US Professor visits Huddersfield to help train teachers
Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:21:00 BST
Professor David Frego from the University of Texas at San Antonio, USA is visiting the University this week to help train our students. During the week he has worked with students studying Primary BA, Primary PGCE, Childhood Studies BA and Secondary Music PGCE.
As part of the week, he worked with University students, primary school teachers from Calderdale, Leeds and with staff from the Library and Museum Service from Calderdale. He used music and movement to teach and underpin elements of the curriculum, including maths, science and personal and social education. The staff were shown how to use different beats, moving around a classroom. Jim Reid, University Childhood Studies tutor, said that 'Feedback from the students was excellent. They left the session energised and had learnt a lot about the value of music and movement in working with children of all ages. As part of the courses we run, we aim to give our students something extra and an insight into practice they might not normally observe. This is an excellent example of that philosophy. David brings not only his expertise, but his experience of working with children and young people around the world.'
Here are the views of some of the students who took part in some of the events with David Frego over the week.
‘A refreshing and inspirational approach to teaching, thoroughly enjoyable’ Fliss McAllister
‘A great thought provoking experience on the teaching of music!’ Megan Ward
‘The session in which David Frego delivered at University was intriguing. However, seeing this session put into practice amongst early and Key Stage 2 children was EXCEPTIONAL. It was at this point in which it became apparent that I would most certainly be able to deliver his ideas with children on my future teaching practices.’ Lauren Dean
‘What a great couple of day we had with David! Music theory has become fun again.’ James Mieszkowski.
‘Really enjoyed David’s sessions, gave a fantastic insight of how to manage, behave and to make music fun, also how to incorporate this into maths!’ Becky Spellman
‘A fantastic experience. I feel so lucky to have had a session with David and look forward to putting what I learnt into action within a classroom. I know the children will love it, and so will I!’ Sarah Waterworth.
‘Both of David Frego’s sessions were practical, very hands on, using visual, auditory and kinaesthetic methods at all times! It has given me lots of ideas that I could use whilst I’m on practice. The activities could be altered to be used with different age ranges. Had an excellent two days!’ Chelsey Careless.
‘I found David’s sessions to be utterly inspiring, they were enjoyable for us as trainees but also it was amazing to see just how well the children engaged. David’s enthusiasm and talent made me want to push myself even more, to be the best teacher I can me, so hopefully I can inspire children too.’ Lucy Ellis.
‘This week has been great, it was an honour to be a part of Professor Frego’s lesson and then to see it in practice was brilliant. I have also enjoyed spending time at Whitehill and seeing the amazing facilities it has. I'm really looking forward to learning ICT over there.’ Steph Orange
‘The sessions with David Frego were fantastic. They offered the opportunity to observe a creative professional at work in both a university and a school setting. I feel my own learning has been enhanced by this experience.’ Paul Britner
And here's a quote from Ben Lawrence, Children and Young People's Library Service Officer in Calderdale; "Dr Frego's lecture was truly inspirational, and a great introduction to Delcroze Eurhythmics. Shelley and I have both received training in using Kodaly in the Early Years and it was fascinating to explore music education from a different angle."
He visited Whitehill Community Academy, one of our partner schools, where he worked with the children, demonstrating to their staff and the primary teacher training students how to use the techniques of eurythmics to enhance childrens' learning and social well-being.
The contact was built during an international conference attended by a member of staff. Part of David’s role at the University is to visit other universities to spread his vision about music teacher training. Internationally renowned, David, a professor in music, specialises in elementary music education and Dalcroze Eurhythmics. He is Department Chair, Roland K. Blumberg Distinguished Professor in Music Education.
His research in movement-based music education and therapy is published in music education journals and medical journals for arts medicine. Other teaching and research areas include dance philosophy and the application of Dalcroze Eurhythmics as palliative care for terminally ill adults.
