Bart Beuchner and Rik Spann jamming (they were smokin'!) - with lead facilitator Sergej van Middendorp looking on. Through hints and invitations, the three of them invited the rest of us to join their games and rhythms and improvise, making sounds with whatever we could - our voices, hands, nearby objects... eventually, many of us got up and started moving, too. This was the text for a rich conversation on jazz music and improvisation as metaphors for cosmopolitan communication. Yes! I loved this workshop. Look out for some disruptive innovations in my teaching...
Hi Dr. Shailor,
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that you a learning some new "techniques/tricks" to enrich your already innovative teaching style. I look forward to the "jam session" here in the States.
I too have been thinking of other forms of Cosmopolitan Communication, such as through dance, song and oral interpretation. The notion of "meet them where they are" comes to mind when dealing with NVC (non-violent communication). Many times when you try and take a person out if their comfort zone with strict adherence to rules and regulations of practicing NVC, they sometimes either become more agitated or completely shut down to the process. Much like what you do with the Shakespeare in Prison, you introduce a different way of getting to the "root" of the problem and through mindful discussion you can help the person(s) to discover what their needs are and in the process find alternative ways of expressing it.
Hope you are having an awesome time and that you will have an opportunity to lend a hand with the Syrian refugees. Also peace and blessings for safe travels.
Ramla