Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School
Suite 4 / 188 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, Australia 2060
Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training SchoolSuite 4 / 188 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, Australia 2060 |
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Teacher Training:- Brief Course Outline
F.M. Alexander Teacher Training in its Authentic Form
The Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School is committed to preserving Alexander's teaching in its authentic form i.e., * "it is not submerged in and confused with other methods but is derived from Alexander's clearly reasoned-out principles - which all teachers and trainees must do their utmost to safeguard." In this way trainees are able to gain a deeper understanding of the principles, so that as the application work widens it can have the profound influence on confidence, health and well-being that F.M. Alexander hoped. * Outlined in the Editorial by Dr. Wilfred Barlow M.D., Patrick Macdonald, and Eric de Payer. The Alexander Journal, Number 2, Summer 1963, STAT - London.
Competency Based Training
The Alexander Technique Institute Teacher Training School offers a standard of excellence in teacher training. The class size is small which allows the Head of Training to give individual care and attention to each trainee on a daily basis. Trainees are instructed in the methodology and principles of the F.M. Alexander Technique as outlined in Alexander's four books.Specializing in Hands-On Skills In order to assist trainees to go through the changes that accompany the work, the atmosphere at the school is peaceful, mindful and supportive. The environment is one of aesthetic simplicity and there is the stability of regular routine. Professional Requirements The training is conducted under the auspices of the professional body AUSTAT, The Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. The course is conducted in accordance with the regulations as specified in the AUSTAT Constitution. The regulations include the following:-
The course is conducted four mornings per week, Monday to Thursday, 9am-1pm. There are four terms per year each with a mid-term break. The school provides trainees with student Rail/Bus passes but does not offer Student Visas. The school has lectures and workshops from visiting psychologists, musicians and senior national and international Alexander teachers. 
Before Acceptance Before considering Alexander teacher training it is necessary that you meet the Director/Head of Training and the main teaching assistant and have a series of individual lessons with them. In this way you will be fully informed as to how Alexander lessons are taught in that particular school (this can vary) and you will experience the (all important) hands-on work. It is also recommended that you visit the school during class hours. At the Alexander Technique Institute it is required that prospective trainees have between 15 - 20 lessons and or attend an Alexander Intensive weekend and a series of lessons with the Head of Training. FIRST YEAR trainees receive intensive hands-on work from the Head of training and her assistants. Daily hands-on work heightens the kinaesthetic sense (sensory awareness) and improves the trainees general manner of use. With a heightened kinaesthetic sense trainees begin to understand the principles involved in learning the Alexander Technique and begin to learn how to self-work i.e., to meet a stimulus with inhibition and direction. Preparation for hands-on application work is discussed and briefly introduced. SECOND YEAR trainees continue to receive daily hands-on work from the Head of training and assistants. As each trainees manner of use improves the Head of Training introduces hands-on application skills. Individual care and attention is given to each trainee in how to apply the hands to the 'primary control,' the head, neck and back relationship. This is a highly specialised skill unique to Alexander teacher training and taught under supervision by the Head of training. The focus is instructing trainees on how to self-work, applying inhibition and direction, while using their hands on others. This is an intense learning period and recognition is given to the individual and trainees are allowed to develop these skills in their own time. To assist trainees, continuity in the teaching of hands-on work is assured and trainees are supported throughout. The terms used in Alexander's books are clarified and put into practice within the teaching context. As trainees progress, certain 'procedures' (daily life activities and interactions with others) are used as a stimulus, that requires trainees to self-work while they learn to demonstrate and teach, inhibition, non-doing and direction to others. THIRD YEAR - PREPARATION FOR SETTING UP A PRACTICER, Trainees continue to receive hands-on work from the HoT and assistant. They are also given extensive instruction and guidance in refining their own hands-on skills to a highly sensitive level. Highly skilled hands and the ability to self-work while teaching is essential in order balance the head, neck and back relationship of a pupil. Also essential are communication skills that clarify, simply and accurately the terms used by Alexander, i.e., 'inhibition', 'non-doing' and 'directions to the primary control' and 'means whereby' that cultivate what Alexander called 'constructive, conscious control of the individual.' A unique way of meeting each moment, free from habit. BRIDGING THEORY WITH PRACTICE, Third year trainees are also made aware that potential clients/pupils need to be informed that Alexander lessons are re-educative and involve experiential learning and full participation. Pupils need to be informed that during a course of lessons they will be given 'tools' to self-work ('the means whereby') which will enable them to; "meet a stimulus that always puts you wrong and to know how to deal with it." FMA. For example;- sitting at a computer, meeting the difficult boss, speaking in public, while practising for a performance, while skiing, playing flute, or simply walking down the street, picking up an infant or meeting an unfamiliar situation. Trainee's teaching skills are put to the test in class when they have the opportunity to demonstrate a mock; 'first consultation and lesson'; a 'public' talk and a 'meeting the health professional and or a G.P.' for an introductory talk. Support, guidance and encouragement is given during these demonstrations which are valuable learning experiences...in meeting a stimulus! AUSTAT MODERATION As from 2010 the professional society AUSTAT, The Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique set up a trainee Moderation Program for all Alexander Teacher Training Schools accredited by AUSTAT. For further information contact AUSTAT (see www.austat.org.au) or the Director of Training. FOR A FULL COURSE PROSPECTUS including Timetable and fees Contact Us. 
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