The Jazz of Teaching and Learning Teaching is seen as a performance art, co-constructed live in the moment. The concept of improvisation is introduced through jazz music, emphasizing the importance of responding to what's happening now.
Spontaneity in Teaching Spontaneity is described as a response free from habitual reaction that feeds on and responds to the unknown. It involves movement around correspondence with an effort to correspond with something new being drawn into existence instead of drawing from familiar experiences.
Quality Questions for Improvisation The quality questions for improvisation include whether responses are matched to what's happening now or if they're coming out of memory (hot licks). Listening skills are emphasized as essential for good spontaneity, along with preparation supporting spontaneity.
'Queen' Skills: Listening and Inquiry Listening skills are highlighted as crucial for successful improvisation. An emphasis on inquiry-based teaching encourages teachers to be open-minded learners themselves while engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.
'Dark Matter' - Spontaneous Interaction 'Dark matter' refers to spontaneous interaction not represented in lesson plans or training discussions but forms most part of lessons. This kind of improvisation remains under-discussed despite its significant impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.
Control vs Flexibility Balancing control and flexibility allows movement between tension (control) and release (spontaneity), creating opportunities for creative interactions.