Cara Harker
Course
DANC 2505 Musical Theatre Dance I
Reflection on Using High-Impact Teaching Practices
For their weekly creative research assignment, students chose the musical they wished to explore. Typically, I assign the musical each week, but this semester, they had the autonomy to choose any musical that premiered on Broadway between 1920-1960. With this simple change, I heard them talking amongst themselves about which musical they were “in the mood” to research that week and planning a get together for a “watch party.” A student, who was undecided one week, shared with me the shortlist of musicals they were considering and asked me which musical I preferred. The adjustment to this assignment encouraged a sense of agency and sparked more conversation than in the past.
It was more challenging for me in terms of grading. Keeping track of which musicals they had previously researched was more time consuming than having everyone research the same musical each week (a couple students attempted to submit the same musical twice). In future, I will have them list the musicals they have already researched at each submission, so we have a running tab. Additionally, I may consider limiting the pool of musicals from which they can select from a bit more. But overall, I felt it was a successful change!
What's Next
Traditionally, DANC 1500 Introduction to Dance has been an introduction to a myriad of dance forms. Spring 2025, students will also have the opportunity to select a genre of dance to research (such as modern, jazz, ballet, tango, hip-hop, musical theatre, etc.). The aim is to encourage them to choose a dance form that interests them and help them to achieve a deep and meaningful exploration of that dance form.
Reflection on Gen Ed Scholars Institute
This course (Institute) has reinforced how valuable time spent with dedicated teachers is for renewal!