Firstly, through dance, children can develop coordination, flexibility,
and endurance, fostering the healthy growth of their bodies. This
contributes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and cultivating a strong
awareness of their bodies. Secondly, dance provides children with a
platform to express their emotions and creative ideas. By learning
different dance movements and forms, they can cultivate a unique
artistic perception and enhance their sensitivity to beauty. This also
helps shape their ability to express themselves confidently in relation
to their emotions. On the social front, dance education emphasizes
teamwork and collective collaboration. Through ensemble performances and
choreography, children learn to coordinate with others, collectively
pursuing shared goals. This contributes to the development of their
social skills, including communication, listening, and interaction,
laying a foundation for future teamwork.
Finally, dance education can
guide children to explore cultures and traditions from around the world.
By studying the origins and development of different dance styles, they
can broaden their cultural perspectives, fostering an understanding and
respect for diverse cultures. In summary, dance, as a comprehensive
educational tool, provides children with opportunities for all-rounded
development in physical, emotional, and social aspects, laying a solid
foundation for their future.
In this semester's course, I
thoroughly enjoyed learning the theoretical knowledge and skills
involved in creating dance curricula and teaching children to dance.
What excited me even more was the hands-on experience we gained through
various group activities, immersing ourselves in the practical effects
of different creative teaching methods. For instance, during a group
creative task, we simulated a dance class filled with imagination and
interactivity, allowing me to experience how students thrive with energy
and engagement in such an atmosphere. This semester's course provided a
multidimensional learning experience through these group activities, not
only imparting theoretical knowledge but also allowing me to learn more
through hands-on practices. Each group employed unique teaching
approaches, emphasizing narrative choreography, interactive experiences,
or cultural integration. This realization highlighted that teaching is
not static but can be innovated based on different contexts and student
needs.
During the final presentations, I witnessed the astonishing
diversity showcased by classmates from various cultural backgrounds and
dance styles. Their presentations were not just skillful applications of
acquired knowledge but vibrant interpretations of creative teaching.
Through this series of activities, I learned not only how to apply
theory into practice but also deeply appreciated the charm of creative
teaching. This semester's course will undoubtedly be a memorable and
enriching learning journey throughout my life.
In the geography class, I developed a dance
project where students showcased cultural features of different regions
through dance. This not only enhanced their understanding of
geographical concepts but also enriched their cultural awareness.In the
sociology class, I introduced dance to simulate social structures and
interpersonal relationships. Through role-playing in dance, students
gained a better understanding of sociological theories and experienced
the complexity of social interactions. In the literature class, I
collaborated with students to create a dance performance based on
literary works. This process not only deepened their understanding of
emotions and themes in literature but also nurtured creative thinking
and teamwork.
These detailed and engaging teaching methods not only
enriched the classroom experience but also sparked students' interest in
learning. By integrating dance into various subjects, I found that
students were more likely to comprehend abstract concepts while
developing their teamwork and expressive skills. This comprehensive
teaching approach not only elevated the mastery of subject knowledge but
also provided students with a more enriching and well-rounded learning
experience.
To curate a curriculum that
caters to the needs of all their students.
Chisom Alumba
At
the beginning of the semester, I was so overwhelmed by the amount of
work I would have to do, while reading the syllabus, especially because I
had never taken a university dance course before, and I had joined the
class a bit late. On the first day I attended this class, I was a bit
shy but immediately felt welcome. Everyone seemed so nice and after
speaking to Professor Jorge at the end of class, I was relaxed and knew
that everything was going to be okay. I was not sure what to expect from
the class, but I had a good feeling about the course. Throughout the
course, I formed good relationships with the other class members because
of the group discussions. I really liked my group, and it was nice to
see how different but seamless our opinions and ideas were, while
talking about the different lessons we had during the semester. I also
did not feel pressured by the amount of work that needed to be done or
the amount of material that we had to learn. Professor Jorge taught the
lessons in an amazing way, and it did not feel like we were forced to
learn the material just to pass the class. We learned the material
because we were interested in it and Professor Jorge also understood
that everyone had different circumstances aside from academics, so it
was okay if we were not able to make class. But, we were still
responsible for making up the lectures in the discussion board; he was
gracious but fair.
From
this class, I learned that dancers learn information differently from
non-dancers and this was something I could relate to. To assimilate
information better, dancers must do movements or activities instead of
sitting in a regular classroom. This is because dancers are conditioned
to move regularly because we perform often, and it was interesting to
learn about the activities that we could do in class. I also learned
that there are multiple ways of teaching material to students; there is
not just a one-size-fits-all curriculum that works for all students, and
it is the responsibility of a teacher to curate a curriculum that
caters to the needs of all their students. Also, if the students do not
understand the material or are not performing well in the assessments,
it is the responsibility of the teacher to review their curriculum or
method of assessment so that the students can understand the material
better and everyone can be carried along.
Another thing I have learnt
from this course is patience. It was nice to observe the art curators at
the Lowe Art Museum and how they patiently waited for us to process our
thoughts and opinions on the artworks before sharing. Having the
opportunity to perform the role of the curator also gave us the
experience of waiting patiently on students, as well as experiencing the
process of being waited on without pressure and taking the time to
formulate our thoughts into words. This showed me that when a teacher is
patient with their students and gives them the chance to properly
formulate their opinions, it encourages the students to speak up in
class more instead of being forced to speak or being called called.
Through this, as well as watching and participating in everyone’s lesson
plans each week, I have learned that everyone is creative, and people
portray their creativity in multiple ways. It was nice to see how
confident people were in showcasing their creativity and I also learned
how to open up and be confident in highlighting my own creativity.
As
someone whose aspiration is to attend medical school after graduation
and become a medical doctor thereafter, I believe that I can incorporate
the lessons I have learnt in this course into my studies and in my
future profession. I can incorporate the act of patience and proper
communication. While working and studying, I will be interacting with
strangers often and while interacting with strangers, I will endeavor
to be patient and give people the time to process their thoughts and
emotions while communicating, so that they feel less overwhelmed,
especially since they would be talking to a stranger. I will also engage
in activities while learning information to assimilate it better rather
than trying hard to fit into the realm of just reading and writing to
understand information. Lastly, I will appreciate people’s opinions and
creativity when interacting with people or participating in group
projects. I will encourage people to speak about their opinions so I can
learn more from them and even form relationships with them.
3
Building connection and report
Isabella Collado
Hernández
DAN 385 has been
such a meaningful class for me. From the very first day, Jorge established
report with his
students and I learned from the very first minutes ever having been in his
classroom the
crucial importance of getting to know your students, fostering a safe and
inclusive
space, and
eliminating traditional power dynamics. I liked the structure of the class and
how we
were first
introduced with ancient methods of teaching and worked our way forward through
history to
arrive to present day teaching methods. We learned about different methods of
diverse
teaching and how
to differentiate for students with specific needs. Concluding the class with
each student becoming the teacher was very magical and inspiring. Everyone
taught a class that
reflected who
they were as a person in some way, and we were all able to shine individually
and
in our own ways.
Learning in
class felt very safe. I didn’t feel the pressures that come with expected
testing, and
surprisingly was
able to learn more after the grading aspect for test taking was removed. I was
also given the
opportunity to be myself in class and this helped a lot with my confidence in
trying new
things during my peers’ lesson’s. Being in Jorge’s class was an escape during
my day
especially when
stress was high, and my patience was depleting. Dance is something I didn’t
think I would
ever have in my life again and this class opened my mind back up to the
possibilities of
my progression in dance in the future.
I really have no
idea what I will do with my degree and the field of study it is in, but I do
think I
will utilize a
lot of the skills learned in our class wherever I end up. The part that will
always
stick with me is
the importance of learning people’s names and it is something I have really
struggled with
in the past. This class proved its importance in building connection and report
and how valuable
that is in a shared space like a classroom, work environment, or group
activity.
Overall I will
never forget this class or Jorge’s kindness to me through it. Hearing Jorge’s
educational and
life journey has inspired me and will continue to inspire me long after my days
at UM are over
and I cannot be more thankful and grateful for that.
4
Creating a holistic environment
Alexandria
Cinquemani
Teaching the
future of our society is one of the most important jobs we have as adults.
Being academically advanced is just as necessary as being a well-rounded
individual. In our Methods of Teaching Dance class, we learned many skills to
teach kids to dance and make them well-rounded. One of the most important
things we learned is to create a holistic learning environment. Being scared in
a classroom will have a child learn nothing. Creating an open, accepting, and
fun class for kids will have them performing at their highest level. Letting
children be creative is also a valuable addition to the classroom. When
children are being creative they can use different ways of thinking. This not
only helps them to be more comfortable in a classroom but it also creates a
more advanced thinking strategy in all aspects of life.
Confining children in a
box, and only having them learn what a teacher is telling them can harm their
development. We also learned a lot about classroom planning. Procedures must be
implemented to ensure a safe and well-functioning classroom. The children
should have and know routines when they walk into the room so that chaos
doesn't break out. If for some reason unwanted behavior does happen in the
classroom, consequences and routines should also be planned. The most important
part of a classroom is for both the students and the teacher to trust each
other and feel comfortable. When there is a good environment in the classroom
the lesson plans can be executed more smoothly.
This course was
informative and taught me a lot about children's education. It was super exciting seeing everyone else
teach at the end of the semester. It was nice that we were able to put our
knowledge to use. Teaching my own class was my favorite thing we did this
semester. I have taught dance before to ages 2-13, and being able to teach a
class to my peers was really fun. I felt comfortable and confident in the class
which is how we were taught students should feel in a classroom. Coming
together at the end of each class was a nice way to end, it helped the class to
connect more and got us more familiar with each other. I think this was a great
class and I wish I was able to take it a second time. Methods of Teaching Dance
is a class I would recommend to others, it is a great environment to be in and
I learned so many life skills for teaching and being around children.
I am an exercise
physiology major with the goal of owning my own dance therapy studio. Methods of Teaching Dance is a class
that will very much relate to my field. I think that the tools we learned in
this class can not only apply to children but also to adults. We learned to
make children feel comfortable and safe in the classroom to be able to learn. I
think that adults also perform better when they are in a comfortable
environment. I have learned in some of my kinesiology classes that when you are
put under more stress it takes your body longer to heal from injuries,
sickness, and disease.
Creating a holistic environment like we learned in
Methods of Teaching Dance can reduce that pressure and create a better healing
environment. I am excited to be able to use what I learned in this course in
the future. I have already been able to apply it in jobs I have now. While home
during breaks I taught at a dance studio in New Jersey. I was able to use the
lesson planning skills we learned and apply them to my own classes. It helped
the classes run efficiently. Methods of teaching dance can be applied to all
types of careers and majors, I will definitely take what I learned and apply
the skills in my future.
5
How to create environments that allow people to
thrive
Ellen Nickodemus
I thoroughly
enjoyed taking DAN385 this semester as it allowed me to reflect on my own educational
experiences in life, while also teaching me valuable lessons and standards in
the field of education. In the past, I have been a camp counselor for children
at a sleep-away summer camp, and in the future I definitely want to reintroduce
working with children back into my life. This class demonstrated the importance
of being accepting, non-judgemental, and understanding of everyone, no matter
their walk of life, limitations, or struggles. We learned how vulnerable our
brains are during childhood, and how a child’s adolescence is a crucial time to
allow for full, free exploration and expression to form into their true self.
Just because a child has a parent or guardian doesn’t mean that their home life
is stable and nurturing for positive development. I learned that it is up to
teachers to fulfill their duties of creating a space where their students can
be comfortable, thrive, and ultimately reach their full potential.
I wasn’t fully
sure what to expect going into this course, but as the class progressed I felt
myself gain a new understanding and perspective on the teaching profession that
I didn’t have before. In the beginning of the semester we learned about the
rich history of ancient education and how various civilizations and cultures
had unique ways of teaching and passing on knowledge. As the course continued,
we focused on more modern methods of teaching but I noticed how the ancient
education we learned about had significant connections to the current methods.
This course was always positive within my day, and it never felt like a waste
of time and I could create real life applications of everything we learned.
Later in the semester, I grew more confident in my teaching skills and
knowledge and felt more assured in my ability to control a class or group of
children. When I got the date mixed up for my final teaching presentation, I
was nervous but ended up being very proud of myself and my ability to adapt.
Overall, this course taught me valuable lessons on the importance of teachers
and the power they have when they can truly connect with and change students'
lives. Working with children is something I’ve always loved, and this class
gave me more confidence and optimism on my future goals to positively impact
the youth.
Currently I am a
business major with my major being legal studies. If I am being honest though,
I have absolutely no plan for my future and struggle to see myself working in
one specific job over another. Despite this uncertainty, this class felt
crucial within my college career as it taught real life applicable concepts.
Something I am passionate about is working with people and creating genuine
relationships that have the ability to make a difference in their lives. One of
the biggest takeaways from this course is the idea of helping people (students)
achieve their long-term goals or simply setting them up for their future. When
we talked about mission vs. vision statements and coaching vs. mentoring vs.
teaching, I knew that later in life I want to apply these ideas and help people
reach their goals that align with their values and aspirations (mentoring). I
want to be a figure in people’s lives that they can rely on to ask questions
and look for advice for things they are struggling with. This course taught me
how to be a proper mentor, and how to create environments that allow people to
thrive and learn to their own individual ability. If I can use what this course
has taught me in my future, then I will be proud and happy that I can truly
make a difference in people’s lives.
6
Eager to execute these lessons in my space and career
Maya Zahavi
My takeaways
from this class have revolved around the craft of teaching, particularly in designing lesson
plans and tailoring courses for different demographics. Examining the elaborateness of
curriculum development, I've learned to effectively structure classes regarding aspects such as
age groups and people with disabilities. Learning how to create exciting activities,
sequence movements, balance between technical elements, and develop creativity
has been
influential. These lessons extend outside the dance studio, impacting how I
approach challenges and
communicate in different parts of my life.
Despite my non-professional dance background, my
participation in this dance class has proven to be an enriching experience. Delving into the
complexities of dance instruction opened up an entirely new world for me, focused on
leading a class. The knowledge I gained ranged far beyond dance moves; it incorporated the
detailed elements needed to develop a thorough lesson plan fit for dance and any
instructional setting.
Exploring teaching methods tailored to accommodate
individuals with specific
disabilities added a layer of depth to my understanding, emphasizing the
significance of inclusivity in
education. A standout aspect of this class was the opportunity to witness and actively
participate in the creation and execution of lesson plans by every person in
the class. Observing each
person's diverse approaches in planning activities and communicating their unique teaching
styles gave me more knowledge in experiential learning. Forming my lesson plan and then
having the chance to lead the class gave me a valuable hands-on experience, making the
entire semester both enlightening and immensely enjoyable.
This class has
widened my perspective
on education and provided various skills beyond dance. I thoroughly enjoyed the class,
appreciating the professor's direction, the company of my fellow students, and
the inclusive
environment that provided a safe space for learning and sharing individual
lessons.
The insights I
acquired from this class will shape my future endeavors in creative advertising and
graphic design. Learning all the elements of lesson planning and teaching strategies has
given me a unique perspective on communication and engagement. This newfound understanding
will be necessary as I craft captivating visual narratives and designs that
resonate effectively with
different audiences.
Additionally, the focus on inclusivity and adapting
teaching methods for
various situations will assist in my approach to creating inclusive and
attainable advertising
campaigns. The hands-on experience of creating and executing lesson plans has sharpened my
organizational and creative skills, which are directly transferable to the
evolving field of
creative advertising. Overall, the knowledge and skills acquired in this class
will be a helpful
foundation, directing me to create impactful and inclusive visual communication
in my future career.
My journey in
this class has been incredibly rewarding, providing many takeaways. My personal
experience was exceptional as we explored the intricacies of teaching, lesson
planning,and forming an
inclusive environment. The useful knowledge and skills attained throughout the course will
undoubtedly find an influential application in my future creative advertising
and graphic design
ambitions. Gaining a new understanding of communication, engagement, and inclusivity, I
am eager to execute these lessons in my space and career. Reflecting on thistransformative
experience, I look forward to applying these insights to contribute
significantly tomy professional
journey's dynamic and transforming landscape of creative expression.
7
Capturing the students' interest is our
responsibility as educators
Nicole Peterson
Reflecting on this course, I can truly say that it’s been very
rewarding. It not only taught me about the history of teaching dance but
also gave me some important lessons on how to teach in general. One big
thing I've learned is the need to create a safe and welcoming space in
our classrooms so that students feel comfortable being themselves. I
also learned that if students aren't enjoying the class or understanding
the material, it's not their fault. It's up to us, as teachers, to make
the content interesting and to light a spark in them so they can
genuinely love what they're learning. The course showed me that making
the subject exciting and capturing the students' interest is our
responsibility as educators.
Throughout this course, I experienced a genuine sense of belonging
and acceptance in the classroom. It ignited my interest to the point
where I started envisioning a potential future in teaching.
Additionally, the course evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, taking me
back to my childhood days of dancing. During the days when people taught
their lessons, I really felt free and felt like I could express myself.
This course served as a therapeutic release from daily worries,
offering a precious space for self-reflection and indulging in
activities I genuinely enjoy. Overall, it provided a welcomed escape and
allowed me to reconnect with the joy of self-expression through dance.
This course imparted valuable lessons on self-expression, fostering
safe environments, establishing a vision and mission, and effective
planning – all of which are directly applicable to my field of business
studies. In the fast-paced realm of business, where the focus is often
solely on financial gains, I aim to introduce a shift towards
prioritizing people. When I embark on a career in business, my goal is
to ensure that individuals within the organization feel acknowledged and
valued. Drawing from the course, I plan to create safe spaces for open
communication, allowing team members to confidently express themselves.
I'll also make it a priority to communicate and instill a clear mission
and vision, providing a guiding purpose for our work. Furthermore, the
cultural awareness gained in this class equips me to navigate
interactions with diverse cultures, enhancing my ability to foster
inclusivity and collaboration within the business environment.
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