Final Reflections on Methods

 

 

1

Fully Engaged

Samantha Weissman

This class has allowed me to learn more about the different elements of dance education and learn about the different types of learning approaches and curricula. I was able to learn about the importance of the holistic curriculum and how it comprises behaviorism, cognitive learning, constructivism, humanism, and the utilization of brain breaks. Through the behavior-modification curriculum, I was able to learn about how to handle behavior issues and understand how to correct specific behaviors in the classroom by developing a crisis plan. I was also able to learn about the teaching philosophy statement and how it helps find a balance between task and relationship-oriented approaches as well as develop relationships with others while ensuring they are on task and fulfilling their responsibilities. Additionally, I was able to learn about the importance of social-emotional learning, specifically how it helps students manage their own emotions, have empathy, solve problems, and maintain healthy relationships in the classroom. 

Learning about the kinesthetic loop has taught me the importance of understanding movement awareness and decision-making and how our mind connects to our body and movement. There are two phases of the kinesthetic experience: awareness of subjective and objective experience of moving and expressing through your body. The kinesthetic loop demands the use of senses in different art forms and is made up of three forms: unison, compliment, and contrast. Another takeaway is that I was able to learn about formulating and creating unit plans as well as learn about the different types of assessment such as informal and formal, summative and formative. Furthermore, I learned about the somatic movement approach which consists of supporting individuals in learning and developing by using a movement-based education such as dance. This approach can help those especially with disabilities learn and move. Lastly, my main takeaway from this class was being able to design my own lesson plan and teach a dance class. This was a very fulfilling experience as I was able to take all the lessons I learned in the class and put it together into an engaging and fun dance class.

In this class, I felt very engaged with the material and felt that the nature of the class was very energizing. The class was also very interactive which allowed me to have a hands-on style experience by diving deep into the practice of teaching and learning the different teaching methods and curricula. This class allowed me to be fully engaged by examining different case studies and watching many videos in class. It was also interesting to look at the Miami Dade curriculum when it comes to arts education and teaching. There were times where it was challenging to develop different lesson plans and units but this allowed me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and find new ways of thinking about movement and teaching. This class allowed me to develop different types of teaching and learning skills and how I can apply it to my future and daily life. This class allowed me to develop more confidence in myself knowing that I am an enjoyable and effective teacher and that I am capable and ready to take on similar challenges and experiences in the future.

It is important to understand that learning is a continuous process and that throughout the process we run into different obstacles and challenges as well as learn new skills and knowledge. In teaching dance, I learned about the importance of adaptability and effective communication. Teaching dance consists of responding to and adapting to students' learning needs which translates into navigating conflicts and explaining complex ideas in my future career which is in the legal field. In the legal field, I am able to apply the skills I learned in the class to my career when it comes to problem solving, working with a team to accomplish goals and tasks, and being able to approach problems effectively and adapt to any obstacles I face in my career. This class has also taught me how to be confident in my leadership skills and positions on campus as well as stepping into a role where others can rely on my guidance, advice, and support. Additionally,  I can apply the things I learned in this class when it comes to patience and empathy as well as fostering a supportive environment in my personal relationships and when it comes to working in a team-like setting. The confidence I have gained from this class has prepared me for my future teaching opportunities and pursuing future leadership roles.  Overall, this class has allowed me to gather the necessary tools that will help me support others in my personal life and career. 

 

 

 2

The Formative Approach

Deeya Roundtree

The biggest takeaway I got from this class is that the way most schools teach isn’t beneficial to all students. I already had an inkling of this considering I worked with my high school’s special education class once a month by helping them learn short simple dances. I didn’t realize most of what schools teach is summative instead of formative, and I believe many people learn better using the formative approach—this includes me. I’m glad that there is more emphasis on creative learning and allowing students to explore their own movement and express themselves. My studio was very big on this and even had us take an entire improvisation class, but I feel like many conservatory-style studios lacked this and it led to burnout and a lot of students leaving in high school.

Overall I did feel like the way this class was structured was unique compared to what most of us are used to on a college campus. It was more interactive than most classes, as it required some questions and answers and prompted us to think a little deeper into why things are the way they are. In my normal classes, we typically go through 60-80 slides of content in an hour and 15 minutes, and if you have any questions you leave them to the end. To me, this is detrimental because most of the class is based on processes and concepts. The use of discussion board allowed us to recall what we had talked about in prior classes, and even see others’ trains of thought to compare them to ours.

I could apply these techniques both when teaching dance to younger kids, and also when I am a physical therapist to teach exercises to kids in a way that excites them. If I teach them the exercises as if they're a game or they’re fun to do, patients will be more likely to perform the assigned exercises at home—enabling them to improve function faster. When It comes to teaching dance I will utilize the formative approach to teach choreography, and if we come back the next week and they don't know a specific part I know to focus on that part of the dance when cleaning and reviewing. When it comes to assessing a patient’s improvement in physical therapy I’d utilize summative assessment. I am assessing their overall improvement in function and challenging them to push limits just enough to continue improving until they are fully functional.

 

3

I Appreciate the Art Even More

Jenny Rivas

I have multiple takeaways from this class, which is crazy because I did not think I would say that about an education-focused course; however this class had a noticeable impact on me. Being a competitive dancer my whole life, I never knew just how much went into teaching dance courses. I always just observed and did what I was told and I never stopped to think about just how much work goes into creating a curriculum for a dance course. My main takeaway from this class is that I appreciate the art even more. Moreover, I appreciate the instructors for this art because I now see just how much effort it takes to plan out a course like this.

Out of all the dance courses I’ve taken at this university, I will say this course was probably the most experiential, simply because of the fact that at the end of the year we got to apply our knowledge gained in this course and essentially teach our own class, using the building blocks that we’ve learned. I personally found this class to be very enlightening, as well as very interactive and I appreciate that because it made the class livelier and more interesting to me. At first, the content in this course scared me because I’ve never taken a class like this nor have I ever felt the interest in this topic of education. However, going through the course and having done the final assessment, I learned a lot from this class, and overall my learning experience was very enjoyable. The experiential nature of this class is the reason why I ended up enjoying it so much!

Being a psychology major, I do hope to one day provide therapy to children. To reach this goal, I do need to complete an internship and more specifically this summer, I am looking to do an internship that involves some sort of work with children in a controlled setting. What I learned from this class will allow me to potentially apply this to an internship that I will have quite literally this coming summer; this is amazing! Now I have the experience that will allow me to teach people that have no experience or have a lot of experience in dance. This class was very fun, and I learned a lot from it. It was a pleasure being in this course!

 

 

4

  An Optimistic Classroom

 

Becca Ross

Throughout this course I have learned how to be a well prepared teacher who approaches her class holistically. To be able to teach my class effectively I learned how to create an action plan which is a document of past behaviors, how to deal with them, a structured plan to refer back to, and it helps establish clear expectations as well as a routine for your students. It is important to truly believe students come into the classroom wanting to learn and connect with the teacher. An action plan changes their perspective on teachers because the classroom dynamic changes when the foundation is there. Also, as a teacher holding students to high behavior expectations is important but allowing grace with these expectations. A teacher who focuses on the holistic approach would check in with the students on how they are doing and go step by step slowly to make sure they are understanding. The teacher would observe the students' faces and emotions while learning so that if they are struggling then the teacher can give them the help they need

When I first entered the classroom I felt excited and eager to learn because I had never taken a class this style before. Having two of my closest friends in the class with me made me be able to be confident in my answers to questions and have the courage to speak up in front of others. I did not think that my perspective on dance would change as much as it did but Jorge was an amazing teacher who showed me how to look at dance from a completely new point of view. From learning the way a class is run I now feel prepared enough to teach my own classes and have already for our class. I will now enter the work world as a leader who understands how to understand others feelings and unique skill sets.

 In this class, I learned how to create an optimistic classroom. An optimistic classroom is one where students are encouraged to try their hardest and encouraged even if they do not do something perfectly. The teacher is always focusing on the positive by telling students words of hope like “You can do it, you are so smart, and can rise to the challenge.” The teacher offers brain breaks and gratitude-journaling to give students mental health breaks and to help students focus on what they are grateful for. By doing these practices it will make the entire class feel accepted and make it easier for the teacher to teach and for the students to learn. In my career I plan to be a leader and would like the people who are working for me to not feel overwhelmed, appreciated, and encouraged. I also as a worker would like to feel this way as well from my employers and would look for a workplace that offers these qualities.

 

 

5

 Enjoying the Process

Gianna Medici 

One of the biggest takeaways from this class was realizing how important dance is for kids. I never knew how much it could help with their confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Before this, I saw dance as just a fun activity, but now I understand it’s much more than that, it’s vital for growth and self-expression. Learning how to break movements down, create engaging lesson plans, and incorporate different styles of dance really changed my perspective. I’m grateful for the chance to explore dance from this new angle, especially as someone who didn’t come from a dance background. It’s made me appreciate both the art form and the work that goes into teaching it. 

 
At first, I was nervous about this class because I’ve never considered myself a dancer. I found myself actually enjoying the process of learning through movement, even when it felt a little awkward. I never felt judged, only encouraged to try and grow. By the end, I felt much more confident, not just in dancing myself but in understanding how to teach others through dance. It was a humbling yet empowering experience that reminded me how rewarding it can be to step into something new. 

What I’ve learned in this class goes beyond dance. I can see it being useful in so many areas of my life. The ability to create thoughtful lesson plans and adapt to different needs is something I can use in teaching and mentoring in any subject. The focus on creativity and collaboration has also inspired me to look for ways to connect with people in my field, whatever that may be. On a personal level, learning about different dance styles has given me a greater appreciation for culture and diversity. Overall, this class has shown me how important it can be to express yourself and inspire others to do the same. 

 

 

6

 Focused and Engaged

Ashley Taibel

 

In this course, I gained so much knowledge not only on how to be a dance teacher, but also how to be a student, how to hold a position of leadership, and how to spread my own knowledge among others. I learned about the holistic methods of teaching, and how they can apply themselves in other fields. I have learned how to manage time and the importance of making a structured lesson plan in order to do so. I have also learned the importance of the connection between a student and teacher and being personable, as doing so ensures the student remains engaged and excited about learning. These lessons are just a few of the many lessons I’ve taken away from this course, and will continue to apply in the future.

I think the structure of this class was very beneficial, and I gained a lot of knowledge through the experiential way of learning. Being able to learn about teaching from not only the teacher’s perspective, but also the student’s perspective, gave me a lot of perspective on what makes a lesson successful or unsuccessful. The hands-on and interactive nature of this course kept me focused and engaged each class. I also liked how we started the semester by learning about the history of teaching methods and why curriculum presents itself in the way that it does.

As I previously mentioned, this course provided me with lessons that I can use in any path of life that my future leads me to. For example, I can apply the lesson of time management and sticking to a schedule when I begin working as a licensed architect, where deadlines to propose ideas to clients are one of the most crucial parts of the job. When I teach dance to young students at my home studio over breaks, I can apply the use of productive brain breaks and fun dance games that keep the students engaged and excited to learn.

 

 

 7

 Equipped to Design Meaningful and Dynamic Learning Experiences

 

Kaylen Powers

Throughout this course, I have developed a deeper understanding of the importance of being a well-prepared teacher who takes a holistic approach to the classroom. One key lesson was learning how valuable an action plan can be. This simple yet effective tool helps address past behaviors, establish clear rules, and create routines that foster a more positive and organized learning environment. This approach allows teachers to set high expectations while also showing understanding, ensuring every student feels valued and supported. Another significant takeaway was discovering how tailoring teaching methods to different age groups encourages inclusivity and engagement, especially through dance education. It was inspiring to see how everyone in the class adapted their projects to fit the specific grades they were teaching, highlighting the importance of adjusting methods to suit varying levels and age groups. I also learned how movement can be a powerful tool to enhance both cognitive and social development, transforming dance into a holistic and impactful educational practice. This course further emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in choreography and teaching, allowing students to connect with different traditions and perspectives. By combining these elements with interdisciplinary lesson planning, I now feel equipped to design meaningful and dynamic learning experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage active participation.

From the beginning, I was excited and eager to take this class, as it was a completely new experience for me and my first opportunity to teach a dance class. Initially, I felt a bit nervous because I lacked experience, didn’t know many people in the class, and had faced some challenges over the past year. However, Jorge’s clear explanations and encouraging teaching style made everything feel not only manageable but also enjoyable. His approach helped me build my confidence and understanding of what it takes to lead a class. Now, I feel far more prepared and capable of stepping into a teaching position for dance, equipped with the tools and knowledge to guide students effectively.

The knowledge and skills I gained from this class will have a lasting impact on both my field of study and personal growth. As someone passionate about dance, I now feel confident in my ability to make this art form accessible and enjoyable, especially for children. I intend to use the techniques I’ve learned in community outreach programs, utilizing dance as a way to promote physical health, self-expression, and teamwork. Additionally, the teaching strategies and classroom management skills I developed will benefit me beyond dance such as aiding in leadership roles, public speaking, and other professional pursuits. This class also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, qualities that are valuable in any career path. Ultimately, the experiences and lessons from this course have equipped me to inspire others while nurturing a lifelong love for creativity and education.

 

 

8

Prepared to Be a Leader

 

Stephanie Embil

This course has showed me how to be a well-prepared teacher and how to take a holistic approach in the classroom. I learned how to create an action plan, a tool for addressing past behaviors, setting clear expectations, and establishing routines that improve the classroom dynamic. Believing that students come to class ready to learn and connect helps build a positive foundation. While holding students to high expectations is important, offering grace and understanding is equally crucial. Observing students' emotions and progress allows teachers to provide necessary support and ensure they understand the material.

At the start of the class, I felt excited to explore a new teaching style and more confident knowing two close friends were in the class with me. This support gave me the courage to participate and share my thoughts openly. My perspective on dance shifted significantly thanks to this class. I was introduced to a completely new way of thinking about the art. By learning how to run a class, I feel capable of teaching effectively, and I’ve already applied these skills in our class. Moving forward, I feel prepared to be a leader who understands and values the emotions and unique abilities of others.

This class taught me how to create an optimistic learning environment where students feel encouraged and supported, even if they don’t achieve perfection. By focusing on positive reinforcement, like saying “You can do it” or “You’re capable,” teachers can inspire students to push through challenges. Practices like brain-breaks and gratitude-journaling promote mental wellness and create a welcoming environment for learning. I aim to apply these principles to my future career and encourage a positive atmosphere where my students feels supported and valued. I will also seek workplaces that prioritize encouragement and appreciation, as I believe these values are essential for success.

9

 

 A deeper appreciation for history of dance

 

Lexi Duperrouzel

I think the biggest takeaway from this course is realizing the importance of putting children into dance. I hadn't fully realized the correlation dance had to confidence, creativity, and teamwork. I think previously I had seen dance more as an activity or hobby, but now I realize how it can be a tool for personal development and self-expression for children. Learning how to break down and teach movements and working on the creation of lesson plans is a skill I can utilize later in life if I ever decide to go into teaching. Although I grew up a dancer, I am grateful for this class because I gained the perspective of the teacher, and understand why they thought the way they did. 

Initially, I was nervous about this class because I never considered myself to be outgoing or comfortable around people I did not know. However, I found myself genuinely enjoying the process of meeting people I did not know and learning about what it took to be a good teacher. Throughout the course, I never felt judged or embarrassed to share my opinion or ideas. Through this course I gained confidence in my ability to teach others through dance. I think I also realized how rewarding it can be to share my opinion and introduce myself to people.

I believe what I’ve learned in this class goes far beyond learning how to teach dance. The skills of creating lesson plans with thoughtfulness and how to adapt to students and their needs are valuable in teaching and mentoring in any field. The emphasis on creativity and collaboration has inspired me to find ways to connect with others and get out of my comfort zone. On a personal level, exploring different dance styles has helped me develop a deeper appreciation for history of dance in America. Overall, this class has shown me how powerful making thoughtful choices are, and I plan to incorporate more thoughtfulness into my life going forward.

 

10

 A Good Mix of Physical Movement and Structured Lesson Plans

Natalie Gonzalez

Throughout the semester, I have learned many lessons beyond dance. Something I am taking away from this class is the importance of arts in the school curriculum. This is something that is very overlooked in schools, which often teach solely based on standardized tests. This class highlighted that dance in school is important not only for creativity and expression, but also for physical health. This ties into the importance of kinesthetics, which is essential for creating a holistic class experience.

      

For class discussions, my group focused on the teaching of children with genetic disabilities. I teach kids with disabilities like autism and Down syndrome every Saturday with the Genes Foundation. So, I feel that these lessons improved my ability to best guide and communicate with my students; I loved learning in this class. I was not expecting it to be writing-based in class, but I honestly enjoyed it. I felt that it was a good mix of physical movement and structured lesson plans. The discussion boards helped make sure we truly understood what we were learning because we had to process it and produce a clearly explained written response.

 

The mini lessons at the end were an amazing way to test our knowledge in a fun, interactive way. I love that the class really has a holistic focus and does not emphasize exams or tests, instead it ensures we have true knowledge that surpasses memorization. This class has been great, and I am grateful for Professor Morejon!

 

In my own field of study as a lawyer, I will definitely implement these lessons because the profession is heavily based on dialogue and persuasive communication. I feel that communicating with the students I have had working with Genes and at a local dance studio, coupled with the lessons in this class, has properly equipped me to communicate with clients and fellow attorneys with patience, empathy, and open-mindedness. I also plan on continuing to teach dance throughout law school, so I know these lessons will guide me to grow as a teacher.

 

As the dance teacher community has begun to look very young, I wish all teachers were mandated to take this class. I truly cannot believe that I taught dance for so long before taking this class, and know that it will transform the way I teach through proper structure, lesson plans, methods of keeping students focused and accountable, etc.

 

11

 

Education as a Transformative Process

 

Sydney Hausman

 

During this course, I gained a lot of insight into the principles and methodologies related to teaching dance to children. One of the most meaningful realizations was the balancing of structure with creativity. I learned using movement metaphors helps students make connections between dance and other real-life concepts, making the lesson so much more engaging and accessible to them. Moreover, I learned the necessity of adapting the teaching strategies for different learning modalities, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile (VAKT), to make the learning process accessible and inclusive to all learners. Another vital lesson was patience, flexibility in behavior management, and creating an enabling environment that encourages exploration and the chance to learn from mistakes. Lastly, the course brought out the appropriate lesson design for the age; complex choreography is introduced gradually to build up skills and confidence. These are precious lessons for anyone looking to teach well and foster a lifelong love of dance.

 

The experiential aspects of this course make the learning process unique and incredibly fulfilling. Engaging in hands-on activities allowed me to take on the roles of both teacher and learner, thereby providing a holistic perspective on lesson planning and delivery processes. The group task emphasized the need for flexibility, as instant problem-solving was essential when teaching diverse groups of children. Initially, I felt uncertain about my ability to engage young students meaningfully; however, my confidence grew through a trial-and-error process as the course progressed.

 

The immediate effects of small instructional changes on student engagement were the most rewarding part of the study. That was hands-on, reminding me that teaching is a two-way, thriving on participation, creativity, and reflection. The course improved my pedagogical skills and enhanced my appreciation for the dynamic nature of education. The learning acquired in this class goes well beyond the walls of the dance studio and informs my future profession and life.

 

As a dancer hoping to teach, there was an apparent link between teaching dance and general classroom teaching. Practices of differentiation and inclusiveness stressed in the course are central to successful classroom teaching in any subject area. The importance of fostering creativity, encouraging discovery, and creating a nurturing environment aligns with my goal of allowing students to take risks and confidently embrace challenges. Furthermore, the skills of patience, flexibility, and effective communication are transferable across professional and personal lives. Whether teaching in the classroom, collaborating with colleagues, or building relationships, the underlying principles of engagement and empathy will guide my behavior. This course prepared me to teach dance and deepened my understanding of education as a transformative process that connects movement, creativity, and lifelong learning.

 

12

A Leader who Understands how to Understand Others

 

Becca Ross

Throughout this course I have learned how to be a well prepared teacher who approaches her class holistically. To be able to teach my class effectively I learned how to create an action plan which is a document of past behaviors, how to deal with them, a structured plan to refer back to, and it helps establish clear expectations as well as a routine for your students. It is important to truly believe students come into the classroom wanting to learn and connect with the teacher. An action plan changes their perspective on teachers because the classroom dynamic changes when the foundation is there. Also, as a teacher holding students to high behavior expectations is important but allowing grace with these expectations. A teacher who focuses on the holistic approach would check in with the students on how they are doing and go step by step slowly to make sure they are understanding. The teacher would observe the students' faces and emotions while learning so that if they are struggling then the teacher can give them the help they need.

When I first entered the classroom I felt excited and eager to learn because I had never taken a class this style before. Having two of my closest friends in the class with me made me be able to be confident in my answers to questions and have the courage to speak up in front of others. I did not think that my perspective on dance would change as much as it did but Jorge was an amazing teacher who showed me how to look at dance from a completely new point of view. From learning the way a class is run I now feel prepared enough to teach my own classes and have already for our class. I will not enter the work world as a leader who understands how to understand others feelings and unique skill sets.

In this class I learned how to create an optimistic classroom. An optimistic classroom is one where students are encouraged to try their hardest and encouraged even if they do not do something perfectly. The teacher is always focusing on the positive by telling students words of hope like “You can do it, you are so smart, and can rise to the challenge.” The teacher offers brain breaks and gratitude journaling to give students mental health breaks and to help students focus on what they are grateful for. By doing these practices it will make the entire class feel accepted and make it easier for the teacher to teach and for the students to learn. In my career I plan to be a leader and would like the people who are working for me to not feel overwhelmed, appreciated, and encouraged. I also as a worker would like to feel this way as well from my employers and would look for a workplace that offers these qualities.

 

 13

How Crucial it is to Establish Trust

 

Lily Nuland

During my time in the dance class, I learned a lot about the craft of teaching as well as the expressive abilities of movement. The significance of effective communication while instructing difficult skills was one of the main lessons learned. Dancing calls for exact directions, and I've discovered that dividing moves into smaller, more digestible chunks and allowing learners to try them out helps them become more confident and skilled. I also learned how important it is to establish a safe space where kids may express themselves without worrying about criticism. Students needed encouragement and positive reinforcement to overcome obstacles. I also came to the realization that patience is crucial while teaching dance since different students learn at different rates, and knowing this is crucial to being a successful teacher. These lessons made it clearer to me that teaching is about building community and trust as much as it is about teaching technical knowledge.

In addition to teaching, this class's immersive format allowed me to learn by practice and introspection. I had the opportunity to personally witness the difficulties and benefits of dance instruction as we learnt by doing. I now have a deeper knowledge of how dance is taught and learnt thanks to this practical method, which provided me with insights that would have been challenging to understand from a theoretical standpoint. Being both a teacher and a student at the same time gave me a stronger feeling of connection to the subject matter. I became aware of the mental and physical commitment required to teach dance thanks to this dual viewpoint. I learned to be flexible and responsive in real time via the process of trial and error and the prompt feedback I received from teachers and students. I also saw how important reflection was to this experience process since it allowed me to pinpoint my strengths and places for development.

I find a lot of similarities between what I acquired and how I approach communication and engagement in my own field of study, advertising. Like teaching dancing, advertising involves not just good and clear communication but also empathy and a comprehension of the requirements of the target audience. The idea of decomposing complicated concepts into easier-to-understand chunks was reaffirmed by the experience of teaching dance. This ability is crucial in advertising when developing campaigns that appeal to a wide range of consumers. In addition, I discovered how crucial it is to establish trust and foster an inclusive atmosphere, whether in a dancing class or in a company's interactions with its customers. The long-term approach needed in advertising to develop audience connections and brand loyalty is similar to the patience needed in dancing instruction. All things considered, I can use the abilities I gained in this course to produce advertising campaigns that are more powerful, captivating, and focused on people.

 

14

Don’t be Scared to Try New Things

 Peter Dokas

This class was absolutely phenomenal. It taught me how to be a hands-on student and one that is very interested in learning. It also showed me how much work a teacher does in order to prepare their students for success. In terms of myself, I learned that teachers actually do help a lot with your growth as a human being. As a young adult, having support from your teacher is the best thing. This class taught me that and also showed me what it’s like to have such amazing guidance.

At the start of class, I was nervous because I hadn’t danced since I was 10 years old. I quickly learned that it didn’t matter when I last danced, because I caught on fast. In this class, I realized that dance was so much more than I thought it was. It is not just you allowing yourself to be free but it is also art. You can express yourself however way you want to. This was also shown in our work as we had to teach the class which I think helped me understand the meaning of dance even more. 

I would apply what I learned in this class to the real world in many ways. I learned a lot about being confident and putting your best foot forward. I was nervous to get up and teach a class but I did it. I think that is the way you should go about life. Don’t be scared to try new things and that is how you will succeed especially in finding jobs!

 

15

 Support is Everything

Sofia Cancio

This course made me have a newfound respect for my professors because of how much work goes into teaching a class. It taught me how to be an understanding yet assertive teacher who looks at the whole picture in the classroom. I also learned how important it is to tailor a class to your students. I learned how to create a plan to address past behaviors, set clear expectations, and create routines that improve the classroom environment. Support is everything. Students need to feel supported in order to learn and everyone comes from different backgrounds and families, so you have to act differently with different students. By observing students’ emotions and progress, teachers can offer the support they need to understand the material better. This also relates to everyday life, you have to be understanding when it comes to friends and family because everyone has their own struggles. 

 Photos

1. Purple Oaks Academy (2024).  https://x.com/PurpleOaksAcad/status/1800787455471239431

2. Assessment of Learning 1 T Friday (2017). https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=241857463002160&id=240191663168740&set=a.241867306334509

3. The art of dance. Community Corner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Nr3RSmi0k

4. Finishing Class Strong with Optimistic Closures (2021) .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt8q9BS_xaY

5.  Student Learning Styles and Their Implications for Teaching Dance (2016). https://dancestudioinsurance.com/student-learning-styles-and-their-implications-for-teaching/

6. A New Challenge – the Schuhplattler! https://www.acemm.org/lesson-resources/a-new-challenge-the-schuhplattler

7. Dance to Evolve. https://www.dancetoevolve.com/chicago/

8. Williams, Jared (2024). New Destin studio ‘Envision’ offers diverse dance classes from ballet to hip hop. https://www.getthecoast.com/new-destin-studio-envision-offers-diverse-dance-classes-from-ballet-to-hip-hop/