I sit here in a faculty meeting – – someone has worked dilgently to create a series of statistics of educational challenges and accomplishments (some at 94% some at 17% some at 4% – – some paint the PowerPoint red – – some paint the PowerPoint blue.) I think the bigger numbers in the orange bars look the most impressive. As I listen to the almost deafening grazing on table-provided chips and snacks, I am wondering what kind of a “data story” my acting class has to provide.
This year, more then most, I am relying less and less on tests and more and more on the EXPERIENCE for the class. I am convinced that theatre has an inherint PRODUCT, the production, but what needs tending to is the PROCESS. I feel that we need less showings and more process. Showings can be good or bad. Processes simply are! I know that it is difficult to judge the process and the actual learning without some kind of an evaluation tool. But, sooner or later you just have to trust me. I am the professional in the room. I know when they are getting it and when I need to change or up my game. A test may be helpful here and there – – but far more likely there and not here. Truly the class that does not find joy in its daily block of time is not a learning class and no amount of testing is going to change that tide! Read more