I have had focused group discussion to collect some data from my dearest colleagues.
However, this time I have divided the members to twogroupes by age. I chose one young group of dancers, average age of twenty years old and the other group which is assembled by older dancers average age of twenty eight years old.
I purposely divided by age, because I was interested in the difference in the out come. We all see things differently even when we are seeing same object, especially as we get older.
As I guessed, I have succeeded to collect some very interesting data by the end of the two sessions.
As once I have dropped the questions into the field of discussion, younger group tried to get to the conclusion straight away, almost there were no discussion. It sounded like no one was listening to each other. There were not much of process of discussion. However, atmosphere was light and all of them were very interested in the topics. They all wanted to express what they were thinking, all in a same time! Also, their answers and conclusions were mainly the instant, short term solution compare to older group.
Older group' atmosphere was totally different. especially the pause between the questions and the pause between each other's opinions were interesting, and also created very heavy atmosphere. In older group, I have noticed the clear difference of opinions by in gender. It seemed like men do not wish to teach anyone who is not interested in what they do, considering women came with lots of tactics to make students interested in what they do. It came across men did not even want to discuss about the questions. It seemed like some older people took the questions and their answers very personally. I must admit, it was a hard work to keep going on the session with the older one's to make them actively want to express what they think. The men in older group came across they did not want to discuss with their opinions and they seemed like they are not ready to listen to the other's opinions or let other's opinions effect their's. It was almost like a competition, but not active, quiet and heavy one.
I must admit, I was more interested in their attitude and the atmosphere they have created, rather than actual answers for my inquiry.
However, the main difference in between them were, older group's opinions and tactics were much more diverse than younger ones. For example, older one's came up with using tools as a part of tactics. Also, older one's had a bigger point of view, i.e. to inspire young practitioners older one's came up with ideas of taking them to see live performance or put students in the performance to feel the real atmosphere of being professional. However, younger one;s mainly came up with changing the routine of the steps or changing the type of music, etc... ; short term solutions.
It was a interesting discussion, especially I had two different groups to compare to. Maybe next I will divide by gender, as male and female had clearly different approach to the topic.
Monday 25 November 2013
Wisdom in wonder
By watching Mr R Dowkins interview, what I was impressed the most was his extreme obsession and passion for pursue the truth. His discovery and struggle, his life story was also very interesting to watch, however, as I mentioned before that I cannot fully appreciate his discovery or level of understanding as I am a dancer.
However, his possession and passion, they are both incredible. To me, his amazing discoveries are just the outcome and the results from his obsession and passion of his strong will. Therefore, I was more curious about his personality and principal rather than his discovery; how his mind works.
It is not just his speciality as I often see these type of people in any genre. And from my experience, these people are usually quite successful in whatever they do.
Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison, etc...We all hear how they struggle till they archived their success. However, what people say, common sense or already established well known theories, nothing could make stop their strong will. Their obsession and passion was the engine which kept them going.
"Next time someone tells you something that sounds important, think to yourself, is this the kind of thing that people probably know because of evidence or is that kind of things people only believe because of tradition, authority, or revelation. And, next time somebody tells you that something is true, why not say to them what kind of evidence is there for that? And if they can not give you a good answer, I hope you will think very carefully before you believe a word they say."
Professor Dowkins comments on his interview. He explains he was trying to tell people HOW to think, not WHAT to think.
There are no compromise, he choose not to believe anything without an evidence.
"I am rather less interested in what other people think, but what is true."
And, he also do not care what people think of him. Compare to the joy of eureka, nothing matters to him.
So, why I am explaining of these? How are these relevant to my inquiry? I have been using these example to everyone to understand how important to question about what we do. That is my point.
Especially in the world of ballet is built by tradition and authority. To me, very dusty. It is so dusty that this tradition is blinding people, or it is puroposely designed this way by certain people, which I have explained on my blog about the system and atmosphere which trainer creates to control trainee. Professor Dowkins warns everyone in his interview as "People should have never say our people always believed X, so you should believe X. Authority should never say Professor so and so believe in X, therefore you should believe in X, or your priest believe X, so you should believe X. Or revolation have this inner conviction that X is true, therefore you should believe in X. No, the only reason should believe in X is, there are evidence for X. " . I do agree with him about we all need to be careful with what we choose to believe.
Another example, there are an unique character call Gideon from the bible. Why was he so unique? Why did he stood out from the other characters in the bible to me?
"If You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken, 37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken.”
“Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.”
Gideon, who doubt God's appearance, more than once! His behavior interested me.
Gideon had to be sure that the messages were from God. I am sure there were people who doubt God's appearance but, it was not so easy to doubt God's appearance in that era. It was almost a taboo to doubt God, but Gideon did it anyway and he doubted out loudly. He asked for some evidence to God like Professor Dowkins does in life.
The importance of question has been mentioned in the book of Mr Mamoru Ito's "If I were a rabbit's coach" too. In his literature, he explains how to guide students to right direction;
1, To guide them to use their own brain and words to think.
2, To encourage them to make an action based on their own way of thinking.
3, To evaluate results by thier own major or standard, not by anyone else critics or estimation.
Mr M Ito encourages people to use their own brain to think and also to take full responsibility of their action; to be happy with the outcome and accept the results, as most important thing is the process, not the results.This is very similar to one of the Cunningham ten rules, which is posted by Ms Nottingham. His rule number 9; Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It is lighter than you think .
There is nothing wrong with questioning the common sense or to doubt the rule. In other words, all the great discovery was born by doubting the common sense and by rebuild the structures of the way people think.
Example, Charles Darwin reliesed his "Evolution theory", after Richard Owen's evolution theory has been very much became as the theory of evolution in their era.
Columbus proved that, the earth is round shape, not flat, when everyone believed the earth is flat.
These people did not take other people's words or common sense. They followed their intuition or instinct. And, they did not give up till they get an answer which is good enough to calm their appetite of pursuit of true.
Answers will never be given, if, there are no questions. So, my aim is to create the relaxed atmosphere when I teach, so everyone can question whatever they want to ask.
Therefore, I am very interested in Socrates method. I think that is the method to bring inner intelligence of us human.
At last, "Wisdom in wonder", Thank you Socrates!
Socrates
However, his possession and passion, they are both incredible. To me, his amazing discoveries are just the outcome and the results from his obsession and passion of his strong will. Therefore, I was more curious about his personality and principal rather than his discovery; how his mind works.
It is not just his speciality as I often see these type of people in any genre. And from my experience, these people are usually quite successful in whatever they do.
Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison, etc...We all hear how they struggle till they archived their success. However, what people say, common sense or already established well known theories, nothing could make stop their strong will. Their obsession and passion was the engine which kept them going.
"Next time someone tells you something that sounds important, think to yourself, is this the kind of thing that people probably know because of evidence or is that kind of things people only believe because of tradition, authority, or revelation. And, next time somebody tells you that something is true, why not say to them what kind of evidence is there for that? And if they can not give you a good answer, I hope you will think very carefully before you believe a word they say."
Professor Dowkins comments on his interview. He explains he was trying to tell people HOW to think, not WHAT to think.
There are no compromise, he choose not to believe anything without an evidence.
"I am rather less interested in what other people think, but what is true."
And, he also do not care what people think of him. Compare to the joy of eureka, nothing matters to him.
So, why I am explaining of these? How are these relevant to my inquiry? I have been using these example to everyone to understand how important to question about what we do. That is my point.
Especially in the world of ballet is built by tradition and authority. To me, very dusty. It is so dusty that this tradition is blinding people, or it is puroposely designed this way by certain people, which I have explained on my blog about the system and atmosphere which trainer creates to control trainee. Professor Dowkins warns everyone in his interview as "People should have never say our people always believed X, so you should believe X. Authority should never say Professor so and so believe in X, therefore you should believe in X, or your priest believe X, so you should believe X. Or revolation have this inner conviction that X is true, therefore you should believe in X. No, the only reason should believe in X is, there are evidence for X. " . I do agree with him about we all need to be careful with what we choose to believe.
Another example, there are an unique character call Gideon from the bible. Why was he so unique? Why did he stood out from the other characters in the bible to me?
"If You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken, 37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that You will deliver Israel through me, as You have spoken.”
“Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.”
Gideon, who doubt God's appearance, more than once! His behavior interested me.
Gideon had to be sure that the messages were from God. I am sure there were people who doubt God's appearance but, it was not so easy to doubt God's appearance in that era. It was almost a taboo to doubt God, but Gideon did it anyway and he doubted out loudly. He asked for some evidence to God like Professor Dowkins does in life.
The importance of question has been mentioned in the book of Mr Mamoru Ito's "If I were a rabbit's coach" too. In his literature, he explains how to guide students to right direction;
1, To guide them to use their own brain and words to think.
2, To encourage them to make an action based on their own way of thinking.
3, To evaluate results by thier own major or standard, not by anyone else critics or estimation.
Mr M Ito encourages people to use their own brain to think and also to take full responsibility of their action; to be happy with the outcome and accept the results, as most important thing is the process, not the results.This is very similar to one of the Cunningham ten rules, which is posted by Ms Nottingham. His rule number 9; Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It is lighter than you think .
There is nothing wrong with questioning the common sense or to doubt the rule. In other words, all the great discovery was born by doubting the common sense and by rebuild the structures of the way people think.
Example, Charles Darwin reliesed his "Evolution theory", after Richard Owen's evolution theory has been very much became as the theory of evolution in their era.
Columbus proved that, the earth is round shape, not flat, when everyone believed the earth is flat.
These people did not take other people's words or common sense. They followed their intuition or instinct. And, they did not give up till they get an answer which is good enough to calm their appetite of pursuit of true.
Answers will never be given, if, there are no questions. So, my aim is to create the relaxed atmosphere when I teach, so everyone can question whatever they want to ask.
Therefore, I am very interested in Socrates method. I think that is the method to bring inner intelligence of us human.
At last, "Wisdom in wonder", Thank you Socrates!
Socrates
Friday 22 November 2013
Beautiful Mind, BBC documentary of Richard Dowkins
I am interested in Meme as I think Meme is an important key to education and learning process of human.
I am reading Richard Dowkins "The selfish Gene" and I have watched his BBC documentary, Beautiful Mind.
One of the picture, "You scratch my back I ride on your back" was very interesting as I have researched tit for tat on my previous module.
Also, "Meme Phenomenon" and "Internet meme" were also very much what I needed to look into for my first module!
It is a shame I am not a biologist to fully appreciate his discovery and wisdom. However, his interview and his strong personality was inspiring.
I especially liked how he talked about religion and tradition. As I do not have enough knowledge about religions I can not talk about it as well as he did in his interview, and I still think it is a very difficult subject to discuss, as I believe people do have a right to believe whatever they want to believe. However, these tradition and religion can be used as a way of brain washing young child without them realising as well as people who is telling them!
However, I do totally agree about the tradition. Mr Dowkins explains that we all need to be careful about some traditions, which has no solid evidence or critical results.
His strong attitude was what I wish for all the students to have, which I will continue in my next blog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2I8f4lpBLU
I am reading Richard Dowkins "The selfish Gene" and I have watched his BBC documentary, Beautiful Mind.
One of the picture, "You scratch my back I ride on your back" was very interesting as I have researched tit for tat on my previous module.
Also, "Meme Phenomenon" and "Internet meme" were also very much what I needed to look into for my first module!
It is a shame I am not a biologist to fully appreciate his discovery and wisdom. However, his interview and his strong personality was inspiring.
I especially liked how he talked about religion and tradition. As I do not have enough knowledge about religions I can not talk about it as well as he did in his interview, and I still think it is a very difficult subject to discuss, as I believe people do have a right to believe whatever they want to believe. However, these tradition and religion can be used as a way of brain washing young child without them realising as well as people who is telling them!
However, I do totally agree about the tradition. Mr Dowkins explains that we all need to be careful about some traditions, which has no solid evidence or critical results.
His strong attitude was what I wish for all the students to have, which I will continue in my next blog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2I8f4lpBLU
Thursday 21 November 2013
How does the state of Flow effect on performance and record 2
Usain Bolt became and archived more than what he wished to be.
His amazing success was also his grave yard in a same time.
By becoming what he wished to be, and even more, he lost the vision. I think he lost a purpose of what he does.
What do human do when we archive what we wished to archive and even more?
What happens when we accelerates species evolution? What waits at the end of evolution?
Any ways, So the question is " How to back in to Flow?".
Mr M Csikeszentmihilyi explains that, "By increasing the challenge. Thus arousal and control are very important states for learning.".
When we get into this burnout state, what we need to do is to increase the challenge.
As I am a dancer, I agree with his tactic as I have experienced that tactic worked on me.
I was a board of repeating the same performance every performance. So, one night I put front somersault in my entrance. It was not the best front somersault I have ever done, but, the stress and thrill took me into an amazing state! I was buzzing in rest of the performance and the evening! I instinctively knew I had to do something difficult to break through the routine. And, it was lucky that it worked. I was very happy that I tried the somersault, as I was very scared. I was very proud and I felt like I became stronger by trying something new!
So, there you go. we just need to keep on challenging ourselves. But, that is not as easy as it says, especially if you are the fast man in the world...
His amazing success was also his grave yard in a same time.
By becoming what he wished to be, and even more, he lost the vision. I think he lost a purpose of what he does.
What do human do when we archive what we wished to archive and even more?
What happens when we accelerates species evolution? What waits at the end of evolution?
Any ways, So the question is " How to back in to Flow?".
Mr M Csikeszentmihilyi explains that, "By increasing the challenge. Thus arousal and control are very important states for learning.".
When we get into this burnout state, what we need to do is to increase the challenge.
As I am a dancer, I agree with his tactic as I have experienced that tactic worked on me.
I was a board of repeating the same performance every performance. So, one night I put front somersault in my entrance. It was not the best front somersault I have ever done, but, the stress and thrill took me into an amazing state! I was buzzing in rest of the performance and the evening! I instinctively knew I had to do something difficult to break through the routine. And, it was lucky that it worked. I was very happy that I tried the somersault, as I was very scared. I was very proud and I felt like I became stronger by trying something new!
So, there you go. we just need to keep on challenging ourselves. But, that is not as easy as it says, especially if you are the fast man in the world...
How does the state of Flow effect in Performance and Record
As I was researching about Flow in Men's hundred meter, I have noticed that Usain Bolt, who is a world record holder, has not renewing his own world record since August 2009. It has been over four years since he renewed a world record which he has created. And, he has been renewing world record every time he enters a competition since 2008 till then. In one point, he was keep on renewing the world record which he has created in previous competitions.
So, what happened? Why it suddenly stopped?
I have discussed with my colleagues, and we all came down to same conclusion; Burn out.
Us dancers understand what Bolt is going through and how he feels as we are kind of like an athlete too.
Our theory is like this; He became the one and only. And, he has no one to compete with or defeat to, except himself. And that is a very lonely and hard process to go through.
We came down to a conclusion that, if there were another athlete, who is as fast as him, probably he is still renewing his records, as I guess that, having a strong opponent put him in to the state Flow very naturally; having a clear goal or aim. If, he had a strong opponent, he could just focus on beating the time the opponent creates. But, beating the record which he created, that is much harder as even if he does not reach to his previous time, technically he is still the winner. No wonder his motivation went down.
Flow experience happens when "Goals are clear, feedback relevant, and challenges and skills are in balance". Mr M Csikszentmihalyi explains in his book "Finding flow". He also explains that, going through the state of"Anxiety" is necessary to occur the flow state. Anxiety, I understand as a stress or struggle.
He explain we need to go through these stressful situation to break through our limit, also to occur eureka moment; inspiration. Then, eureka leads us into flow state. After that, only people who experienced the state of flow knows where does this state take you...
When athletes, dancers, artists or business man, get in Flow state, it takes them to higher level.
However, when we lose the feeling and way of how to getting into flow, it does effect on our day to day performance. I think that is what happened to Usain Bolt. Or maybe it was just matter of time, maybe people are already knew that would happen to him since early stage of his success.
The problem is, we do not exactly know how to occur or get in to the state flow. It happens sometimes when I am extremely tired, and I thought it is going to be a worst performance ever, but suddenly it happens and provide the best performance ever. Also opposite happens often too.
I have had discussion with several dancers and read several interview about flow state for dancers. Most of them mentions the state of flow was almost has been moved by God; nothing to do with their own will.
So, the state of flow does have a big effect on our life.
The question is How to control the Flow?
So, what happened? Why it suddenly stopped?
I have discussed with my colleagues, and we all came down to same conclusion; Burn out.
Us dancers understand what Bolt is going through and how he feels as we are kind of like an athlete too.
Our theory is like this; He became the one and only. And, he has no one to compete with or defeat to, except himself. And that is a very lonely and hard process to go through.
We came down to a conclusion that, if there were another athlete, who is as fast as him, probably he is still renewing his records, as I guess that, having a strong opponent put him in to the state Flow very naturally; having a clear goal or aim. If, he had a strong opponent, he could just focus on beating the time the opponent creates. But, beating the record which he created, that is much harder as even if he does not reach to his previous time, technically he is still the winner. No wonder his motivation went down.
Flow experience happens when "Goals are clear, feedback relevant, and challenges and skills are in balance". Mr M Csikszentmihalyi explains in his book "Finding flow". He also explains that, going through the state of"Anxiety" is necessary to occur the flow state. Anxiety, I understand as a stress or struggle.
He explain we need to go through these stressful situation to break through our limit, also to occur eureka moment; inspiration. Then, eureka leads us into flow state. After that, only people who experienced the state of flow knows where does this state take you...
When athletes, dancers, artists or business man, get in Flow state, it takes them to higher level.
However, when we lose the feeling and way of how to getting into flow, it does effect on our day to day performance. I think that is what happened to Usain Bolt. Or maybe it was just matter of time, maybe people are already knew that would happen to him since early stage of his success.
The problem is, we do not exactly know how to occur or get in to the state flow. It happens sometimes when I am extremely tired, and I thought it is going to be a worst performance ever, but suddenly it happens and provide the best performance ever. Also opposite happens often too.
I have had discussion with several dancers and read several interview about flow state for dancers. Most of them mentions the state of flow was almost has been moved by God; nothing to do with their own will.
So, the state of flow does have a big effect on our life.
The question is How to control the Flow?
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Another Eureka
Another Eurka to share.
As I am interested in difference between education and training, which
is a very important topic to me as I believe without defending these two different activity properly, I cannot
reach to the answer I am looking for. So far, I categorise education as an activity with a purpose or reasoning behind, without these, teaching can not be categorise as an education, to me. I categorise them as a training.
And, I have sadly realised a fact; training is to control people, not to educate people. If there are hierarchy in between students and teacher,I think that is a training; Trainer and trainee. Students do gain skills from it, but whoever training gain all the advantage as the system has been created to work well for trainers, to make trainers life easier; Activity is not happening from students point of view.
"Education is not learning the fact, but training the mind to think",
This is a quote from Einstein.
I agree with him, and if that is true, training does opposite to us; makes us not to think, just to re-act to commands.
"A machine is anything that reduces human effort and reduces time" .
This was another quote from a film "3 Idiots", a student explaining the definition of machine.
I fear that nowadays, training and education mixed up, as training turns us into a machine, to be used by trainers.
And, I have sadly realised a fact; training is to control people, not to educate people. If there are hierarchy in between students and teacher,I think that is a training; Trainer and trainee. Students do gain skills from it, but whoever training gain all the advantage as the system has been created to work well for trainers, to make trainers life easier; Activity is not happening from students point of view.
"Education is not learning the fact, but training the mind to think",
This is a quote from Einstein.
I agree with him, and if that is true, training does opposite to us; makes us not to think, just to re-act to commands.
"A machine is anything that reduces human effort and reduces time" .
This was another quote from a film "3 Idiots", a student explaining the definition of machine.
I fear that nowadays, training and education mixed up, as training turns us into a machine, to be used by trainers.
This is my inquiry and arguing point.
This is same as education in school and how the system of Ballet world functions.
Any ways, my eureka is based on these arguments above.
I have been wondering why some dancers have great physique and talent, but look so boring on stage. They have all the right essence, talents and factors to look great and dance well. So, why is that? And, on the other day, suddenly I understood why. The reasons are the matter of understanding and intelligence. These dancers are moving their body in a right way, dancing the choreography correctly. However, that was it. There are no reason or purpose why they are doing what they, and it shows on stage.
I ever knew what was the difference between a singer and singer who called as an artist.
I ever understood what is the difference between a dancer and dancer who known as an artist.
But, I do now! Eureka moment! Being an artist is to understand the meaning of lyrics or choreography, and some how translate and transmit the meaning through our body to public. That does not come from just a training. Training might provide a solid technique to students. However, without knowing how to use them, what is the point? Without proper education, we are just a machine.
Technique is there to express our senses. However, if the basket is empty, there are nothing to give.
ON the other day, my colleague told me that my movements in my solo were so clear and looked like movements had a meaning. It was an interesting comment to me, as my solo was an abstract piece. There were no story behind or no character I had needed to be on stage. But, some how he felt the meaning through my performance.When we dance a story ballet, we try to bring the characters through the choreography. But, it is not easy even if we perform simple story and clear characters. So, his comment was very interesting to me, as there were no menaning behind when it choreographed as it was an abstract piece. I did not have any clear, strong message for audience when entered on stage. I was just having a good time on stage with audience.
His comment made me smile and also made me think even more about the meaning of performance...
I have been wondering why some dancers have great physique and talent, but look so boring on stage. They have all the right essence, talents and factors to look great and dance well. So, why is that? And, on the other day, suddenly I understood why. The reasons are the matter of understanding and intelligence. These dancers are moving their body in a right way, dancing the choreography correctly. However, that was it. There are no reason or purpose why they are doing what they, and it shows on stage.
I ever knew what was the difference between a singer and singer who called as an artist.
I ever understood what is the difference between a dancer and dancer who known as an artist.
But, I do now! Eureka moment! Being an artist is to understand the meaning of lyrics or choreography, and some how translate and transmit the meaning through our body to public. That does not come from just a training. Training might provide a solid technique to students. However, without knowing how to use them, what is the point? Without proper education, we are just a machine.
Technique is there to express our senses. However, if the basket is empty, there are nothing to give.
ON the other day, my colleague told me that my movements in my solo were so clear and looked like movements had a meaning. It was an interesting comment to me, as my solo was an abstract piece. There were no story behind or no character I had needed to be on stage. But, some how he felt the meaning through my performance.When we dance a story ballet, we try to bring the characters through the choreography. But, it is not easy even if we perform simple story and clear characters. So, his comment was very interesting to me, as there were no menaning behind when it choreographed as it was an abstract piece. I did not have any clear, strong message for audience when entered on stage. I was just having a good time on stage with audience.
His comment made me smile and also made me think even more about the meaning of performance...
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Ms Nottingham's post inspired me to share these rules too!
ms Nottingham posted cunningham's ten rules of work, which was inspiring. I did not agree with all of them, especially last one, keep everything cos we never know when we will need them. I say, learn and drop them. Without dropping the information we have learned, we will never be able to make a new space to learn something new. Read books as many as possible, store them in computer if they are digital format. If not, once you have grasp the essence, it is a bye bye time. Otherwise we have so much stuff and no where to live! Tidy the information and digest them to be part of us, therefore we can withdraw any time we can; we are control of it. If we have not fully understand the meaning and we have to look for the information every time we want to use them, then we have not really learnt about the information.
Einstein says "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school".
These are quotes from my favourite film, which always inspires me, "3 idiots".
1, Learning is not memorizing the exact words from the book. Learning is understanding it and being able to explain it in your own words.
2, Your life, your choice. Don’t let anyone dictate you what you’re going to do with your life. As Rancho said to Farhan, “Make your passion your profession. So it will not be work but play.”
3, Pursue excellence, and success will follow
Einstein says "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school".
These are quotes from my favourite film, which always inspires me, "3 idiots".
1, Learning is not memorizing the exact words from the book. Learning is understanding it and being able to explain it in your own words.
2, Your life, your choice. Don’t let anyone dictate you what you’re going to do with your life. As Rancho said to Farhan, “Make your passion your profession. So it will not be work but play.”
3, Pursue excellence, and success will follow
Saturday 16 November 2013
I started to see what I was trying to see...
I am publishing these blogs, because these are I would like to write and use for my 7a, Inquiry process and findings etc... However, comes down to it, I have so much information and so much things I would like to explain and become chaotic! Therefore, I blog them section by section that hope of it will make sense in the end, and I can use hem for my 7a.
I started to look back my journey through my own blog, and I started to see the answer I was looking for.
For example, I have blogged about teaching. I once questioned, teacher or role model, who do students need. My answer to my own question is becoming clearer as my research of Meme progress.
I think I am getting closer to the answer; getting closer to complete the module. I just need to prepare and organised, so people will understand what I am trying to prove. I just have to make sure that I utalise every thing I can do to explain well. If I do not reach people's receptor, I will loose.
Meme in Sports
Until 1968, none of the athletes broken the record of ten second in hundred meter sprint. It use be called as "Ten-second barrier ". Most of the people and critics and even athletes believed that, it would be a dream to break the ten second in hundred meter run or they came down to a conclusion of ten second is the human limit in hundred meter.
However, 20th of July 1968, Jim Hines has renewed the world record as 9.9. But, that was not the main surprise. After he broke the record, same day at the same competition, two more athletes made 9.9 too.
How was that possible? since 1891, every athletes try to defeat the wall of 10 second and none of them suceeded. And, one day, three athletes broke the wall in same day! To me, the answer is Meme.
Meme is the key to break through our limit.
And, my inquiry to use it well in Education!
However, 20th of July 1968, Jim Hines has renewed the world record as 9.9. But, that was not the main surprise. After he broke the record, same day at the same competition, two more athletes made 9.9 too.
How was that possible? since 1891, every athletes try to defeat the wall of 10 second and none of them suceeded. And, one day, three athletes broke the wall in same day! To me, the answer is Meme.
Meme is the key to break through our limit.
And, my inquiry to use it well in Education!
Friday 15 November 2013
Meme in Social Net Work.
Another example of Meme. But this time it has spread through internet.
This step has posted on Youtube while ago.
A while after, this guy posted this On youtube.
After few months later, same guy posted this combination on Youtube.
Two days after this was posted, first guy archived in same combination and posted on Youtube.
These examples reminds me of something I read before. I have read several books about how world records has been renewed. Which will be continued in next blog...
This step has posted on Youtube while ago.
I have a feeling that, they do not each other or they have ever met before. However, through Youtube, they are inspiring each other. A good example of Meme developing through social media. My question is, is it a part of explicit knowledge? As video is a part of explicit knowledge.
The source of Meme; the source of Success
Meme has a great potential in world of Arts. However, it can also be spread out in academic world too.
I have realised this when I was researching how human pass on knowledge and critical learning age of human. Dr K Murakami explains something very interesting for my inquiry in his literature "An extraordinary potential of Human DNA". Dr Murakami, himself is a Nobel prize winner. And, as he was researching about the prize, he found an interesting fact; Havard University is producing a way more Nobel Prize winner than rest of Universitys. Dr Murakami thinks this stroke of Genius can be contagious. Therefore, it is only natural that people who aim for Nobel prize want to go to the university which producing most of the prize winner. The selected students in Harvard University they influence each other, and they have an advantage; so many former prize winners to look up to.
I have realised this when I was researching how human pass on knowledge and critical learning age of human. Dr K Murakami explains something very interesting for my inquiry in his literature "An extraordinary potential of Human DNA". Dr Murakami, himself is a Nobel prize winner. And, as he was researching about the prize, he found an interesting fact; Havard University is producing a way more Nobel Prize winner than rest of Universitys. Dr Murakami thinks this stroke of Genius can be contagious. Therefore, it is only natural that people who aim for Nobel prize want to go to the university which producing most of the prize winner. The selected students in Harvard University they influence each other, and they have an advantage; so many former prize winners to look up to.
Another interesting example. If you see hundred meter runners, the five top athletes, fastest runner in the world. Four of them are from Jamaica. It possibly is because of the culture or genes. However, I believe it is not a coincidence. It is again a game of Meme. Only because if Jamaican were always good in running, they would hold world record since long time ago. However, until 2008, Asafa Powell break the world record, there weren't any Jamaicans. However, since 2008, Jamaica suddenly started to produce world record breaker almost every year. How does it make sense?
When I read Mr Murakami's literature, and when I noticed about the relation about Jamaica, I instantly understood what Meme is, and What Meme can do to us human.
Meme in Performing Arts
I am working on my finding of Inquiry at the moment, and there are something I need to people to see to understand what Meme and Tacit knowledge in Dance, as tacit knowledge can be explained by explicit knowledge, that is my struggle but I can use meme as an example to explain and share with every one, what tacit knowledge and Meme in dance.
There are a famous ballet dancer call Carlos Acosta, who is from Cuba. He became very popular as he is very different; he is very good that there are no one to compare, and he was first world wide Black ballet dancer, opened traditional ballet world's door to more black dancers. Since his appearance, his Meme has spread out, especially in Cuba, and to Black young dancers.
There are a famous ballet dancer call Carlos Acosta, who is from Cuba. He became very popular as he is very different; he is very good that there are no one to compare, and he was first world wide Black ballet dancer, opened traditional ballet world's door to more black dancers. Since his appearance, his Meme has spread out, especially in Cuba, and to Black young dancers.
After his appearance, suddenly male dancers standard have gone up world wide. And, every one wanted to dance like him.
This young male dancer is also from Cuba. He just does not try to dance like him, he emphasize his facial expression and physical habit.
There are another clip to compare.
This young dancer is also from Cuba. You see how much Mr Acosta has influence on these young stars.
Meme takes over us when us human try to strive to be more or try to break through our limit.
Monday 4 November 2013
The keys to my inquiry questions!
I have been researching about "Flow", which is a mental state. I still am researching to put all together so I can not blog properly, but, I can share what I am trying to understand.
I am trying to understand more about "Flow" mental state.
I am trying to understand how to control it, i.e. how to occur or waken Flow mental state when we wish to.
I am also looking into "Motessori Education", as it helps to experience the Flow mental state compare to a traditional education settings.
I also am looking into human action call "Meme". I think it is the key to my inquiry question of tacit knowledge. However, my current question is, is Meme explicit knowledge or Tacit knowledge?
Also, "Socrates method" fascinates me too. I love the concept of with drawn the inner intelligence by creating the questions to ask students, instead of feeding information. If my understanding is correct, as my understanding can be shallow and often I understand deeper after I came down to a conclusion and publish them! I think this is what education is.
I want to understand what is different between well trained human being and well educated human being. It came from as I had a discussion with my friend who is an inspector of child minders and nursery. There are quite few ex army becoming teachers. But, I am worried. Can these people truly educate other human beings? or will they just train other human being like they have at training camp of army? I have nothing against army and I do respect them as they protect the country. It is just another question.
I am trying to understand more about "Flow" mental state.
I am trying to understand how to control it, i.e. how to occur or waken Flow mental state when we wish to.
I am also looking into "Motessori Education", as it helps to experience the Flow mental state compare to a traditional education settings.
I also am looking into human action call "Meme". I think it is the key to my inquiry question of tacit knowledge. However, my current question is, is Meme explicit knowledge or Tacit knowledge?
Also, "Socrates method" fascinates me too. I love the concept of with drawn the inner intelligence by creating the questions to ask students, instead of feeding information. If my understanding is correct, as my understanding can be shallow and often I understand deeper after I came down to a conclusion and publish them! I think this is what education is.
I want to understand what is different between well trained human being and well educated human being. It came from as I had a discussion with my friend who is an inspector of child minders and nursery. There are quite few ex army becoming teachers. But, I am worried. Can these people truly educate other human beings? or will they just train other human being like they have at training camp of army? I have nothing against army and I do respect them as they protect the country. It is just another question.
Tuesday 29 October 2013
An interesting coincedence
I am going through my literature these days. The resource are literature, internet, talking to people, etc...
Then, I found the two totally different books mentioned an organisation which called; The Institutes of the achievement of human potential.
The Institutes for The Achievement of Human Potential is a non-profit organization providing teaching programs and literature which it promotes as improving the health and neurological development of normal children and of children who have sustained a brain injury.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Institutes_for_the_Achievement_of_Human_Potential
One of the books is my academical side of literature"The Einstein Factor" by W Wenger.
However, the other book is call"Marcial Arts increase intelligence" by A Hino, who is a martial artist.
These two books are in two totally different genre. However, both authors mentioned in their opus about the organisation. Mr A Hino mentions in his literature that, he was very impressed with the standard of completion of the Doman method. And, especially he was interested in how the power of human relation have impact or effect on the process of Doman method rehab.
However, on the other side Mr Wenger introduces the method and the institute as a way of increasing the human intelligence.
I just found this fact fascinating that, these two totally different professional practitioners mentioned same thing.
As the institute has been mentioned by these two inspiring authors, I am must looking in to the Doman method and about the institute!
Then, I found the two totally different books mentioned an organisation which called; The Institutes of the achievement of human potential.
The Institutes for The Achievement of Human Potential is a non-profit organization providing teaching programs and literature which it promotes as improving the health and neurological development of normal children and of children who have sustained a brain injury.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Institutes_for_the_Achievement_of_Human_Potential
One of the books is my academical side of literature"The Einstein Factor" by W Wenger.
However, the other book is call"Marcial Arts increase intelligence" by A Hino, who is a martial artist.
These two books are in two totally different genre. However, both authors mentioned in their opus about the organisation. Mr A Hino mentions in his literature that, he was very impressed with the standard of completion of the Doman method. And, especially he was interested in how the power of human relation have impact or effect on the process of Doman method rehab.
However, on the other side Mr Wenger introduces the method and the institute as a way of increasing the human intelligence.
I just found this fact fascinating that, these two totally different professional practitioners mentioned same thing.
As the institute has been mentioned by these two inspiring authors, I am must looking in to the Doman method and about the institute!
A Project Japanese!
Nothing to do with my inquiry. However, I have been trying my son to pick up some Japanese words as I am Japanese. He started to pick some Japanese words up and I am mega exited about his development.
However, writing and reading are quite difficult... So, I have created a game!
I have found a broken hard paper envelope. So, I wrote first line of Japanese alphabets and cut them to pieces.
Then, put them in an envelope, which I did not have, so I have taped two papers to make a temporary big envelope. Then, put the cards in the envelope.
At last, draw the cards from the envelope, and guess which alphabet the card is in Japanese!
As I have tested this game by my self, the top of the envelope was sharp and there are possibility of causing a paper cut. and, I do not wish that to happen to my son. So, I have folded the top and now, it is safe to use!
Well, will this game learning method work? God knows! But, I must try for my son's future!
And, I also need to do mu inquiry if I have a time to do things like this;P More time! I need more time!
However, writing and reading are quite difficult... So, I have created a game!
I have found a broken hard paper envelope. So, I wrote first line of Japanese alphabets and cut them to pieces.
Then, put them in an envelope, which I did not have, so I have taped two papers to make a temporary big envelope. Then, put the cards in the envelope.
At last, draw the cards from the envelope, and guess which alphabet the card is in Japanese!
Well, will this game learning method work? God knows! But, I must try for my son's future!
And, I also need to do mu inquiry if I have a time to do things like this;P More time! I need more time!
The real question is....
As I am proceeding my inquiry, the question of questions has risen.
The question is
1, What do I really want to understand?
2, Why do I want to understand?
3, How does the investigation, answer and understanding toward my inquiry effect my life?
With these questions, I need to re-think my inquiry questions and thoughts. With out Why, and with out the reason, there are no point.
The question is
1, What do I really want to understand?
2, Why do I want to understand?
3, How does the investigation, answer and understanding toward my inquiry effect my life?
With these questions, I need to re-think my inquiry questions and thoughts. With out Why, and with out the reason, there are no point.
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Feed back for Ms Nottingham's concept drawing
I have read Ms Nottingham blog about concept drawing and I found it very interesting as I draw often to sort my inquiry process out. She explained in her blog of visual thinking method, which has created by Mr R Arnheim.
Her journal reminded me of the comment of Mr Walt Disney's process of creating his master piece "Fantasia". He explained, how he can not image something beautiful when he hears beautiful piece of music.
Mr W Wenger explains in his literature "The Einstein factor" that, Mr Disney had a great sense of Synesthesia, which is an ability to translate or describe five human basic sense to other senses. Example, sense of smell to sense of vision, sense of sound to sense of taste, etc....He was very good in translating his sense of hearing to vision.
I also think visual thinking does help as Ms Nottingham suggests.
Mr Disney used his Visual Map, which is pretty similar to mind map, which is very familiar to all the BAPP students as we all have learned in module one. Mr Disney used the method to create so many beautiful, wonderful pieces.
Above is Mr Disney's visual map.
So, how does this visual thinking, visual mapping, mind mapping, or concept drawing help us? How does it relate to BAPP professional inquiry work? What is the benefits of it?
The answer is clear. Mr W Wenger explains in his literature that, these methods helps create links between visual and verbal modes of thinking.
Below is his theory explained by psychology wiki
Wenger describes the process as a combination of Albert Einstein's method of day dreaming and the Socratic method of repeated questioning. He believes that it causes the subject to become more aware of his mental imagery and creates links between visual and verbal thinking.
Her journal reminded me of the comment of Mr Walt Disney's process of creating his master piece "Fantasia". He explained, how he can not image something beautiful when he hears beautiful piece of music.
Mr W Wenger explains in his literature "The Einstein factor" that, Mr Disney had a great sense of Synesthesia, which is an ability to translate or describe five human basic sense to other senses. Example, sense of smell to sense of vision, sense of sound to sense of taste, etc....He was very good in translating his sense of hearing to vision.
I also think visual thinking does help as Ms Nottingham suggests.
Mr Disney used his Visual Map, which is pretty similar to mind map, which is very familiar to all the BAPP students as we all have learned in module one. Mr Disney used the method to create so many beautiful, wonderful pieces.
Above is Mr Disney's visual map.
So, how does this visual thinking, visual mapping, mind mapping, or concept drawing help us? How does it relate to BAPP professional inquiry work? What is the benefits of it?
The answer is clear. Mr W Wenger explains in his literature that, these methods helps create links between visual and verbal modes of thinking.
Below is his theory explained by psychology wiki
Wenger describes the process as a combination of Albert Einstein's method of day dreaming and the Socratic method of repeated questioning. He believes that it causes the subject to become more aware of his mental imagery and creates links between visual and verbal thinking.
Wenger believes that the endless stream of visual images, that everyone experiences to some degree, contain important thoughts and insights. Certainly many discoveries have come through day dreaming, most notably Einstein's discovery of the theory of relativity.[How to reference and link to summary or text]
Describing the images aloud, brings them to conscious attention and, according to Wenger, leads to more and clearer imagery. Wenger describes this as a feedback mechanism where the act of observing causes more imagery to be produced.
He also speculates that image streaming links visual and verbal modes of thinking and that this causes intelligence to increase.
So, these methods helps us to translate our senses to verbal; drawing to essay writing! However, drawing is only used to help transrate to verbal results for us BAPP students for essay or journal,etc.... Drawings are visual evidence but do not get in to too much of details and forget why we are using these methods, they only exist as tools to develop our inquiry. Let's use them well, and try not to be used by them;P
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Teaching and Eureka effect
I have read some books and I have been interested in an effect in human learning process call "Eureka Effect", in the other word "Aha! moment".
This is a short clip from my favorite film, this film explain what education can be are and should be through main character's journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEVw1CeiGNM
This is a short clip from my favorite film, this film explain what education can be are and should be through main character's journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEVw1CeiGNM
Monday 21 October 2013
Questions for my inquiry
After I had a long chat with my adviser Ms Nottingham, my thoughts are a bit clearer now.
I started to think what I want to ask, and why.
So, there asre questions I have produced based on my inquiry questions, which I am planning to use them for focused group today as I heard there are lots of waiting around for our rehearsal.
1, How to motivate or stimulate younger learner and practitioners.
The reason why I need to ask question is because this is a part of my findings inn my research. I have found out that a fact, once teacher successfully inspired or motivate students, they will automatically wish to learn more by themselves. If students have not found true interest in what they do, it is difficult to make them want to learn more, as we can take a horse to river but we can not make them drink if they are not interested in.
Therefore, I believe this is a very important technique as a teacher.
2, How to draw people's attention or how to make people find interest in what we do as a professional.
I believe this is am important technique too, as I found from my research that, no matter what great experience teachers have to share, or valuable information, knowledge teachers have, if teachers have failed to make people listen what teachers are saying, there are no point.
3,How to pass on or share tacit knowledge in dance.
Tacit knowledge is not some thing people can learn by just reading literature or listening a lecture. The, how do we share them? as especially performing arts's technique is based on tacit knowledge?
I started to think what I want to ask, and why.
So, there asre questions I have produced based on my inquiry questions, which I am planning to use them for focused group today as I heard there are lots of waiting around for our rehearsal.
1, How to motivate or stimulate younger learner and practitioners.
The reason why I need to ask question is because this is a part of my findings inn my research. I have found out that a fact, once teacher successfully inspired or motivate students, they will automatically wish to learn more by themselves. If students have not found true interest in what they do, it is difficult to make them want to learn more, as we can take a horse to river but we can not make them drink if they are not interested in.
Therefore, I believe this is a very important technique as a teacher.
2, How to draw people's attention or how to make people find interest in what we do as a professional.
I believe this is am important technique too, as I found from my research that, no matter what great experience teachers have to share, or valuable information, knowledge teachers have, if teachers have failed to make people listen what teachers are saying, there are no point.
3,How to pass on or share tacit knowledge in dance.
Tacit knowledge is not some thing people can learn by just reading literature or listening a lecture. The, how do we share them? as especially performing arts's technique is based on tacit knowledge?
Sunday 20 October 2013
Being a teacher, being a Sat Nav; an objective view and a subjective view
How wonderful to have a good sat nav? It shows the correct, efficient and most direct way to driver.
Then, new question has occurred. So, do you think can teachers guide the students if teachers have ever been to the place or ever been to the maze of problem?
However, can you imagine how awful to have a rubbish Sat Nav? It won't show you a correct way. When driver take wrong turn, it takes ages to find alternative root. Sat Nav has not up dated but world is up dating every day, therefore, it can not find a right place even type an address. Driver does not even know how many mileage left to the destination or what time they will get to the distillation. This Sat Nav will not make driver want to drive any where. With sat nav like this, driver won't get any where or just get lost by the process of driving! By the consequences of this rubbish sat nav, the car might will break down and no more petrol left to drive around.
Now, please re-read the sentence above with changing the words "Driver" to students, and "Sat Nav" as teacher....
Teaching is a team work of students and tracers. Same as Sat Nav can not get to the destination without a driver to take. Teachers need to use their objective point of view to re-focus student's subjective view.
As often find an answer can be a difficult process even the answer is simple and clear. That is because subject; student is too close to the answer. Often closer we get less we see. Therefore, teacher's objective, distanced view become necessarily to solve their problems.
This is a students point of view; a subjective point of view. When they are stuck in problem, trying to work a way out to solve the problem. But, very much lost because hey do not see where they are,therefore, they do not know where to go or which direction to prceed. And, eventually students get tired, injured and no other choice but stop or give up.
This is a good teacher's point of view; an objective point of view. They know the place very well, as they have already been to the place or this maze as they were student. Therefore, they know exactly how to guide the student, if the teacher knows where the students are in the maze or in the place.
Friday 18 October 2013
Questionnaire
I have made new questionnaire for my inquiry.
1, How did you find the level of the workshop in terms of your own standard (eg, too difficult / could be more challenging / the level suited your standard etc.)?
2, Was there anything in particular which you liked or thought worked well with the workshop?
3, Was there anything about the workshop you disliked or thought could use improvement?
4, Is there anything you think we should be including in future workshops which were not included in your workshop?
5, Do you have any overall comments about the workshop?
6, Would you like to be contacted about further workshops we may be holding in your area?
I need to encourage students to actively express their opinions by using their own words, as can ask them to corporate but I can not make them participate if they don't feel like it. Maybe I should give them a sticker if they participate well....
1, How did you find the level of the workshop in terms of your own standard (eg, too difficult / could be more challenging / the level suited your standard etc.)?
2, Was there anything in particular which you liked or thought worked well with the workshop?
3, Was there anything about the workshop you disliked or thought could use improvement?
4, Is there anything you think we should be including in future workshops which were not included in your workshop?
5, Do you have any overall comments about the workshop?
6, Would you like to be contacted about further workshops we may be holding in your area?
I need to encourage students to actively express their opinions by using their own words, as can ask them to corporate but I can not make them participate if they don't feel like it. Maybe I should give them a sticker if they participate well....
Sunday 13 October 2013
Genius Note
I have created a method clear my thoughts for my inquiry and investigation.
I named as "Genius Note".
It started as I was in a restaurant with my wife and son. And, he was getting bored and stareted to act a bit naughty. So, I got told from my wife to get something to keep my son busy, therfore I went to the closest to shop and got a note book and coloure
pens, as I thought he can draw on the note book with lots of different colour pen. However, it turned up that my wife wanted me get some toys as she packed pens and paper already:(
Therefore, a note book and some colour pens has left. Then, I thought it maybe a good opportunity to use them for my work. I have already write down things for my work, however it ever be so structured, therfore I can not blog them to share or use them as my evidence of my work. However, this works greatly. As, I can do what I usually do to on the left side of the page, then, later on I can edit them and write nicely on the right side, therefore people would understand what and why I draw random thoughts; people visibly see my work process and they see how I work and how my brain work. Most importantly I visually see how my brain work, and this process clear my thoughts out before I transfer on to the blog to share! I am away from home as I am touring, but when I get home I will scan them and blog them!
Genius Note, working well so far....
Therefore, a note book and some colour pens has left. Then, I thought it maybe a good opportunity to use them for my work. I have already write down things for my work, however it ever be so structured, therfore I can not blog them to share or use them as my evidence of my work. However, this works greatly. As, I can do what I usually do to on the left side of the page, then, later on I can edit them and write nicely on the right side, therefore people would understand what and why I draw random thoughts; people visibly see my work process and they see how I work and how my brain work. Most importantly I visually see how my brain work, and this process clear my thoughts out before I transfer on to the blog to share! I am away from home as I am touring, but when I get home I will scan them and blog them!
Genius Note, working well so far....
Thursday 10 October 2013
Life and Performance
The fate has been decided and same time has not been
decided.
Mr Y Kouno explains that, life and fate is like the role we have
been given in performance; it has already decided and given to us. And it is impossible to change. Therefore, we have no choice but to play the role
we have given. However, same time he says we have freedom and choice of how
to play the role. We cannot change who we are, we must accept that. However, we have a
choice to be exactly how we wish to be.
As I am thinking of quitting my job as a professional dancer
by end of this season, his quote had a massive impact on my attitude as a dancer. After I have read his book I have decided that, I am going to explore the roles I have given as a dancer till maximum capacity. No fear, no worrying about standing out or
braking the balance of performance, I just need to go for it to see new and
different levels. This was hard as I needed my contract to be continued to bring in a steady income. But, now I think back, maybe my life as a dancer and an artist
was gone the moment when I started to
afraid of being sucked and trying to be a good dancer.
However, I have two more months till tour and
the contract ends, I am going to fill up the roll I have been given to maximum
potential. Explore!
Quote from Mr Y Kouno's book "Be Precarious, Be strong "
Quote from Mr Y Kouno's book "Be Precarious, Be strong "
Wednesday 9 October 2013
Blogging
I thought about why I am blogging my thoughts, questions and findings.
Because is it part of this BAPP course? Yes.
But, I also noticed that, more I write down my thoughts, clearer my thoughts get.
The book I m reading, it recommend blogging or writing diary. The book says it does not have to make sense or it does not have be understood by the others. These blogging and writing down methods helps understanding what I really want to know; clarify the all unnecessary thoughts and questions, and take us to where we need to be.
I had a problem with blogging. And, I guess it is still a problem. My problem was I was always worried about my English. When I write blog to post, it takes about three days. Because I was so afraid and embarrassed about English. This blog will be read by other students, and my English should be better. but, the fact is NOT. So, I am going to use this blogging method to understand about my self more than before.
If, people are reading my blog, probably most likely do not make sense to you. But, I am going to use this blog more like a diary, as well as a method to share the thoughts with the others.
My chaotic mind need tidy up!
Because is it part of this BAPP course? Yes.
But, I also noticed that, more I write down my thoughts, clearer my thoughts get.
The book I m reading, it recommend blogging or writing diary. The book says it does not have to make sense or it does not have be understood by the others. These blogging and writing down methods helps understanding what I really want to know; clarify the all unnecessary thoughts and questions, and take us to where we need to be.
I had a problem with blogging. And, I guess it is still a problem. My problem was I was always worried about my English. When I write blog to post, it takes about three days. Because I was so afraid and embarrassed about English. This blog will be read by other students, and my English should be better. but, the fact is NOT. So, I am going to use this blogging method to understand about my self more than before.
If, people are reading my blog, probably most likely do not make sense to you. But, I am going to use this blog more like a diary, as well as a method to share the thoughts with the others.
My chaotic mind need tidy up!
Monday 7 October 2013
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
More I teach, more I learn, then, I realise a fact that how much I do not know about what I am teaching and what I am doing.
Experience provides more questions, new answer double the question.
I really often wonder how much I really understand what I am trying to communicate with the students.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. This is a quote of famous philosopher Socrtes.
I do agree with him, however, it does not really help the situation. This is a very deep true wisdom, but not practical. If, not practical, that means useless.
I think I realise how much I do not know about what I am teaching every time I teach or take class.
So, what can I do?
Experience provides more questions, new answer double the question.
I really often wonder how much I really understand what I am trying to communicate with the students.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. This is a quote of famous philosopher Socrtes.
I do agree with him, however, it does not really help the situation. This is a very deep true wisdom, but not practical. If, not practical, that means useless.
I think I realise how much I do not know about what I am teaching every time I teach or take class.
So, what can I do?
Wednesday 11 September 2013
Individuality in Ballet
Ballet is a very traditional form of dance compare to other type of dance and
it is been taught in all over the world, and every country and methods have slightly different rules and priority
it is been taught in all over the world, and every country and methods have slightly different rules and priority
.As I explained before, ballet has strict rules, history and tradition, these factors make ballet as it is till today.
Then, I questioned my self why every countries have different style in ballet?
Eastern Europe has mixture of Russian and European style of ballet.
Germany is mainly mix of American technique and traditional European style.
Meditterenuem focus on strong technique rather than style.
Russian technique is very physical and mixed of gymnastic in most of the country
I wondered why. Then, I have realised that every countries have own tradition, weather, and own back ground. These factors have effect on their style of ballet.
Especially eastern Europe has a big in effluence from Russia as they used be united. Therefore it makes sense that their style became very similar to Russian style.
German style is mixed of all style, based on American fast style technique with twist of European upper body, as America had big influence after the war, it is understandable how the style has became.
These back ground of the history and difference of culture make every country very different from each other.
Like cooking, people cook same food all over the world, but they do not look and taste the same, even they have cooked similar way.
British omelet and Spanish Omelet tastes not the same as ingredients and the way of cooking is slightly different.
British take away Chinese and traditional Chinese food is again tastes very different.
I have discussed about this with my colleagues and we came down to a conclusion why; as we are all individuals, we all want and find interest in individually different things. The value of objects and information changes with time, place and depend on people.
Even same as teacher. My self as a teacher I have some priority in ballet rules which I ask students to archive. But, different teachers have different preference. Some teachers focus on clean technique, some on performance, etc...Learn from only one teacher is making one's self blind. We all know Carrots are good for us, but important fact is to eat a lot of different foods to maintain the health.
More I have learn about ballet as a practitioner, I understand the importantness of having a balance. Try not to believe a teacher blindly, listen to all the teachers and make our own best decision that we can make from all the information and experience we have and given in that time. And, later on again our decision changes by finding out more about ballet and our seves.
Then, I questioned my self why every countries have different style in ballet?
Eastern Europe has mixture of Russian and European style of ballet.
Germany is mainly mix of American technique and traditional European style.
Meditterenuem focus on strong technique rather than style.
Russian technique is very physical and mixed of gymnastic in most of the country
I wondered why. Then, I have realised that every countries have own tradition, weather, and own back ground. These factors have effect on their style of ballet.
Especially eastern Europe has a big in effluence from Russia as they used be united. Therefore it makes sense that their style became very similar to Russian style.
German style is mixed of all style, based on American fast style technique with twist of European upper body, as America had big influence after the war, it is understandable how the style has became.
These back ground of the history and difference of culture make every country very different from each other.
Like cooking, people cook same food all over the world, but they do not look and taste the same, even they have cooked similar way.
British omelet and Spanish Omelet tastes not the same as ingredients and the way of cooking is slightly different.
I have discussed about this with my colleagues and we came down to a conclusion why; as we are all individuals, we all want and find interest in individually different things. The value of objects and information changes with time, place and depend on people.
Even same as teacher. My self as a teacher I have some priority in ballet rules which I ask students to archive. But, different teachers have different preference. Some teachers focus on clean technique, some on performance, etc...Learn from only one teacher is making one's self blind. We all know Carrots are good for us, but important fact is to eat a lot of different foods to maintain the health.
More I have learn about ballet as a practitioner, I understand the importantness of having a balance. Try not to believe a teacher blindly, listen to all the teachers and make our own best decision that we can make from all the information and experience we have and given in that time. And, later on again our decision changes by finding out more about ballet and our seves.
Friday 30 August 2013
Ways of passing information; Pictures
By using pictures as a support tool we can explain what words can not or hard to explain by words, also picture can pass the information much more quicker and direct to people in ballet class.
.
And, one of the biggest advantage of using picture is people can can explain to the people who do not understand the language or people who struggle to read the text books.
Especially there can be a lot of foreign students or dancers in class, rehearsals and in performance,
as my self as a foreign dancer, I appreciate the inportantness of using pictures.
For example, there are one of ballet positions call Attitude.
The position of Attitude can be explain as;A position in which the dancer stands on one leg (known as the supporting leg) while the other leg (working leg) is lifted and well turned out with the knee bent at approximately 90-degree angle. The lifted or working leg can be behind (derrière), in front (devant), or on the side (à la seconde) of the body. In some styles of ballet, such as RAD, the foot should be below the knee, creating an obtuse angle at the knee. In others, such as the Balanchine and Russian styles, the foot must be in line with the knee or above it, creating an angle that is 90-degrees or less. The attitude position can be performed with the supporting leg and foot either en pointe, demi pointe or on a flat foot.
I do personally find it hard to imagine what the position is like just by this explanation above.
But, if there are a picture as a support, thing will become much more easier and direct.
Especially there can be a lot of foreign students or dancers in class, rehearsals and in performance,
as my self as a foreign dancer, I appreciate the inportantness of using pictures.
For example, there are one of ballet positions call Attitude.
The position of Attitude can be explain as;A position in which the dancer stands on one leg (known as the supporting leg) while the other leg (working leg) is lifted and well turned out with the knee bent at approximately 90-degree angle. The lifted or working leg can be behind (derrière), in front (devant), or on the side (à la seconde) of the body. In some styles of ballet, such as RAD, the foot should be below the knee, creating an obtuse angle at the knee. In others, such as the Balanchine and Russian styles, the foot must be in line with the knee or above it, creating an angle that is 90-degrees or less. The attitude position can be performed with the supporting leg and foot either en pointe, demi pointe or on a flat foot.
I do personally find it hard to imagine what the position is like just by this explanation above.
But, if there are a picture as a support, thing will become much more easier and direct.
However, pictures and words can give wrong impression to the readers.
Mr N Ito mentions in one of his books saying that, Ballet is a very stiff form of dance.
He mentions that ballet positions in text books are looks very alike to the positions of flag semaophore.
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Pictures can support which words can not explain.
But, as Mr Ito mentioned in his book, pictures can give wrong impression to the readers too, as ballet should not be stiff form of dance.
Then what can we do?
Quotes from
Mr Noboru Ito's "Analyzing the performance of super human"
Glossary of Ballet position
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_ballet
Mr N Ito mentions in one of his books saying that, Ballet is a very stiff form of dance.
He mentions that ballet positions in text books are looks very alike to the positions of flag semaophore.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Pictures can support which words can not explain.
But, as Mr Ito mentioned in his book, pictures can give wrong impression to the readers too, as ballet should not be stiff form of dance.
Then what can we do?
Quotes from
Mr Noboru Ito's "Analyzing the performance of super human"
Glossary of Ballet position
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_ballet
Teacher or Role Model? Words to explain or Example to inspire?
I have analysed my way of teaching on my previous blog.
The question is, does it really work?
The answer is Yes, and No.
I was helping a student the other day. He was struggling with a step and I could see what the problem was straight away. The problem was he could also see the problem; The problem was very simple, but the solution was not. So, we tried all of my tactics. But, none of them worked. I was a bit disappointed in my self.
So, next day, I actually did the step by hoping to find out the solution for him. I did not have problem with the step as I am professional and I had same problem a long time ago.
I was thinking and physically trying to work out the right solution for him.
Then, I have noticed he was watching me practice the step. And, when I looked at him trying the step, he was doing much better. His bad habit was fading away!
However, his habit came back slowly, and by the time end of the session, he was again fighting with the step.
I have learned from this experience that, demonstration clearly worked better than explain by words for him.
In Japan, we have famous saying "百聞は一見に如かず"；one eye witness is better than hundred words. He has learned more from me as being a practitioner, not as being a teacher.
However, the problem was the effect did not last long time; it was a good solution, but not perfect.
Dr W. Wenger explains this phenomenon as "Fade out effect". When we learn new skills it lasts for fifteen mins, then after they fade out slowly. Physically, mentally. That is why ballet lessons are based on repetition.
From this experience, I have strongly realised the importantness of being able to demonstrate when it needs to be required as a teacher.
I guess students hear more from our attitude and action, rather than words. And, people say Action speaks louder... very true.
The question is, does it really work?
The answer is Yes, and No.
I was helping a student the other day. He was struggling with a step and I could see what the problem was straight away. The problem was he could also see the problem; The problem was very simple, but the solution was not. So, we tried all of my tactics. But, none of them worked. I was a bit disappointed in my self.
So, next day, I actually did the step by hoping to find out the solution for him. I did not have problem with the step as I am professional and I had same problem a long time ago.
I was thinking and physically trying to work out the right solution for him.
Then, I have noticed he was watching me practice the step. And, when I looked at him trying the step, he was doing much better. His bad habit was fading away!
However, his habit came back slowly, and by the time end of the session, he was again fighting with the step.
I have learned from this experience that, demonstration clearly worked better than explain by words for him.
In Japan, we have famous saying "百聞は一見に如かず"；one eye witness is better than hundred words. He has learned more from me as being a practitioner, not as being a teacher.
However, the problem was the effect did not last long time; it was a good solution, but not perfect.
Dr W. Wenger explains this phenomenon as "Fade out effect". When we learn new skills it lasts for fifteen mins, then after they fade out slowly. Physically, mentally. That is why ballet lessons are based on repetition.
From this experience, I have strongly realised the importantness of being able to demonstrate when it needs to be required as a teacher.
I guess students hear more from our attitude and action, rather than words. And, people say Action speaks louder... very true.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Summer school 2.3 Analysing the process
The second week of summer school gave me another opportunity to think about my way of teaching.
I analysed my coaching system by teaching and supporting students in second week.
I analysed my coaching system by teaching and supporting students in second week.
1, Observe and diagnose the students to find the problem
2, Think of all the possible solution to solve the problem, build a strategy
3, Try and error of the strategies of mine, and also discuss with the students to find out what is most suitable solution for them
1, Observe and diagnose the problem
This process contains observing student's mental and physical condition to work out what exactly causing the problem. I usually divide in three section
1, Technical problem; most common problem.
Solution; I tried to find what is causing the problem. And, I ask them question how they feel about the step, and why they think the problem is happening, and ask them what is suitable solution to them.
In this process, usually students started to see and feel what is wrong and what is causing the problem.
If, they struggle still, I give my opinion. But, I usually keep my opinion till they really need my help. There are my reasons of my action.
1, They need to understand them selves, which means they constantly need to be aware of what is going on inside of them selves, physically, mentally. As I know from the experience that no can really help us, and our selves are the best coach to us.
I also think it is important for students to think and guess by using their own brain and body to explore and experience. And, that is supposed the most fun part of learning! Well, at least to me.
This problem can be solved very easily and instantly, if only students are ready in this stage.
If, students are not physically, mentally ready to complete the steps, I just try to encourage them and tell them how good they are doing by thing to archive some thing difficult or too advance for them.
2, Physical problem; problem possibly comes from the students physical limits, or if students have physical pain that can restrict their movements, and that can cause difficulty in dance
Solution; If, students physical limits are causing the problem, I analyse and suggest different way of executing the step, as these physical limits cause injuries in the process. And they need to be told by teachers to prevent the physical damage to minimum. However, from my experience, these problems occur to hard working students, who most likely not to listen or take my advice till they get hurt them selves; till they make own mistakes and learn from it. As I guess that is only way.
3, Physiological problem; it often comes from previous experience of failure, which possibly contains physical pain or sometimes students experience the feeling of embarrassment, that can cause mental pain. These experience occurs the feeling of fear, embarrassment, all the negative feelings, and that effect massively physically to interrupt and hesitate students from trying again or trying new steps.
Solution; This can be difficult, as I need to talk to the students properly, and often I do not have time just for one student, as I supposed to teach every one in class. However, when I given time to solve the problem, I usually try to take the students focus for some thing else. For example, if they are scared of falling to the floor, I ask them to focus and feel the through the feet, or ask them to focus on feeling their tongue while they are doing the step. Also, making them sing a song can work as they need to focus on singing and to use the different part of brain. I guess it is just try and error for this problem.
2, Think of all the possible solution to solve the problem, build a strategy
3, Try and error of the strategies of mine, and also discuss with the students to find out what is most suitable solution for them
1, Observe and diagnose the problem
This process contains observing student's mental and physical condition to work out what exactly causing the problem. I usually divide in three section
1, Technical problem; most common problem.
Solution; I tried to find what is causing the problem. And, I ask them question how they feel about the step, and why they think the problem is happening, and ask them what is suitable solution to them.
In this process, usually students started to see and feel what is wrong and what is causing the problem.
If, they struggle still, I give my opinion. But, I usually keep my opinion till they really need my help. There are my reasons of my action.
1, They need to understand them selves, which means they constantly need to be aware of what is going on inside of them selves, physically, mentally. As I know from the experience that no can really help us, and our selves are the best coach to us.
I also think it is important for students to think and guess by using their own brain and body to explore and experience. And, that is supposed the most fun part of learning! Well, at least to me.
This problem can be solved very easily and instantly, if only students are ready in this stage.
If, students are not physically, mentally ready to complete the steps, I just try to encourage them and tell them how good they are doing by thing to archive some thing difficult or too advance for them.
2, Physical problem; problem possibly comes from the students physical limits, or if students have physical pain that can restrict their movements, and that can cause difficulty in dance
Solution; If, students physical limits are causing the problem, I analyse and suggest different way of executing the step, as these physical limits cause injuries in the process. And they need to be told by teachers to prevent the physical damage to minimum. However, from my experience, these problems occur to hard working students, who most likely not to listen or take my advice till they get hurt them selves; till they make own mistakes and learn from it. As I guess that is only way.
3, Physiological problem; it often comes from previous experience of failure, which possibly contains physical pain or sometimes students experience the feeling of embarrassment, that can cause mental pain. These experience occurs the feeling of fear, embarrassment, all the negative feelings, and that effect massively physically to interrupt and hesitate students from trying again or trying new steps.
Solution; This can be difficult, as I need to talk to the students properly, and often I do not have time just for one student, as I supposed to teach every one in class. However, when I given time to solve the problem, I usually try to take the students focus for some thing else. For example, if they are scared of falling to the floor, I ask them to focus and feel the through the feet, or ask them to focus on feeling their tongue while they are doing the step. Also, making them sing a song can work as they need to focus on singing and to use the different part of brain. I guess it is just try and error for this problem.
Tuesday 27 August 2013
Ways of passing our information; Words
Chimpanzees don't look or act like us even though we share about 99% of our DNA.
Also, human shares about 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, making them our closest living relatives, says computational biologist Janet Kelso of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.
So what makes us human different from the other spices on this planet?
I personally think one of the main things what defines us from the others are the ability of quality communication skills and the ability to share the information. Human is the only species which has created own language and words.
That allow us to pass on our history next generation. So, we can learn most of the mistakes and achievements which our ancestor have created and reached till today.
Same in teaching ballet.
All the ballet text books have assembled and explained what ballet is by words with a bit of pictures. It makes sense as words are our main way of communication. All the promises and contracts are created based on our language.
However, As Ballet is a part of visual arts how useful the words are in Ballet?
What Ballet makes very different from the other forms of dance is the existence of strict rules. These rules defines ballet from the other types of dance.
For example, positions, movement of turning out of the legs and postilions, etc...these are very strict and, this is very very important, without following these rules, Ballet can not be recognised as ballet or not allow to be what it is.
And, the best and easiest way to teach and explain the rules is by words. Like most of Games on the markets contains instructions to explain the rule.
No rule, NO game. Or some times change the rules to change the game like Rugby originally played as foot ball. Modern dance originally come from a classical dance.
My concern as a practitioner and as a teacher is most of ballet teachers rely on words when they teach.
Most of the ballet teachers understand the important of the rules in Ballet, as the rules make what Ballet is.
Therefore, most of the teachers are trying imprinting the rules of ballet to the students since young.
However, a lot of problems have often occur in these processes.
The main problem comes from the fact most of the teachers misunderstand what teaching is; they think teaching ballet is teaching the rules of ballet.
And, also a lot of students suffer physically and psychologically by teachers misdirection and misleading. Which come from the lack of understanding in ballet as a subject.
So, where the root of these problems comes from? I thoughts about this for long time. Therefore, I observed lots of teachers, also being in class as a practitioner.
And, I came down to a conclusion; most of the teachers misunderstand that they think they can make students understand what they are trying to tell them by just using words with a bit of demonstration; problem in communication.
Through my observation, discussions with the teachers and also experiencing as being a practitioner, I say it is wrong to think we can make students understand that easily.
However, as I mentioned earlier on, words are the best way to communicate with the others and the best way to pass the information.
Then, why is this happening? Aren't we supposed be learning from our ancestors great achievement and mistakes? The information has passed on to next generations, then why are we still making mistakes?
The fact is, by using words we are passing and receiving certain information. However, there are a big blind spot in the process; we are not actually learning any thing, we are just receiving the information. It is simple but very easy to confuse between these two.
We all know having war is not the best solution from our history. But it is still happening in all over the world. Why is that? It is simply because we only learn from our own mistakes and experience. Not from the information which we have given.
From my experience including observations and all, I have noticed that these misunderstandings happen often to the people who has lack of experience or lack of understanding of knowledge. And, somehow these people blindly believe that they are absolutely right.
These teachers causes the problem; damage the students mentally and physically as they use students for their self indulgence or to make them feel good of them selves, with out relising.
It is easy for teachers to criticize the students, but hard to speak back or question to the teachers, as ballet class automatically creates the atmosphere which hard for students to question about what teachers say.
Also,when teachers find hard to teach the students, it is easy for teachers to give up and say "these are bad, talent less students, therefor, it is not my fault that they are not learning from me!". Instead of thinking of different ways of teaching or trying to see the problems from different angle.
There are only so much we can pass on by using words, even when it used correctly. So when I use the words to describe in ballet class, I always try to use the words to lead to the direction which they can use their own imagination.
Words are only a tool to lead us to the right direction. Not the answer. Because I know the fact in ballet, the answers are the same but shapes differently as we are all individuals, and they can not be described by the words.
Quotes from Science now https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dna+human+monkeys+similar&rlz=1C1CHMO_enGB544GB544&oq=DNA+human+monkey&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.10549j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Also, human shares about 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, making them our closest living relatives, says computational biologist Janet Kelso of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.
So what makes us human different from the other spices on this planet?
I personally think one of the main things what defines us from the others are the ability of quality communication skills and the ability to share the information. Human is the only species which has created own language and words.
That allow us to pass on our history next generation. So, we can learn most of the mistakes and achievements which our ancestor have created and reached till today.
Same in teaching ballet.
All the ballet text books have assembled and explained what ballet is by words with a bit of pictures. It makes sense as words are our main way of communication. All the promises and contracts are created based on our language.
However, As Ballet is a part of visual arts how useful the words are in Ballet?
What Ballet makes very different from the other forms of dance is the existence of strict rules. These rules defines ballet from the other types of dance.
For example, positions, movement of turning out of the legs and postilions, etc...these are very strict and, this is very very important, without following these rules, Ballet can not be recognised as ballet or not allow to be what it is.
And, the best and easiest way to teach and explain the rules is by words. Like most of Games on the markets contains instructions to explain the rule.
No rule, NO game. Or some times change the rules to change the game like Rugby originally played as foot ball. Modern dance originally come from a classical dance.
My concern as a practitioner and as a teacher is most of ballet teachers rely on words when they teach.
Most of the ballet teachers understand the important of the rules in Ballet, as the rules make what Ballet is.
Therefore, most of the teachers are trying imprinting the rules of ballet to the students since young.
However, a lot of problems have often occur in these processes.
The main problem comes from the fact most of the teachers misunderstand what teaching is; they think teaching ballet is teaching the rules of ballet.
And, also a lot of students suffer physically and psychologically by teachers misdirection and misleading. Which come from the lack of understanding in ballet as a subject.
So, where the root of these problems comes from? I thoughts about this for long time. Therefore, I observed lots of teachers, also being in class as a practitioner.
And, I came down to a conclusion; most of the teachers misunderstand that they think they can make students understand what they are trying to tell them by just using words with a bit of demonstration; problem in communication.
Through my observation, discussions with the teachers and also experiencing as being a practitioner, I say it is wrong to think we can make students understand that easily.
However, as I mentioned earlier on, words are the best way to communicate with the others and the best way to pass the information.
Then, why is this happening? Aren't we supposed be learning from our ancestors great achievement and mistakes? The information has passed on to next generations, then why are we still making mistakes?
The fact is, by using words we are passing and receiving certain information. However, there are a big blind spot in the process; we are not actually learning any thing, we are just receiving the information. It is simple but very easy to confuse between these two.
We all know having war is not the best solution from our history. But it is still happening in all over the world. Why is that? It is simply because we only learn from our own mistakes and experience. Not from the information which we have given.
From my experience including observations and all, I have noticed that these misunderstandings happen often to the people who has lack of experience or lack of understanding of knowledge. And, somehow these people blindly believe that they are absolutely right.
These teachers causes the problem; damage the students mentally and physically as they use students for their self indulgence or to make them feel good of them selves, with out relising.
It is easy for teachers to criticize the students, but hard to speak back or question to the teachers, as ballet class automatically creates the atmosphere which hard for students to question about what teachers say.
Also,when teachers find hard to teach the students, it is easy for teachers to give up and say "these are bad, talent less students, therefor, it is not my fault that they are not learning from me!". Instead of thinking of different ways of teaching or trying to see the problems from different angle.
There are only so much we can pass on by using words, even when it used correctly. So when I use the words to describe in ballet class, I always try to use the words to lead to the direction which they can use their own imagination.
Words are only a tool to lead us to the right direction. Not the answer. Because I know the fact in ballet, the answers are the same but shapes differently as we are all individuals, and they can not be described by the words.
Quotes from Science now https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dna+human+monkeys+similar&rlz=1C1CHMO_enGB544GB544&oq=DNA+human+monkey&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.10549j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Sunday 18 August 2013
Ikae Experience 2; Cons of Great Instruction
There is another experience of building Ikea furniture.
On my previous blog, I have mentioned how well their instructions function.
It only works if the instructions is correct.
One of the instruction was incorrect. And, I explain how much problem it caused.
My friend and I have notice that there are something wrong in the process of building. But, we could not worked it out. We really checked and broken down pieces to rebuilt it from the beggining. but, the result was still the same. We both tried to ignore some sections and follow our instinct, but still did not work. So, we called another friend for third party eyes. As he arrived, he pointed out the mistake straight away.
But, there is the real important problem; He saw the mistake straight away, but the instruction was so simple and clear that, he doubt himself.
In the end I took it back to Ikea and explain the situation. And, they found the fault in the instruction.
By mislead by the great instruction, we have wasted our time, man power,and money too.
This experience really reminded me how much I need to be careful when I teach students.
Especially, when teachers are so confident, it creates the atmosphere of not allowing to question about their words.
The mistake was so obvious, but the assumption of the greatness of the instruction from the previous experience blinded us, and we have mislead without realising.
We need to use our brain and always should not forget to question ourselves.
On my previous blog, I have mentioned how well their instructions function.
It only works if the instructions is correct.
One of the instruction was incorrect. And, I explain how much problem it caused.
My friend and I have notice that there are something wrong in the process of building. But, we could not worked it out. We really checked and broken down pieces to rebuilt it from the beggining. but, the result was still the same. We both tried to ignore some sections and follow our instinct, but still did not work. So, we called another friend for third party eyes. As he arrived, he pointed out the mistake straight away.
But, there is the real important problem; He saw the mistake straight away, but the instruction was so simple and clear that, he doubt himself.
In the end I took it back to Ikea and explain the situation. And, they found the fault in the instruction.
By mislead by the great instruction, we have wasted our time, man power,and money too.
This experience really reminded me how much I need to be careful when I teach students.
Especially, when teachers are so confident, it creates the atmosphere of not allowing to question about their words.
The mistake was so obvious, but the assumption of the greatness of the instruction from the previous experience blinded us, and we have mislead without realising.
We need to use our brain and always should not forget to question ourselves.
Ikea Experience 1; Great Instruction
I have had opportunity to build quite a lot of furniture from Ikea the other day.
There are two things I have noticed by the experience of building few of their furniture.
1, Their instructions do not contain words. They simply guide us how to build the furniture by drawings and illustrations, and the numbers.
I found this Ikea instructions extremely interesting, as most of the instructions and textbooks are based on words. Then, I wondered WHY? There are few possibilities I can think of;
1, The company is so international and if they use all different languages to explain how to build the furniture, instructions will become so big and thick.
2, Pictures and illustrations explains pretty well how to build the furniture; no needs of using words and they functions well.
It made think that, maybe this is one of the reasons why demonstrations are more effective when I teach ballet class?
2, More I built their furniture, faster I got to built new ones; I have found that there are patterns how to build Ikea furniture. So, by the time I was making the last furniture, I could guess what goes where and how to assemble them just by looking at the parts.
This fact was also very interesting to me, as by the time I was building the last furniture, my arms and body moved automatically; as I read the instruction, my arms were already looking the right screws and tools to build the each section.
At the begginig of the building process was;
1, Read the instruction
2, Find the right parts and tolls for the section
3,Think about it ( well, it is pretty straight forward so do not need much of time to think, just checking to make sure parts were correct and check what goes where )
4, Assemble
However, by the time I have built few, my process became
1, Find the right parts and most suitable tools for the section ( suggested tools do not mean they are most suitable tool for me to complete the section most successfully ) as I am reading the instruction simultaneously.
2, Assemble
By building fair amount of Ikea furniture, I have leaned their patterns.
Therefore, my process got faster as I have physically experienced and understood about their furniture. By deepening the understanding towards their furniture, I started to do only and exactly what I need to do to build them; started to illuminate the unnecessarily process.
Win Wengar and Richard Poe explains these learning process by using Hebbian theory in their book " The Einstein Factor". My process is a good example of building the Hebbian connection in my brain. They explain that the process of repeating actions makes Hebbian connection stronger.
Let us assume that the persistence or repetition of a reverberatory activity (or "trace") tends to induce lasting cellular changes that add to its stability
Hebb.D.O. Explains in his book The Organisation of Behavior.
The learning process of aim is to filter the experience, then decide what to illuminate as the unnecessary action in life, to make more pure and clearer. Not adding more things. Completely opposite of that.
There are two things I have noticed by the experience of building few of their furniture.
1, Their instructions do not contain words. They simply guide us how to build the furniture by drawings and illustrations, and the numbers.
I found this Ikea instructions extremely interesting, as most of the instructions and textbooks are based on words. Then, I wondered WHY? There are few possibilities I can think of;
1, The company is so international and if they use all different languages to explain how to build the furniture, instructions will become so big and thick.
2, Pictures and illustrations explains pretty well how to build the furniture; no needs of using words and they functions well.
It made think that, maybe this is one of the reasons why demonstrations are more effective when I teach ballet class?
2, More I built their furniture, faster I got to built new ones; I have found that there are patterns how to build Ikea furniture. So, by the time I was making the last furniture, I could guess what goes where and how to assemble them just by looking at the parts.
This fact was also very interesting to me, as by the time I was building the last furniture, my arms and body moved automatically; as I read the instruction, my arms were already looking the right screws and tools to build the each section.
At the begginig of the building process was;
1, Read the instruction
2, Find the right parts and tolls for the section
3,Think about it ( well, it is pretty straight forward so do not need much of time to think, just checking to make sure parts were correct and check what goes where )
4, Assemble
However, by the time I have built few, my process became
1, Find the right parts and most suitable tools for the section ( suggested tools do not mean they are most suitable tool for me to complete the section most successfully ) as I am reading the instruction simultaneously.
2, Assemble
By building fair amount of Ikea furniture, I have leaned their patterns.
Therefore, my process got faster as I have physically experienced and understood about their furniture. By deepening the understanding towards their furniture, I started to do only and exactly what I need to do to build them; started to illuminate the unnecessarily process.
Win Wengar and Richard Poe explains these learning process by using Hebbian theory in their book " The Einstein Factor". My process is a good example of building the Hebbian connection in my brain. They explain that the process of repeating actions makes Hebbian connection stronger.
Let us assume that the persistence or repetition of a reverberatory activity (or "trace") tends to induce lasting cellular changes that add to its stability
Hebb.D.O. Explains in his book The Organisation of Behavior.
The learning process of aim is to filter the experience, then decide what to illuminate as the unnecessary action in life, to make more pure and clearer. Not adding more things. Completely opposite of that.
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