27th SEPT - MAPP Discussion Group 1
A little late, as I still struggle and find it uncomfortable to share my thoughts through written words. But here I am finally settling down my thoughts, gaining my courage to start writing and sharing abit more. The topics from the the first skype discussion group still lingers in my mind, and I have been thinking about it a lot during my daily commute to work about what to write about it.
We were re-introduced to the idea of Knowledge from the previous discussion on (Learning vs Knowledge vs Information) . Still a little confused as to how I would distinguish them and apply them to my professional practice, I googled and found the meaning to these words that I sat for a very long time thinking about
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge through study, experience or being taught.
Learning is me on an everyday basis, finding ways on how to continue improving myself; be it in my teaching or personal growth.
Coming from an Asian culture, we are "trained" to do what we are being told to do. There are very little room questionings and discussions, every feedback or voice on matters would be perceived as rude or disrespectful and of course the "Cannings" would appear to threaten; hence, It is better to be silent and just do what you are told to. This blog has definitely helped me learnt that my voice matters and here I am still learning how to share and voice out my thoughts in discussions.
Knowledge is the facts, information or skills required through an experience, education, theory or practical understanding of a subject
I believe that knowledge is something we all have inside of us through our past learnt experiences. It is also a choice to share the knowledge which makes us knowledgeable. The knowledge I have through my dance technique learning from my RAD examinations should never come to an end. It should be thought of as a well that has a never ending bottom' every little idea or thought I picked up through attending master classes or observations should help me grow deeper in my knowledge of the particular subject.
Information is the facts provided or learnt about of a person, object or things that is also conveyed or represented by a particular arrangements or sequence of things.
How we decipher or use the information received from others or what we read, see or heard will determine the kind of person one in. Information, when received could factual or fake or just rumors that comes from a third party. My thoughts are information doesn't necessary provide us with in depth learning or knowledge on a particular subject, but knowledge are typically information received or acquitted through our learning.
Ethics in Filming Sessions
The next topic was most interesting to me. Considering the fact that it was almost 1am in the morning on a work night and I struggle to digest deep information by that time.
Building on the fact that in Asia, there is a saying/practice where "if something is not said, that doesn't mean that we are not allowed to do it". For example, in most parts of the world, people would typically jay-walk across the street for convenience even though there could be a zebra crossing or a bridge just a couple of walk down. However in Singapore, there needs to be a written rule (with fine and potential jail time) if people jay walk and caught.
There should generally be an unspoken rule in regards to filming in the area of the arts. It is typically announced during big concert or events regarding filming of shows where filming is not allowed, however I think that It is okay respectful for people to ask if they are allowed filming before doing so.
I have personally experience parents of students filming in Open House sessions, where there was a clear rule written in the letter where "no filming in allowed". What would I do as a teacher? I would inform them nicely to stop filming in respect of the other students present in the class. And if they continue to do so and other parents join in? What would you do? It really boils down to the idea where their upbringing and respect for the class comes in.
In my opinion, filming could be a good thing too. It could be used for educational purpose, where parents could use the recorded session to keep track on their child's progression or use it to work on things that their child is lacking in and use them solely for improvement purpose. But what I find it wrong is that they use it to post on their social media without seeking approval of those that are in the video (other students or teachers).
On the other hand, Filming during competitions would be something that I find very useful for my own personal practice. In a typical overseas competition where my dance partner and I will travel alone to, There will be nobody to help us film our sessions and we have no way of watching ourselves for further improvement. So when someone comes up to use wanting to connect and they happened to have a video on us (my dance partner and I), we would be overjoyed to be able to watch ourselves dance again to see how we could do better in the next round.
There would be many more discussions on the topic of filming. However, I would conclude by saying that when it comes to filming others, there should be a form of RESPECT that one should ask for permission first or if filmed impromptu-ly, use it positively and not to be used for copying of other people's work or shaming.
Phew, it turned out to be a post longer than expected ðĪĢ
Till our next discussion
Jovita B. ðĐ°ð
