external benefits. Learning a new concept means that, that concept becomes a part of your life and a part of you. That is the affect learning should have on students. 

When designing your ideal studio, which are some of the practical considerations you must understand to make it a successful business?

When designing an ideal studio, it is important to keep in mind where the studio will be, how it will differ from other studios in the area, and what the actual studio itself will be. 

What would be an example of a macro-curriculum in dance and what would be its equivalent as a micro-curriculum in dance?

The macro-curriculum would provide a more broader outlook of dance as a whole. This type of curriculum would also take more time. An example of a macro-curriculum would be that of a class in a conservatory or a performing arts school, where the curriculum could take all 4 years of their high school experience to complete. The curriculum would cover different aspects of dance, such as performance, technique, choreo, etc. The micro-curriculum would provide an in-depth lesson on a more specific genre or style of dance. For example, this can be like the Modern classes here at UM! This class focuses specifically on one style of dance, going into the choreography of it, the technique, and even aspects of performance in this genre.

After watching the video posted in your Case Study, in terms of education, what is the purpose of The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies?

In terms of education, the purpose of The Hancock Center is to teach students how to channel how they may feel about a certain conflict emotionally, into their physicality. In other words, expressing your emotions using your body and acknowledging how your body may feel about something that effects you emotionally.

What is the meaning of the acronym BEST-R?

Best-R is an acronym used to remember the elements of dance: Body, Energy, Space, Time, and Relationships

What is the main difference between coaching, mentoring and teaching? What would be a good balance for an educator?

Teaching is more focused on helping an individual learn a concept, coaching is helping an individual learn a basic action or how to improve that action, and mentoring is more personal; helping someone attain a personal goal or helping someone keep track of their progress towards a certain goal. An educator should have a balance of all three of these, keeping the learning environment motivational and personal.

When we explored the idea of the Movement Lab in class, what did you conclude as a result of the experience?

Allowing students to get used to moving the way their bodies want them to move, is a key part of teaching dance. Exploring movement is important in order to teach all other aspects of dance.

The kinesthetic loop allows teachers to understand the importance of experiential learning in dance. Explain.

The Kinesthetic loop is a loop of communication between moving parts of the body to the brain. It helps students become aware of the communication and actually express it through body movements. 

Most dance schools teach a codified set of moves as the content of dance styles such as ballet, modern dance, tap and jazz. In which way is the Creative Method a different alternative for all students?

The creative method allows for students of all skill sets to learn dance! Codifed classes such as ballet or jazz can be quite intimidating to people who have never danced before. The creative method allows for all skill sets to explore dance in ways that are accommodating to ones own comfort. The creative method may also be easier to remember for those that do not have experience because it is a lot more fun and memorable.

So far, how do you feel this class has prepared you to teach?

This class has given me a new perspective on dance and how it can be taught/learned with different populations. I feel like I can teach a little more comfortably now because of the different concepts I have learned in this class.

 

 

Sofia Cancio - QUIZ

1. What is questionable about the Roman method of memorizing and speaking publicly as a form of learning?

The Roman method relies heavily on memorization, which can be a problem because it doesn’t encourage real understanding. When students just memorize facts, they often miss out on deeper insights and critical thinking. This way of learning can limit their ability to engage with the material meaningfully.

2.  How can Dance be an important learning experience for all kids (speakers of other languages, children with special needs, etc)?

Dance is a great learning experience for all kids because it allows them to express themselves in a fun way. It’s not just about movement; it helps children communicate their feelings and connect with others, no matter their background. Plus, it promotes body awareness and can boost their confidence in social situations.

 3. Why are empathy maps important when developing the curriculum?  

Empathy maps are important because they help teachers understand what their students are going through. By getting to know their students’ feelings, needs, and experiences, teachers can create a more supportive classroom environment. This understanding allows for a more tailored approach to teaching that can really help students thrive.

4. What is the importance of the Action Plan when managing behaviors in the classroom/studio ?

An Action Plan is important because it sets clear expectations for behavior in the classroom. It helps teachers outline what good behavior looks like and what the consequences are for negative actions. This way, students know what is expected of them, creating a more positive and focused learning environment.

5. Based on Kenneth Robinson's speech, how can we create a safe and creative learning space for dance?

To create a safe and creative space for dance, we should encourage students to express themselves freely. This means allowing for mistakes and celebrating creativity without judgment. By focusing on collaboration and recognizing each student’s unique talents, we can make everyone feel welcome and confident in their dancing.

6. Why should teachers, parents and students be familiar with the vision and mission statements of educational institutions? 

Understanding the vision and mission statements of a school helps teachers, parents, and students know what the school values and aims to achieve. This shared understanding creates a sense of community and helps everyone work towards the same goals. It also allows parents to support their children’s education at home in a way that aligns with the school's objectives.

7. Read the quotes below and briefly explain the teaching philosophy behind the statements.

a. This quote shows that education should focus on both emotional and intellectual growth, meaning students need to develop as people, not just learners.
b. This quote highlights that learning is a lifelong process, suggesting that education prepares students for experiences outside the classroom.
c. This quote emphasizes that real understanding comes from direct experiences, which means learning by doing is crucial for grasping new ideas.

 8. When designing your ideal studio, which are some of the practical considerations you must understand to make it a successful business?

When creating an ideal dance studio, you need to think about things like location, how much rent will cost, and insurance requirements. It’s also important to plan your class schedule and hire qualified staff who can create a positive learning environment. These practical aspects are key to running a successful dance studio.

9. What would be an example of a macro-curriculum in dance and what would be its equivalent as a micro-curriculum in dance?

A macro-curriculum in dance could involve a long-term program where students progress from beginner to advanced ballet over several years. On the other hand, a micro-curriculum might focus on a single dance season where students learn a specific routine for an end-of-year performance. Both types of curricula help students grow but on different scales.

 10. After watching the video posted in your Case Study, in terms of education, what is the purpose of The Hancock Center for Creative Arts Therapies?

The Hancock Center aims to improve people’s well-being through various art forms, like dance and music. Its focus is on helping individuals express themselves creatively, which can support their mental health. This approach shows how art can play a vital role in personal development and emotional healing.

 

11. What is the meaning of the acronym BEST-R?

BEST-R stands for Body, Energy, Space, Time, and Relationships, which are key concepts in dance education. Understanding these elements helps both students and teachers grasp how movement works and how to express ideas through dance. This framework is important for creating effective dance lessons and therapy.

12. What is the main difference between coaching, mentoring and teaching? What would be a good balance for an educator?

Teaching focuses on sharing knowledge and skills, while coaching is more about helping someone improve specific abilities. Mentoring involves providing guidance and support over a longer period. A good educator should blend these roles by teaching foundational skills, coaching for improvement, and mentoring students to help them grow personally.

13. When we explored the idea of the Movement Lab in class, what did you conclude as a result of the experience?

The Movement Lab showed me how movement is connected to learning in many ways. I realized that physical activity can enhance mental focus and creativity, making it a valuable part of education. This experience highlighted the importance of including movement in teaching to support overall development.

14. The kinesthetic loop allows teachers to understand the importance of experiential learning in dance. Explain.

The kinesthetic loop is about how our movements connect to our thoughts and feelings. When we dance, our brains process what we’re doing, helping us feel and understand our actions better. This connection is crucial because it promotes learning through experience, making dance a powerful tool for self-discovery and expression.

15. Most dance schools teach a codified set of moves as the content of dance styles such as ballet, modern dance, tap and jazz. In which way is the Creative Method a different alternative for all students?

The Creative Method emphasizes personal expression and exploration rather than just following strict steps. This approach encourages students to use their imaginations and create their own movements, which can be more inclusive. It allows everyone to feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves, making dance more accessible and enjoyable.

16. So far, how do you feel this class has prepared you to teach?

This class has given me valuable insights into different teaching methods and how to manage a classroom. I’ve learned about the importance of connecting with students and creating a supportive environment. Overall, I feel more equipped to teach dance and help students grow both technically and personally.

Question 

 Gather with your group and device a mini-lesson designed to teach a dance activity referencing one of the above celebrations.

I choose thanksgiving so that our students can learn how to connect with those aorund them more and give thanks. Its important to feel greatful and to connect with your body and of those around you.