Through The Fog

(Symmetry Magazine, 2009)

Wednesday was the first group discussion shared with all modules for me this term. I think a lot of us joined the call with the hope that the discussion would help create some clarity through the fog that is the first few weeks of the term.

I am familiar with THE FOG! It's been present at the beginning of all 3 modules for me. Like the beginning of a new day, it's early and dark and a haze lingers across your line of sight.

However I now take comfort in the fog, it means that I am in the process of adding more to my learning. I'm aware there shouldn't be a clear answer and as was mentioned on the call, I need to trust in my ability to think critically and reflect on my journey so far.

In using the processes I have learnt, I can visually map where my thoughts are and start looking for themes. I can record my thoughts in my journal so that they marinade and develop substance.

I have taken time re-reading my Module 2 inquiry and although it's a bit daunting that I am now changing my data collection methods, it reminded me WHY I choose this subject.

I am looking into the relationship between Dance Teaching and Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. This idea first came to me in Module 1 when I reflected on one of my classes where a pupil asked "How many steps they needed to take?" It made me think that I use music counts and descriptions of left, right, left but very rarely do I say " Take 3 steps!"

I am not a numbers person but looking at Howards Gardner's theory made me think that maybe some of my pupils are, and they would have a better chance understanding my teaching if I used techniques that spoke to their Mathematical - Logical Intelligence.

In Module 2, my literature review comprised mainly of Gardner's work through books and interviews, scholars that supported Gardner's theory and have applied it to dance teaching and scholars that stated the Theory was often misused and may narrow pupils learning.

In Module 3, I now plan to explore further literature of Intelligence Theories (without getting lost down a rabbit hole) and to find what other Theories are being used in education.

I would love to discuss anyone's experiences that made you question past or current teaching methods whether you were the teacher or pupil. Or if anyone currently in education has had experiance in theories or methods that may be transferable into dance or teaching in the arts.

If you would like to know more about Howard Gardners Theory and test your Intelligence there is more on one of my previous blog - Multiple Intelligences - Where do you fit in?

It will be great to hear your thoughts.

Photo CreditSymmetry Magazine (2009). Dancing with Physicists. [image] Available at: https://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/august-2009/dancing-with-physicists [Accessed 27 Sep. 2019].