Examination arrangement

Course content

Dance pedagogics and coaching gives a general introduction into practice based teaching for different dance types and genres. After completion of the course the students should be able to teach selected dance forms for at least one selected population, for instance children 5-8, teenagers 13-15, adults.

It is divided into two parts: Part one deals with methods for dance-training and dance-trainer leadership within dance. The second part deals with general as well as specific methods and practices within dance pedagogics and dance didactics. The course emphasizes the communication /interaction between instructor/teacher and student. Both parts contains practical approaches for pedagogical and didactical principles. The student will also be given classes in how to study and use archival material. Teaching via digital media and how to deal with this will also be addressed.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Students completing the course should

• know different methods for dance teacher leadership and what defines a good dance instructor/dance teacher
• have knowledge of central teaching and learning principles with dance didactics and pedagogics
• have knowledge about the importance of a healthy social environment for learning dance
• have knowledge of different teachings and working methods in the teaching of dance

Skills:

Students completing the course should

• be able to use fundamental skills in teaching dance
• be able to evaluate own teaching skills
• be able to plan didactically relevant teaching of dance
• be able to make facilitate the masterings and well being of the students

General Competence:

Students completing the course should

• be able to work goal-oriented, independently and together with others
• be able to reflect on and discuss dance and dance teaching/pedagogics

Learning methods and activities

Classes will be gives as 2 intensive teaching periods (Friday - Sunday). A part of the teaching will be given digitally (12 hours). There are mandatory tasks: Fullfillment of being present at least 80% of the classes. Approved presentation of an individual study task.

The teaching will consist of lectures, some practical teaching/work, work in groups and individual tasks.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation of an independent study task
• Mandatory participation during intensive teaching

Further on evaluation

The practice-based, compulsory assignment must be approved before the student can take the exam. The presentation of a chosen theme is based on independent student work, done in groups of 3-4 per group. The students, under supervision, choose an age group or a specific challenge (for instance children, 3-5 years) and develops a session of about 45 minutes (if three are working together), or 60 minute (if four are working together). Specific criteria will be set; the session must include a warm up, a main part and a conclusion. The practice-based task will be discussed and evaluated in terms of content by the supervisor and must be approved before the student can take the course exam. The students who are not presenting, will participate in the activities presented by the group. These presentations are scheduled to take the last sessions after lunch on the last Sunday of the last intensive teaching sessions.

The formal assessment is a written paper, where the student discusses their practice-based task, using theory from the course literature. The written task should be around 4500-5500 words.

It is not necessary to re-do the compulsory assignment, should the student fail the written exam.

Recommended previous knowledge

Experience with dance on a practical level will be an advantage, but is not absolutely necessary. The student should ideally have some experience as teacher within subjects such as dance, drama or music and physical education.

Course materials

Will be given when the semester begins.

Credit reductions