Why:
Because it is time
Because we can
Because you are ready
Expected Outcomes:
Better Teaching
Better Learning
Better Dancing
Credentials for J M Nelson:
Degrees: BS, MEd, MS. MLS., EdD
Professor, Consultant, Director, Researcher
Cost:
Only an hour or two of your time. This workshop is free to you and your teaching partner.
History.
Contemporary social dance instruction evolved in the early 20th century, concurrent with a surge in research on human learning. Unfortunately, those two worlds did not merge; the ballroom dance curriculum developed with little influence from research on human learning. Thus, the curriculum, though profitable, is generally inefficient and frustrating.
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Why Theory?
A theory is a predictive statement based on what we think we know. It becomes an accepted theory if it can make accurate predictions about things or events that have not yet occurred. What we do is based on what we think we know. If we teach, then we think we know something about teaching. What learning theories most influence your instructional design? How did you select them as relevant? What are some of the associated principles?
Rationale.
Human learning is the most researched area of psychology, and three branches of learning theory and several associated principles directly apply to the teaching of partner dance. If you do not know them and use them in your teaching, this workshop should be beneficial. If you know them and use them, sharing them with your fellow teachers would be a service to your profession. Please join in this effort.
Why J M Nelson and Why Free?
This project combines my profession and my favorite social activity. My experience as a designer, researcher, dancer, and teacher, and my observation of hundreds of dance lessons leads me to believe that I have something to contribute. I believe that this workshop is an opportunity to contribute in a substantive way to the social dance community. There is also another reason that I share only with workshop participants, and only if they ask. |
*Because of space limitations, pre-registration is required.
Why Partner Dance? Assessments show that there is considerable commonality among North American social partner dances. Whether teaching ballroom, country, Latin, or swing, principles of learning apply similarly.
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