Task 4a

This task has enabled me to develop a set of questions which are relevant to my current practice. Currently, I work freelance delivering dance dance sessions to S.E.N students as well as local dance schools and for community dance projects. In addition to this I am auditioning and performing, whilst also working within the health and fitness vicinity.  Due to this wide range of current practice, I shall focus more heavily on the teaching aspect of my practice, as working within the education sector is what I hope to pursue after the completion of this course.

I have distinguished between what I currently know, and what I would like to know in terms of furthering my knowledge, and based upon that I have came up with the following questions. Some area of interest is based on assumptions, which I would like to explore, and find out why. I also intend to add more questions as time progresses as I feel that when I complete more research, other questions shall emerge.

What qualities make a good teacher?

Is dance beneficial to those suffering with a special educational need, if so what are the benefits?
(confidence, self esteem, pick up rate, social interaction, fitness, coordination etc). 


Can dance as artist practice help to improve other areas of educational development?
(listening skills, concentration etc). 


Would Dance as a subject be beneficial in the primary school curriculum, as opposed to just a module in Physical Education? 


Based on the assumption that dance is not a real subject, what are the views on this, from a non-dancer (arts) background, compared to an individual that has a background in the arts. 

Inductory Skype Session (continuing students)

So after a short break after completing module one it's time to get back into the sway of things and begin with module two! Two days ago I attended a Skype session with various other students completing module two and also students going on to module three.  We all spoke about how we had found previous modules and what we were looking forward to. I stated that I was keen to expand on my current knowledge and maintain my development of being a practitioner.

I found the session highly useful as it allowed me to learn from students who have completed what I am about to start. One student in particular mentioned that he found it more beneficial to not overlook literature in a sense of, not just skim reading to find a quote to back up your opinion/argument in critical writing, but to read it and learn it, and this is something that I am going to put into practice for this upcoming module.

We also discussed scheduling, along side what methods suited us, and there was a variety of differences in opinion. Some of us who consideeed ourselves to be visual learners, states that we used a calendar to assist us in time management etc. Others said that they had busy schedules outside of dance with other commitments etc, so they did work when they could.

I am extremely excited to start the second module as it is a step closer to gaining my degree, and this session helped me to gain insight into what module two offers. In addition to this I am searching through the readers and the module to ensure I have my foundation understanding before completing tasks etc.