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Process diary

Using a process diary in Core Performance

The process diary is used for internal assessment and to support practical examinations.
Dance Stage 6 Syllabus, p. 74–75

Why are process diaries important?

For students, using process diaries provides a means of:

developing and practising skills in observing, recalling and recording information
using dance terminology in a meaningful and relevant way
expressing personal ideas and opinions
evaluating their own work through personal reflection and critical analysis
maintaining a record of their learning, knowledge, understanding and dance experiences

Information in the process diary should support students’ understanding of the dances and the works in Core Performance and Composition and in Major Performance, Composition and Dance and Technology.

For teachers, reviewing process diaries provides a means of:

assessing the students’ learning and understanding
identifying the students’ strengths and weaknesses
gaining insight into students’ attitudes towards learning in dance.

Information on student learning in dance provides direction and allows teachers to make judgments about teaching and learning programs in order to improve outcomes.

When reflecting in process diaries, consider the dance concepts studied as they can be applied to practical class work, e.g. What preparation was required to perform a given sequence? How do my body’s capabilities and limitations affect my performance of the dance?

In Core Performance, the process diary could include:

definitions of dance terms and the elements of dance
notes, information and class work sheets
descriptions and explanations of exercises and their purpose
information and research on the physiology of the human body
research or information on the common causes, prevention and care of dance injuries
discussion and reflection on performance quality, interpretation and dance characteristics experienced
individual reflection and peer evaluation of the student’s own performance

Sample viva voce question	How the process diary supports the response
Core Performance Choose a sequence of movement from your dance to explain and demonstrate how the principles of alignment are essential to safe dance practice.	Notes in process diaries should provide specific information on safe dance practice. Students should reflect on all aspects of safe dance practice in relation to the core performance dance.

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