[Tango-L] Discussion Topics

[Trini y Sean (PATangoS)]

Given that one can only retain 5 +/-2 pieces of information
in short-term memory, Ed makes a quite reasonable comment
and his usage of the word "learned" is perfectly
understood.

In the interest of getting to the crux of Ed's comment,
instead of arguing semantics, I would say that the methods
Ed mentions are all useful and folks should be encouraged
to use whatever works for them.  I write things down a lot
because it helps me remember things better (physical action
plus visual cues plus internalizing info).  Videotaping is
helpful for remembering sequences, but notes are needed to
record details.  I can look up written notes much faster
that scrolling through a video.

I have also found that discussing a workshop to others
afterwards helps me internalize things better and may
remind me of finer points that "float" somewhere in my
brain but aren't yet anchored.  After major workshops we
host, we always hold workshop reviews to help people retain
the info.  You might want to set up a private practice with
friends so that you can focus on particular material.

If you're going to take a major workshop weekend, I find it
useful to prep as much as one can on the topics BEFORE the
workshops.  That way one is freer to explore questions and
can internalize the info better during the workshops.

In the beginning, I needed to record things sequentially (I
am a sequential learner), so I remembered things by who my
partner was or where I was in the room.  I am the type that
writes everything down. Now, I just focus on the concepts
and just a few new pieces of information per class.

It might be interesting to hear what type of mnemonic
devices people use.  

Trini de Pittsburgh

--- "Chris, UK" <tl2 at chrisjj.com> wrote:

> Ed Doyle wrote:
> 
> > 2. What ways have been found to be effective for
> retaining information
> > learned at lessons - i.e. video taping the lesson,
> taking written notes
> > either during a lesson or immediately afterwards
> 
> Ed, if the information is not retained on some form by
> the learner, then 
> it is not "information learned". It sounds like what your
> referring to is 
> instead information taught but not learnt. In which case
> you might find 
> what you need is not a way for the would-be learner to
> externally retain 
> that information, but a more effective teacher.
> 
> Chris
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> 
> *Subject:* [Tango-L] Discussion Topics
> *From:* "Ed Doyle" <doyleed at gmail.com>
> *To:* Tango-L <tango-l at mit.edu>
> *Date:* Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:36:57 -0700
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I have a few topics I wonder if anyone would find
> interesting to discuss
> here on thango-l.
> 
> 1. Has anyone found ways to reduce or eliminate gender
> imbalance in group
> lessons, milongas, and or practicas. I know we have all
> been fortunate
> enough to attend tango functions that just happened to
> magically have an
> equal number of ladies and men and that is great, but
> when it doesn't work
> out that way, does anyone have experience at fixing the
> problem, i.e.
> getting more of the needed gender to attend. (Some ideas,
> not necessarily
> good, are reduced cost for needed gender, requiring
> advanced sign up for
> group lessons, restricting sign up to couples, giving
> Gender Admit Free
> cards to one gender which they can freely pass on to
> anyone in the needed
> gender.)
> 
> 2. What ways have been found to be effective for
> retaining information
> learned at lessons - i.e. video taping the lesson, taking
> written notes
> either during a lesson or immediately afterwards, getting
> two or three
> couples together to practice a particular aspect of the
> dance - say just to
> practice molinete or  ganchos
> 
> 3. Suggestions for obtaining free legal slow music with a
> strong beat for
> practicing.  I certainly remember after my first group
> lesson in tango, I
> had absolutely no idea where to get any music, had no
> idea if I would like
> tango, and certainly didn't want to invest in ordering
> CDs of music I never
> heard of for a dance I might not like. I went to the
> local CD store and
> asked the teenager behind the counter if they had any
> Argentine Tango
> music.  She said 'What's tango?"  Of course, once we get
> hooked on tango,
> all this changes and we all know how and where to buy
> CDs, but how do you
> get started.
> 
> 4. Suggestions for exercises that are aimed at improving
> balance, posture,
> flexibility? What non tango classes help with tango (i.e.
> maybe yoga,
> ballet, pilates,...)
> 
> 5. Discussion of the usefulness and ways of practicing
> alone.  For example,
> my practice floor in the garage consists of a four foot
> by eight foot board
> I got at Home Depot for $6.00 and two 4 foot by 1 foot
> mirrors for $6.00
> each.  The two mirrors are hanging by a rope on one side
> of the garage, and
> the board normally stands in front of them, but when I
> want to practice, I
> lay the board down in the garage, smooth side up, and
> practice away.  4x8
> feet is plenty of space to practice alone, or for one
> couple and the mirrors
> really help with posture issues. I have found holding a
> broom upside down,
> handle resting on the ground helps me see when I pull my
> would be partner
> off axis.  Try doing a molinete around an upside down
> broom, always rotating
> chest towards broom, and not pulling the broom handle off
> vertical. (Of
> course a real live follower is much more fun:-}}  )
> 
> 6. Tango injuries and remedies - such as knee pain, back
> pain, hip pain. Not
> looking for medical information here, but practical
> suggestions for
> preventing, determining the cause of, alleviating.  For
> example, I have
> heard ladies mention that they always take two ibuprofen
> when they wear
> their favorite shoes to a milonga.  Are there things they
> could do to
> eliminate the need for the ibuprofen and still wear their
> favorite shoes -
> posture, exercise, padding, oils, etc.?
> 
> Well, above are just a few of many tango related topics
> that would interest
> me.  If anyone else is interested in any of these, I
> would welcome their
> thoughts.
> 
> Ed Doyle
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> 
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