The Data Collection Begins...

I have begun data collection for my module 3 inquiry, and it has also been exciting to follow along everyone's unique journey via blog posts. Lots of packing data, sorting, and unpacking it at the same time!

My inquiry is looking at various assessment methods used in dance technique courses in high school programs across the U.S. What are the common themes? What are the differences? What is working? What continues to be a challenge? I have invited eight program directors around the country to chat with me individually, and was nervous to see if I would get any responses at all. I have heard back from two who are willing to participate and do an interview! I am relieved and excited to begin. One silver lining to come out of this COVID era is that strangers from far far away are able to (and seemingly more willing go) connect in the name of dance and the arts in this virtual platform.

Iris's blog post about joy also made me think about the purpose of all of this. Why do we do what we do? What's the point of continuing to teach dance to students, when I have no idea there will be sure careers for them in a post-COVID world? But it has made me return to the realization of the importance of dance beyond just learning the steps; the life lessons it teaches us, the ability for us to connect with our bodies and one another (even virtually), and re-affirmed the notion that dancers/artists are resilient, creative, and can overcome any obstacle to continue our practice and find/spread joy. This is why I became keen and interested in dance assessments to start with; are we assessing the right things in our budding professionals? Should we grade a dancer on their turn out, or their creative qualities? How do we grade creativity? I look forward to picking the brains of fellow dance educators and administrators beyond my bubble...

Welcome Back Skype - Sat Sep 12

It is always refreshing to engage in the 'Welcome Back' Skype call in preparation for the new term. Adesola does a thorough job reviewing how to navigate UniHub, the use of blogs, and the difference between community Skype calls and one-on-one tutorials. 

As I enter Module 3, here are 3 of my takeaways from the call.

Unique Learning Outcomes

Each module has a unique set of learning outcomes. They are all the same level of difficulty, but depending on the learning outcomes, you may face different challenges. This widened my perspective on this MA program. While our thinking should continue to adapt, and these learning outcomes build on each other, each term has its own journey in which you may find easier/harder to grasp and understand.

Community

We have a community of people who are also engaging in thinking within this program. Whether it is in similar fields or not, we can learn from one another or spark conversation that take us in new avenues. Especially in this COVID-era when we may feel isolated, let's stay connected!

Blog as Rehearsal

As the participants of this Skype session were more reluctant to speak than typical calls, I decided to chime in during a silent pause on a whim. I am usually the type of person who feels like they need to be very prepared before speaking or presenting any idea, and would experience anxiety if put on the spot. However, I have been taking more risks and challenging myself in this program, as I am learning that thinking/learning/expressing ideas is a messy process, and it takes practice, much like a dance. 

As I spoke about my thoughts on the use of blogs, I explained how I definitely underutilized it during Module 2 with much regret. When it came to writing my assignment drafts, I didn't have that go-to journal of my previous thoughts and ideas as I had in Module 1. I encourage everyone (especially myself) to challenge themselves to post blogs regularly. As I was speaking, I thought up of the analogy of the blog as an initial rehearsal, before the draft as the performances. It is a stress-free platform to practice expressing ideas.