Arts
Dance Education Canada has led and facilitated discussions with school board and studio dance educators across the country about the importance of teacher training. Our focus and research conducted with elementary classroom teachers revealed that a lack of understanding of dance as subject can result in instruction based on technical skills. This experience in dance, or lack there of, does not enrich the student’s knowledge, understanding and application of dance cross curricularly, as what is being taught, is often not what was intended of the curriculum. How do we influence change? At Dance Education Canada we believe all answers lead to dance teacher training and so does our guest. Today we will discuss how teacher training and professional development can help dance educators (specifically in the school system) give students meaningful and authentic experiences in dance. GUEST: Dr Rachael Jefferson-Buchanan is a lecturer in human movement studies (Health and PE) and Creative Arts within the School of Education at Charles Sturt University in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in PE, dance and special educational needs, a Master of Arts in dance studies, and a PhD. Rachael has been a lecturer across UK and Australia and was head of GCSE Performing Arts at the International School of Geneva. Rachael has extensive experience in writing and leading professional development for teachers and has taken on an international role as the lead consultant for PE and dance in Cambridge Assessment International Education/Cambridge University Press central Asian and Nile Egyptian schools projects. She was the UK consultant for Fundamental Movement Skills (STEPS PD), which was a catalyst for the writing of her book: ‘Fundamental Fun: 132 activities to develop fundamental movement skills’. INSTA: @3_dancingfeet LINKEDIN: Rachael Jefferson-Buchanan WEBSITE: csu.edu.au Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.