Jane brought up something in our skype session yesterday that made me think about my own teaching practices. She was talking about how we shouldn't prejudge our students based on what we think they can or can't eventually do or pigeonhole them into a "lane" of ability. I totally agree, having been pigeonholed like that. It's hurtful and often winds up being inaccurate.
Now as a teacher, I find I really don't know how to do that anyway. It would feel very odd to me to treat my students based on their perceived level. Of course, that's not to say that my students are all at the same level--far, far from it. But I push all of my students to try for their best, regardless of what that may be. I'm not omniscient and have no idea what they'll eventually wind up doing with dance. Regardless, it's not my job to figure that out. It's my job to teach them as best I can, and in my opinion, to do any less is to neglect my job.
There are no guarantees with students. I had a very sharp, talented, and hard-working young student quit at the end of last season, because she wanted a break from dance. It was a huge pity (hopefully someday she'll return!), because to my eye, she could really do something with it if she wants to. I have other students who are less "talented" or have less physical capability, and yet they work very hard and their improvement reflects that. Some students take to one style more quickly than another, or find their stride later in age than their peers. I was one such student.
Ultimately, I try to assume that each student is capable of doing the movement correctly, perhaps with some modifications for less turnout or flexibility or whatnot. I very, very much hope that my students know that I'll always be their biggest fan. It is also my hope that if my students don't think they can do it, they'll catch a bit of faith from me and learn that they can, in fact, do the thing, and do it well. I think that's half my job anyway, right? Not just teaching them how to dance, but teaching them how to gain confidence, courage, and curiosity in dance and life.
Confidence, courage,and curiosity. Aren't those things we are developing ourselves within this program. I find your perspective interesting with your realization that, "Of course, that's not to say that my students are all at the same level--far, far from it. But I push all of my students to try for their best, regardless of what that may be. I'm not omniscient and have no idea what they'll eventually wind up doing with dance. Regardless, it's not my job to figure that out. It's my job to teach them as best I can, and in my opinion, to do any less is to neglect my job." These few sentences give me hope that some teachers will be more to their students. Acceptance. No judgment.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! Yes, that is exactly the atmosphere I strive for. Acceptance, no judgment, just hard work and respect all around.
DeleteThanks Hannah. I am so passionate about dance being beneficial to all abilities and for the greater good. Also encouraging learners to respect for each other irrespective of ability or grades as it's the right thing to do. After all one perceived small achievement is a huge leap for some when presented with difficulties. I have seen so much 'sifting' resulting in self-esteem issues and anxiety in our young here in the UK is concerning. We must be careful in the pursuit of excellence and brilliance that we take care of the emotional needs first. It's all too easy sitting at the top of the heap and so hard clawing from the bottom. If only we as teachers can offer a hand rather than glory in self-gratification which we can so often do. My life has been enriched by all the children I have been so privileged to meet and hope that what has been instilled has helped their lives for the better, not just in the world of dance. Thanks for your blog Hannah.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. That last sentence especially--it's highly likely that most of our students won't go on to do anything with dance, so my hope is always that it will impact their lives for the better everywhere, not just in their dance endeavors.
DeleteTheir biggest fan... Great... And absolutely :-)
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