Rivers and research and more

The teacher education program this week in Stratford-upon-Avon -- spearheaded by the Arts Initiative -- consists of intense and very active daily sessions with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s education practitioners. After hours, the group of 20 teachers and 8 OSU faculty and staff enjoys walking along the River Avon, where lazy barges are anchored (above), or gathering in local restaurants to discuss the day’s activities (below).
A key part of the program is focused on research. In fact, Ohio State’s reputation as a research leader was very attractive to the RSC, which will explore how the Stand Up for Shakespeare philosophy can be introduced in American schools. The research team from OSU (left, l-r) includes Pat Enciso, lead researcher; Mindi Rhoades, documentarian; Brian Edmiston, education director; and Camille Cushman, research assistant.

Also involved in the partnership program are two faculty members from the OSU Department of Theatre, (below, l-r) Mo Ryan and Robin Post. The duo will be working with the participating teachers and their schools, as well as with the incoming group of 10 MFA acting students at Ohio State, who will be involved in the RSC endeavor.

Explaining the importance of the research, Enciso says, “We talk about how to look at complex texts, and, similarly, this project is really a complex teaching and learning program. We are striving to understand it beyond the wonderful activities we’re experiencing here in Stratford. We need to document the ways the teachers are using the language, the ways they’re using space, how they’re asking new questions and taking up new roles. Our aim is to understand how to construct and maintain strong ensembles for teaching and learning, focusing on complex texts, collaboration and building of community. We also want to provide information to the RSC about expanding the understanding of artistic practice in teaching and learning from the UK to schools in the US.”

Teacher Features

Throughout the week, we’ll be talking with some of the 20 teachers who are involved as part of the first cohort in the OSU / RSC partnership program.

Cory Neugebauer, history and government, Metro High School, Columbus

“I think this program is great – it pushes traditional boundaries. I know it’s pushing mine. I’m a logic-based individual, but the focus of education is the students and you have to be willing to push boundaries to facilitate learning for a wide range of learning styles. What’s comfortable for me may not be the best way for each student. You have to get beyond yourself, and try new things and see how new approaches might work. I have absolutely no arts background so this experience is something I can really learn from and grow from. I can absolutely see using it in my history and government classes. For example, Julius Caesar can be used to study power structures and the dynamics of politics.”

Aubrey Gibson, third grade, Graham Road Elementary, Reynoldsburg

“We’ve all definitely grown closer as an ensemble this week. The more we get to know each other, the more comfortable we are performing for each other, and expressing our ideas. I’m also really interested to be exploring the subject matter in different ways – we’ll look at a text, explore the words, use drama, use body movement. . . That will have a lot of applications back at school. For example, there are boys in my class who really have to move. I can apply these techniques in every aspect of my teaching to keep them engaged and involved.”