Rachel Zahn
An opportunity for Alexander teachers: brain research and the future of education
Today a trend has begun amongst educators who understand the implications of brain research upon the future of their discipline. There can no longer be a doubt that the structure of childhood education has been based upon erroneous concepts of a disembodied "objective" mind. Over the next decade new styles of pedagogy will be tested. John Dewey and William James will be reviewed.
My presentation will review the brain science that has triggered this awakening and propose a practical strategies for Alexander teachers to participate in the new designs.
The emotional and intellectual evolution of an Alexander Teacher: a challenge
I will look at the different reasons we become Alexander teachers, our styles of learning/teaching, the unexpected benefits of the work, and also the difficulties of fully integrating the AT into our emotional and intellectual lives.
I will invite participants to explore several methods for resolving these difficulties. Those who wish to experiment will be asked to integrate several theatre-type exercises with the Alexander Technique. Others can observe. We will have a discussion of ideas to develop these methods further.
Rachel Zahn graduated from the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT) in 1969, assisted Judith Leibowitz at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, and joined the ACAT faculty from 1972–1981. During the 1970s she collaborated and trained with psychologists, developing a unique interdisciplinary approach to the psychophysical process of ‘high performance’ in actors, musicians, athletes, and original thinkers. She was mentored by the American anthropologist Margaret Mead. She has written a dissertation "Psychophysical Practice and the Mind-Body Problem in the 20th Century. She is currently introducing the Alexander Technique to cognitive scientists and developing an introductory course in cognitive science for Alexander teachers. She conducts seminars internationally. She has lived in Paris since 1990.
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