Units or CTI? Which to choose? Which way to go? Aspiring dance teachers might be wondering which RSCDS teacher training course to follow. In this article, Deirdre McCuish Bark of Toronto Branch has looked at both, summarising what she identifies as the difference between the Teaching Certificate Units and the new Core Training for Instructors. The Units make up a formal Teaching Certificate in five parts: Units 2,3 and 5 are technique centered courses culminating in formal exams. The candidate classes are taught by an experienced tutor. Unit 4 is a mentored Record of Teaching Practice.
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CTI is for those who would like to improve their teaching technique, without following a structured course with final exam. CTI avoids the considerable expense and demands on time of undertaking the Units Remote learning enables CTI to be undertaken anywhere in the world Learning to teach in a familiar setting can be less daunting. Unit candidates benefit from discussion with, observation of and learning from other candidates; CTI trainees miss out on this but are encouraged to attend and learn from classes taught by others.
Your Choice?
CTI is a new way to expand your SCD horizons. It is an alternative system of training, resulting in becoming an instructor of Scottish country dance using an apprenticeship model, learning on the job with a qualified trainer. The trainer decides when the trainee instructor has reached an agreed standard. The Units prepare you to teach all levels of dancing ability and expertise. Those who choose the Unit system, learn in person by attending a series of classes with other candidates or in a two-week residential course. There is opportunity to discuss and learn from others on the course. If you aim to teach dancers at an advanced level, or aspire to be a tutor, medal assessor, or eventually an examiner, this is the best choice for you. CTI focuses on general and social classes, where participants are of mixed ages and experience. As a CTI trainee, you teach in your own class, guided by your trainer, and learn as you go along. In CTI, videos are used in training as well as in a final submission, illustrating what the trainee has learned. An advantage for those living in outlying areas is that all training can be done remotely via video. In the Units, there are specified standards of dancing, and the candidates are judged against these. In CTI the aims for both the social and the general classes are tailored to the individual trainee and class and measured against a set of core competencies. The trainee instructor does not sit an exam, but the final video is moderated to ensure that the trainer is assessing the competencies in a consistent way. Both systems show how to teach using lesson plans as well as how to analyse a dance. The candidate in Unit 2 undergoes a dance exam to assess their dance technique. The CTI trainee is not personally tested as to their own dance ability, but they do need to have good knowledge of the steps and formations and be able to show correct rhythm. CTI focuses on fun and a flexible approach to learning how to teach. Finances are a concern to many. There is a fee payable to the RSCDS for both courses. For CTI, this is a single one-off fee, and the course should be less expensive, as it is assumed that the trainee instructor’s class will cover the cost of hall hire. For the teaching certificate course, there is a fee payable for each unit and candidates are likely to pay towards the costs of the tutor and hall hire for the course. Branches or RSCDS scholarships may assist candidates with cost, but if the course is residential, then there are these costs to add.
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Units suit those who want to hone dance and teaching skills to a high level, while CTI may appeal to those deterred by the Units’ challenging physical requirements
WHITE ROSE FESTIVAL ... of2022. Scottish Country Dancing Gin tasting at Winter School Photo Gordon Porter The 66th annual
WHITE ROSE FESTIVAL
... of Scottish Country Dancing
Saturday 9th July 2022, 1.30pm, Gateways School, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE
WHITE ROSE FESTIVAL
Massed General Dancing Demonstration Groups Highland & Ladies’ Step Dancing Children’s Groups Evening Dance Music throughout by Susan MacFadyen & her Scottish Dance Band We welcome full teams of 8-10, but can make arrangements for smaller groups or individuals
Full details from the website whiterosefestival.uk
www.rscds.org
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