Most individuals have a primary learning process of which four examples are given below:
"I’m not sure I understand; please repeat that.” (Hearing)
"Maybe I better study the syllabus again.” (Reading)
"Could you show me my part one more time?” (Visual)
Let’s try it in partner; I need to dance it for myself.” (Doing)
When I began ballroom dancing, I realized how often I asked my instructor to show me my part (visual). I also realized I needed the other three (hearing, reading, and doing) to maintain a progressive and balanced educational track. So whether you’re teaching an individual or a group, it is good to mix it up and use all four.
Hearing
Some people can hear information once, process it and play it back with minimal error. As a student, I am learning to be more focused and disciplined in my listening skills. It is also a great help if the instructor is clear with their verbal description of pattern and technique.
If there is a language difference or the instructor is a new professional, it might help if they studied a little more in advance of each lesson or asked another professional for input and clarity. It is also a plus if the instructor and student agree to question if there is a concern with the language exchange.
A major part of hearing is also the music. Teaching musicality is sometimes difficult, but listening to the music can provide understanding to the movement. It also provides a framework for the dance itself. To me it is like “connecting the dots” and getting a feel for how the many parts come together.
Reading
To see the choreography or technical description in print and reading through it provides an element of continuity and affirms the verbal. It clarifies the detail. Since syllabuses and instructional outlines are publicly available in most studios, on websites and on the general Internet, it is helpful if the instructor reviews the written instructions before a lesson.
Ballroom and Latin dancing are frequent topics of discussion outside the studio, and most students compare information. More frequently students are taking from several instructors in different studios so they will be looking for consistency in their written material.
As a student becomes more committed and desires to improve, they may take notes after each lesson. This is another avenue of learning which assists the student by reading their personal references in their own handwriting.
Seeing
When watching a lesson demonstration, I am looking for specific execution of feet interwoven with body movement. It helps me to see it several times, and I appreciate an instructor who will switch roles and show me my steps before bringing me into frame to dance it as partners. A person who is a visual learner takes mental notes of what they see, then plays it back in memory for improved understanding, practice, and retention.
Doing
Clearly doing is a required element of learning, as you need to actually practice what you have learned. In an eagerness to respond to the music, exemplify their knowledge or skill, or the sheer creative excitement of trying something new, a student may start doing before their process of learning has developed. On the other hand, the instructor sometimes has to encourage a student who is a little fearful of doing it wrong, to just step out and try it. This usually helps open them up to improve and advance their learning options.
Learning is fun and exciting!
This article has also been featured in our Brillante Magazine.
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