Geier

Slide1: 

DNCE 1401 Heidi Geier, Jonah Winn-Lenetsky, Will Daddario, Rachel Brammer-Shlay with Paul Baepler and J.D. Walker Technical Support: Jon McLachlan, Samantha Scarlett and Kim Wilcox

Background: 

Background Day section closes at 100 students, night section of 25 students Fulfills “Other Humanities” and “International Perspectives” credits Day section between 95 to 100% non-dance majors, predominately 1st and 2nd year students 70-75% have past experience with dance (Student census data) “Citizenship” class

Background: 

Background History of course Major curriculum redesign for Fall 2005 Assignments: two 3-5 page papers, analysis of seeing live performances on-line journal (replaced quizzes on readings) on-line small group article analysis (replaced formal article analysis paper) two exams, mostly essay format

Course Objectives: 

Course Objectives Expand student perceptions about dance Connect students to resources in University and Twin Cities communities Students continue to have interest in seeing dance beyond the end of the course Increase students appreciation and respect for diverse cultures through gaining understanding of their dances. Learn skills that will be useful regardless of their main field of study.

Challenges: 

Challenges

Challenges: 

Challenges Assumption that course is an “easy A” Wide range of student interests, backgrounds and misconceptions. Departmental goal to increase enrollment Student in class apathy, lack of willingness to speak out in large group situation Little one on one contact with teaching staff Get class intellectually & physically active Graduate TA from Theater program

Interventions: 

Interventions

Interventions: 

Interventions On-line Article Analysis Space for combining reflective and analytical thinking Opportunity for students to learn from each other Virtual space for small group interaction

Interventions: 

Interventions N=53

Interventions: 

Interventions On-line Journal Space for reflective, exploratory thinking Opportunity for students to make links between course material to other aspects of their lives. Virtual space for one on one time with teaching staff

Interventions: 

Interventions Final: n=53 Midterm: n=51

Active Learning = Embodied Learning: 

Active Learning = Embodied Learning

Interventions: 

Interventions Active Learning Activities in Class Guest Artists Small group discussion activities Shorter in their seats movement exercises

Interventions: 

Interventions Midterm: n=51

Interventions: 

Interventions Final: n=53

Interventions: 

Interventions Final: n=53

Future Steps: 

Future Steps Fine-tune and/or create new evaluation tools that provide useful information Keep experimenting with active learning exercises. Integrate experiential with intellectual learning. Continue evolving “lecture”, especially how PowerPoint is used to convey information. Working to link video into presentations for smoother flow. Longitudinal study on students’ continued engagement with dance.