IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

How Can We Assess Good Teaching from the Perspective of Dance Science: A Panel Presentation   [read the french version]

Author :   Donna Krasnow, MS

How Can We Assess Good Teaching from the
Perspective of Dance Science: A Panel Presentation

Donna Krasnow, MS, Moderator
Department of Dance, Centre for Fine Arts
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Panelists:
Martha Myers
Connecticut College
New London, Connecticut, USA

Janice Gudde Plastino, PhD
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California, USA

Jaclynn Villamil, CMA
Arwyn Carpenter
New York University Tisch School of the Arts
New York, New York, USA


A panel of distinguished dance educators will present views on teaching assessment, with a particular focus on dance science, and its impact on current practices. The last IADMS conferences have presented outstanding panels on what constitutes good dance science research, and how we might begin to recognize rigorous methodology in this field, but thus far, the equivalent in dance pedagogy has not been attempted. The panel has been invited to represent a range of views, from different generations and settings in the teaching field. They include a retired educator noted for her pioneering efforts to bring dance science into the training and education of dancers, a current educator and dance science researcher in a university setting, a current educator and program director in the professional setting, and a young dancer/teacher who is currently enrolled in a masters program in dance. Some of the issues to be discussed include the following: How we can evaluate the physical safety and health focus of a technique class? How can we assess minimum levels of scientific knowledge to support good teaching practices? How can we determine the health of the psychological and social climate encouraged by the teacher in the class? What is the role of the dance teacher in intervention on issues of eating disorders, substance abuse, and other unhealthy practices outside the classroom? All of the presenters are known for their dance science involvement, and for their efforts in designing research and/or courses and curricula that incorporate dance science principles, and influence teaching practices. The goal of the panel is to present ideas about viewing dance education from the perspective of the dance scientist/educator, and to stimulate a thoughtful discussion among conference participants on developing methodology for assessing good teaching practices.