It seemed fitting for us to start the group discussion on critical thinking. Throughout the BAPP course we are encouraged to critically reflect upon our practices. Critical thinking is objectively analysing an issue to form a judgement. This is taking what the world accepts as 'normal' and questioning it. As people were critically thinking upon one part of their practice, it came up that the ISTD syllabus is not easily accessible or adaptable to students with special needs. This resonated with me as part of my practice is teaching the Trinity Guildhall Musical Theatre and Performing Arts syllabus for students to gain certificates through examinations. Some of my students however, have physical disabilities, are on the autism spectrum or are hearing impaired. This then made me realise that the syllabus would have to be adapted slightly to meet each student's requirements and still allow them to participate. We discussed for a bit how these examination boards should have policies for an adaptable syllabus to be more accessible to students with disabilities.
Then a very interesting question was brought up, "What is your opinion on someone with no formal dance training or qualifications taking a 'dance class' for children with special needs?" This is something I had never thought about. As a qualified musical theatre and dance teacher it really worries me when hearing stories of people (children especially) having terrible dance injuries from a teacher that wasn't qualified and 'pushed' them too far. However, in a situation such as this where it's an hour for these children with special needs to move their bodies in a fun way, try something new and create happy memories surely there's no harm? It's to be assumed that they will not be doing anything considered 'dangerous' such as acrobatic tricks or steps too taxing on their bodies; so therefore where's the harm in letting someone have a boogie with them for an hour a week?
This then leads one to critically reflect and ask the question - what does the word 'qualified' entail? Is it someone with first hand knowledge and experience in the situation? For example in this instance, a parent of one of these children? They will certainly have first hand experience with how to see to the needs of that particular group of children. Could it be a trained psychologist or physio therapist with degrees who have worked with special needs children before? Does the teacher have to have a formal teaching diploma or degree to be able to be in that situation? Or could it be someone with years of formal dance training and dance experience? The question "What makes a good teacher great?" is also applicable to this situation. Just because someone has a formal teaching certificate does not mean they will be a great teacher.
I truly feel in this circumstance there is no right or wrong answer. If it were an academy of dance where students are taught technique and will be taking formal examinations, then you would expect the teacher to have first hand training, experience and qualifications to ensure the safety of the students. In a situation where a group of special needs children are having an hour of fun in a safe environment and where the focus is more on the 'feeling' than the 'discipline', then I think it's safe to say that the teacher does not have to have formal dance training or dance qualifications. Azul Terronez says that a great teacher is a great listener. I feel as this is especially resonant with special needs children, in a world where there doesn't seem to be any space for them or there is too much noise drowning them out, a great teacher is someone who will listen and acknowledge them.
I would like to pass the question off to other people - what does 'qualified' mean to you and is it important to your practice?
Tedx Talk "What Makes a Good Teacher Great" by Azul Terronez
Hi Cathleen. A very interesting post and I have to say I am disappointed I missed out on the skype discussion! However, I too participated in the later evening talk and it is wonderful to see how for one topic there are a thousand different routes of discussion, as the themes our community discussed were contrasting from the ones you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteYour points have prompted me to question my views on qualifications and I agree that there isn't a simple answer. I feel like on one hand,qualifications can give you the surface level/tick box reassurances. The key bits of information you need, but certificates are so very attainable these days, so how to you differenciate someone who is ideal for the job compared to someone who just has the pass mark? Additionally, this makes me question the idea of human potential vs experience. Experience on the job is what helps one become more expertise, but you never know how adept a teacher for example can be unless they have the opportunity to gain experience. For me personally, studying for my teaching qualifications via a conventional route (DDE training) was incredibly beneficial to my practice. Not only has it opened up numberous job opportunities, but I learnt more than I ever imagined I would. Not just in terms of memorising syllabus, but by recognising the qualities required in order to develop, nurture and expose a student's potential.
Your thoughts on the inclusion of students with disabilties has made me critically reflect apon the ethics of the industry. Why aren't there more oportunities for people from all backgrounds to learn such skills? What could this open up? What is the purpose of dance, to achieve technical brilliance or to be able to embody rhythm and the contrast of freedom against discipline? Lots to think about!
Hey Sophie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with everything you are saying, and it also brings up the point that many institutions or companies are hesitant to hire people (especially grads) with the qualification and no expertise. However, how can one ever get the expertise without people taking a chance and hiring them.
DeleteI'm glad you have had a chance to critically reflect upon the industry and see how there really is very limited access to people with disabilities. This is actually going to be the topic of my inquiry so please stay tuned to my blog to see more of what I am discovering through the process.
I also missed the Skype, so am trying to catch up through reading everyone's blogs.
ReplyDeleteThe link at the bottom of your post, what makes a good teacher great? so very inspiring. Thankyou
I found this blog post very interesting to read following the skype discussion. I do agree with your thoughts, there really is no right or wrong answer. A lot of the time it comes down to the circumstances and should be specifically tailored to the students that are being taught.This is even more important when it comes to children with special needs because they have different requirements when it comes to the amount of attention they require. Factors like this effect the way they can be taught in any subject but even more consideration may be needed when physically using their body's to create movement. However, this shouldn't effect their capability to express themselves through the arts and I find it refreshing to hear that individuals like yourself are researching further into this area.
ReplyDelete