A conceptual change model

A conceptual change model as basis for the design of a higher education dance teacher professional development trajectory and the effect of conceptual change upon the participants and their teaching practice

This research is focused on development of the teaching practice of dance teachers in the HBO (higher professional dance education) in the Netherlands who are highly skilled as dancers/performers, makers, dance artists. They have developed their teaching practice based upon their own experience as professional dancers and the dance classes in which they themselves have participated, and may have no formal teaching education. Often, they leave their artistic dance practice behind when getting involved in teaching.

Central problem: How can a professional development trajectory stimulate both the personal artistic development in contact with the dance work field and the development of a sophisticated understanding and application of methods in the context of the education work field? How can these teachers be fully present in both professional communities creating a transdisciplinary conceptual framework? The trajectory is designed for the exchange of and reflection upon the concepts and ideas central to each individual’s teaching practice. Participants will be confronted with new educational and learning concepts through this exchange and the input of the leader/guide of the sessions. This development trajectory will be financially supported by “Onderwijsontwikkelgelden” under the responsibility of Jan Zoet, director Academy of Theatre and Dance.

Research question: In what ways does the application of the conceptual change approach to teacher development in professional dance education impact on the teaching practice of these teachers?

publication

Taylor, J., Linssen, A. (2019). Teaching dance in the 21st century. Amsterdam. NL: Arts Education Research Group, Amsterdam University of the Arts.

Biography

Angela Linssen graduated at the Rotterdam Dance academy and worked as a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2008 she initiated and performed her solo program “Trisoli”. Recently, she took part in “Please me Please” the duet by Liat Waysbort.

Angela teaches contemporary dance in the Netherlands and internationally. She is the artistic director of the Modern Theater Dance department of the AHK, where she developed the program towards a contemporary dance education. Here the students get skilled as dancers/performers and as co-creators. The department is working towards a wider spectrum of styles in relation to the most updated developments in the field.

In 2016, she finished the Master Education in Arts (AHK) with the project: HBO dance teachers as artists.

Contact: angela.linssen@ahk.nl

Delen