The Introduction to dance for Parkinson's online learning programme is an online course devised by Mark Morris Dance Group/Dance for PD® and People Dancing.
Over the last 3 years, more than a thousand dance artists from around the world have used the course to gain background information and foundational learning as they prepare to develop dance sessions for people living with Parkinson's.
Having completed the online programme course participants have the option to take an online assessment.
The successful completion of the online assessment is a pre-requisite for attendance at in-person dance for Parkinson's training courses around the world.
Within the assessment, learners are tested on knowledge and understanding acquired through participation in the online programme.
The assessment includes a range of assessment methods including:
- multiple choice questions
- true or false questions
- free text answers
- observation of photos with text answers.
A rubric, explaining the way in which marks are allocated in relation to answers, has been in use since the introduction of the assessment.
'Model' comments, created in response to those questions which learners most frequently get wrong, are also available.
Each assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to mark. The marking process includes:
- the allocation and checking of marks
- the addition of feedback comments
- the recording of the candidate's name and mark
- sending of marks to the People Dancing office (from which notification of results and certificates are sent).
In certain rare situations, the assessor may need to use an online translation program like Google Translate to interpret responses given in a language other than English.
This step may add up to 5 minutes to the marking process.
Applicants for the post of assessor should have:
Essential
- a minimum of two years’ experience delivering dance for Parkinson's sessions
- a good understanding of safe dance practice principles
- fluent communication skills in British or American English
- an openness and willingness to learn
- the ability to maintain absolute confidentiality
- the ability to deliver material on time
- confidence in using the internet and e-communication mechanisms (training
- on the online assessment system will be provided
- access to a desktop or laptop computer with reliable internet service.
Desirable
- prior experience of assessing written submissions (at UK qualifications Level
3 or above)
- fluency in a second language
- completed the online learning programme and gained a Distinction grade for the assessment.
Terms of engagement
- Marking should be undertaken weekly at any time (or place with a secure
internet connection) at the assessor’s discretion. Amounts of marking will vary
from week to week but between 25-35 assessments will need to be marked
per month
- Assessors will be paid £3.50 for each assessment marked
- Assessors will be engaged by People Dancing or Dance for PD ® on a self-employed
basis, submitting invoices for payment once results have been submitted to the People Dancing office
- Assessors must have a bank account in the UK or the USA into which
payments may be made
- Following a three-month trial period, contracts for marking will be issued for
one year with a one-month notice period either way.