Exploring Self-Directed Professional Development: From Tango Enthusiasts to Tango Instructors (Poster 16)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Twelve
  In Poster Session: Teacher and Teacher Preparation Poster Session Two

Abstract

This research explores self-directed professional development (SDPD) from the standpoint of Argentine tango instructors. The key question is how dancers become instructors in the absence of professional teaching training. To investigate SDPD techniques, a mixed-method approach was used, which included surveys and interviews. The findings indicate that teaching tango overall is a challenging task; however, instructors are highly motivated to teach for a sense of community. They have a fairly clear goal of the type of instructors they want to be; thus, they self-manage primarily human resources to resolve challenges. Self-monitoring is difficult to achieve. The findings will bring valuable insights on amatuer teachers’ professional growth across disciplines, supporting a lifelong learning community from instructors’ perspectives.

Authors

• Zixi Li, Indiana University
  Presenting Author

• Chen Feng, Indiana University
  Presenting Author

• Curtis J. Bonk, Indiana University
  Presenting Author

• Xiaoying Zheng, Indiana University
  Presenting Author