Life Lessons

Life lessons.

How does learning in the workplace compare to a controlled classroom environment?

   I spent much of my childhood and young adult life, training; dance classes, vocal coaching, drama lessons, amateur theatre works..  You name it, I did it. I was preparing myself for life as a professional performer, spending hours perfecting my skills and techniques. Yet that controlled 'bubble' of the classroom or studio cannot begin to equip you for the life as a working professional.  After studying Reader 4, I began thinking of the pros of both classroom learning, and then work based learning and how each aspect has developed me into the person I am today.

Controlled environment
 
   My time at theatre school was without a doubt invaluable; laying all the solid foundations and skill sets needed to put me on my way as a performer. I set aside three whole years of dedicated time to focus on my technique and performance finesse, concentrating only on performing arts.
  Learning these core skills in a safe and controlled environment, meant I could learn effectively without any pressure that sometimes occurs in working life. Therefore I was able to thrive without any fear of knock backs, allowing my confidence to build.  Also I was lucky enough to have wonderful teachers, all with amazing experiences and knowledge that I could learn from directly. Each day I had immediate help and support, correcting my mistakes and mentoring me throughout my training.
   As Sawyers suggests, college provided me with all the essential 'tools for learning' (Sawyers 1948, in Burleigh, 1973) in a safe and steady surrounding.

Work based learning- On the job

  Whilst the controlled setting of college was first-rate, I feel I have learnt so much more since being out in the world of work in so many ways. Rather than being corrected on your mistakes, you simply have to learn from your experiences, and reflect upon how you can improve each and every time. For example, at college we did have mock auditions and castings to prepare us for when we graduate. However you can never anticipate just how much nerves affect you, or what situation you may be put in. I have found that the more auditions I do, the less nervous I become, being more in control of the situation and in turn being more successful.
   I have also really improved my reflective skills, as unpredictable events can mean you have to think on your feet and reflect in-action in order to deal with these circumstances. For example I was booked to sing at a gig, being told the cliental was elderly, so prepared a set list suitable for their era. To my surprise I arrived, and in fact they were much younger than expected and really quite lively.  I had to quickly adapt my set list so the songs were more appropriate and the audience would enjoy it. The gig was a huge success and I got many more bookings from this event. Had I just stuck with the original plan, I would have left the audience unsatisfied, yet this in-action thinking turned around the circumstances and improved the situation.
   The Reader talks about inter- disciplinary skills, which I think is the most important factor of work based learning that no classes in college could have taught you. As a self employed performer I am not just a dancer or a singer; I am required to be so much more in order to get the work in and be successful. I am my own marketing manager, accountant, musical editor, tele sales communicator, administrator and social media consultant. All these factors are essential in getting work as a self employed performer and teacher, often over ruling the actual skill sets of performance if you want to maximise your success.

  In conclusion, whilst classroom/studio learning is essential, I feel this is only to lay good foundations, however to really thrive we must take every opportunity as a working professional to learn and grow from our experiences and mistakes.

Feel free to leave comments on your opinions and arguments on this matter.