John Dewey was an educationalist and a philosopher that was
interested in ‘experience’. He believed that the process of interaction and
engagement led to a transformation of experience. (Dewey 1916)
I wish to reflect on the Arts as a unique and valuable
learning tool in education. From WBL for the past four years I have gained a
significant number of reflective techniques and making my Teaching practise a
more critical experience. I am expected to reflect after each lesson not only
the learning of my students but my own personal learning as a practitioner of
the Performing Arts.
As a expectation at the end of every lesson the students
will reflect on the lesson and the learning experience they have achieved. Each
student is expected to state verbal or in written form one positive in the form
of ‘What Went Well’ this allows a student to reflect on the positive aspects on
the lesson and their learning first. Then One form of critical feedback on the
lesson how could they improve their future learning. In the form: of ‘Even
Better If’. This allows the individual to critically reflect and assess their
improvements.
The arts naturally lend themselves in creating a unique
valuable experience for every student, regardless of ability, allowing the
student to fill safe and confident in this environment.
As a practitioner I have to be aware that students will
develop in their own time not to force the growth of the students but to let
the student develop in their space and time. Each individual is unique and will
find this learning experience different. When reflecting back on my lessons I
have to ask myself have I allowed them time to grow, give feedback and reflect
on their learning?
How do I ensure each student experiences Interaction?
In my lessons I have to ensure that all students experience
interaction, when reflecting back on my lessons I discovered that all students
are interactive by group work learning they do this by a starter activity. A
student might be unconfident to express their thoughts aloud straight away, by
them speaking to a partner or peer their allowed to get this thought out to
them first and then if they feel confident enough I will ask the students to
share it with the class. This activity is called ‘think pair share’. When the
students are creating choreography and devising scenes in my lessons the
students will be working with a group of peers to create an active learning
environment this is the practical part of my lessons where each student is
involved. I make myself available for any student who struggles with this and
needs more support. I also use high level ability students to work with lower
ability students this actually gives the lower ability student more confidence
this also allows the high ability student to develop leadership skills. Once
students have performed in class I like to give them time to reflect on their
peer’s achievement by giving peer assessment. They will do this by giving a
positive feedback ‘What Went Well’ and one critical feedback ‘Even Better If’.
Students are allowed to either write this or use a verbal form. Once they have
experienced this I will use high level questioning for the higher ability
students who I feel who could achieve more by answering more developed
questions.
How do I ensure that each student is experiencing
engagement?
Each student in lesson experiences engagement by me being a
motivator and the student being motivated as soon as they enter my classroom
they know there will be a ‘Starter’ waiting for them. This engages all students
to learn and be incredibly focused for the lesson ahead. When the students are
creative I make sure that I am interactive with the students I am their if they
get stuck they can discuss with me any problems with devising or
choreographing. I like to also engage my students with Music when reflecting
back on my lesson the lessons that the students have achieved more in are when
music and media have been involved. As technology is so part of today’s society
they connect and are instantly engaged. I will engage students with high level
discussions about the subject we are looking into.
Reflecting back on my initial question I firmly believe that
the Arts have a dramatic effect on the learning and development of each
individual. It is essential for me to give myself time to critically reflect on
my own learning experiences I believe this will enhance my skills in becoming a
stronger and more productive Teacher.
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