A Teacher’s Voice: Sharing Life Lessons Through Performance

Pharmacist Alejandro vazquez Fosters Clinical Experience for Students at Camp for Children with Chronic Lung Conditions

Phoenix, AZ – Alejandro Vazquez, PharmD, a pharmacist practicing ambulatory care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, is spearheading an initiative to enhance clinical experience for pharmacy students. Vazquez, whose expertise spans allergy, immunology, asthma, and endocrinology, is developing a program within teh hospital to provide students with hands-on clinical practice during their rotations.

This commitment to student progress was evident during a recent initiative where vazquez brought fourth-year pharmacy students to Camp Not-A-Wheeze in Prescott, Arizona. This specialized camp caters to children aged 7-14 who have chronic lung disease or allergic conditions, as well as their siblings.

Vazquez, who himself grew up dealing with asthma and allergies, found a personal connection with the young campers. “I think being asthmatic and having allergies helped me connect better with my campers,” he shared. his personal experiences also inform his patient interactions, especially when addressing concerns about medication side effects. “When you need an inhaler for asthma, such as, it can be scary due to some of those side effects listed on the box. But I’ll always say,’Let me tell you about my experience and talk to you a little bit about why these are safe long term,'” Vazquez stated. “I’ve incorporated that into my teaching style and with patient education.”

The pharmacy students accompanying Vazquez at camp were entrusted with important responsibilities, including the comprehensive management of all medications and daily dosages, as well as preparedness for emergency situations. Despite the limited seven-day duration of the camp, the students experienced rapid learning and growth.”What I really loved about camp was seeing my students grow over the week,” Vazquez observed. “In the beginning, they were timid, made mistakes and had trouble managing the cabin. As the week went on, they became more competent and capable, taking charge of all camper medications and even making recommendations.”

Beyond clinical skills, Vazquez prioritizes instilling a core value in his students: approaching everyone with humanity and humility. He emphasized, “The biggest lesson from my experience is to not assume you know the history of the person in front of you. Over the years, there were many assumptions about my condition – I have mange. I’m not clean. I have cancer. – that affected how people treated me.” Vazquez concluded by highlighting the importance of recognizing individual uniqueness in a society prone to assumptions, stating, “We live in a society where so much is assumed by what is presented to the world, we forget that each human experience is unique, and that person only wants to be seen as who they are.”

How can educators address concerns about time constraints when incorporating performance-based activities into their curriculum?

The Power of Performance in Education

For years, educators have understood that learning extends far beyond textbooks and tests. A powerful, often underutilized, tool for imparting crucial life lessons is performance – encompassing drama, music, debate, public speaking, and even carefully crafted classroom presentations. This isn’t simply about entertainment; it’s about fostering emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and dialog skills in students. The impact of experiential learning through performance is profound, shaping not just academic success, but also personal growth.

Beyond the curriculum: What Students Learn Through performing

The benefits of integrating performance into education are multifaceted. It’s a space where students can safely explore complex emotions, develop empathy, and build confidence. Here’s a breakdown of key takeaways:

Resilience & Overcoming Fear: Stepping onto a stage, or even presenting in front of peers, requires courage. Facing potential criticism and learning to manage stage fright builds resilience – a vital life skill.

Collaboration & Teamwork: Most performances are collaborative efforts. Students learn to rely on each other, negotiate, compromise, and contribute to a shared goal. This fosters team building and a sense of community.

Empathy & Viewpoint-Taking: role-playing, particularly in dramatic performances, demands students inhabit different perspectives. This cultivates empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences.

Communication Skills: Performance necessitates clear articulation, effective body language, and the ability to connect with an audience. These are essential communication strategies applicable to all areas of life.

Creative Problem-Solving: Unexpected challenges inevitably arise during rehearsals and performances. Students learn to think on their feet, adapt, and find creative solutions. This enhances problem-solving abilities.

Performance as a Vehicle for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

the connection between performance and social-emotional learning is undeniable. SEL focuses on developing self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Performance provides a natural context for practicing these skills.

Such as:

1. Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses as a performer.
2. Self-Regulation: Managing anxiety and channeling energy effectively during a performance.
3. Social Awareness: reading audience cues and responding appropriately.
4. relationship Skills: Collaborating effectively with fellow performers.
5. Responsible Decision-Making: making choices that contribute to the overall success of the performance.

Integrating Performance Across Subjects

Performance isn’t limited to arts classes. It can be seamlessly integrated into various subjects to enhance learning and engagement.

History: Students can recreate ancient events through dramatic reenactments, bringing the past to life. This fosters historical understanding and critical analysis.

Science: Presenting scientific concepts through skits or demonstrations can make complex ideas more accessible and memorable.

Literature: Performing scenes from novels or plays deepens comprehension and appreciation of literary works. This encourages literary analysis.

Mathematics: Using role-playing to illustrate mathematical concepts (e.g., geometry, probability) can make learning more interactive and engaging.

Real-World example: The Debate Club Impact

During my time teaching at Northwood High, I observed a meaningful conversion in students involved in the debate club. Initially, many were hesitant and lacked confidence in public speaking. Though, through consistent practice and constructive feedback, they developed not only strong debate skills but also the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly, listen attentively to opposing viewpoints, and engage in respectful dialogue. These skills translated directly into improved academic performance, increased participation in class discussions, and a greater sense of self-assurance. Several alumni credited their debate experience with their success in college interviews and professional settings.

Practical Tips for Educators

Here are some actionable steps educators can take to incorporate performance into their teaching:

Start Small: Begin with simple activities like short presentations or role-playing exercises.

Create a Safe Space: Foster a classroom habitat where students feel agreeable taking risks and making mistakes. Emphasize the process of learning, not just the outcome.

Provide Constructive Feedback: Focus on specific behaviors and offer suggestions for improvement.

Encourage Collaboration: Design activities that require students to work together.

Connect to Real-World Applications: Help students understand how the skills they are developing through performance will benefit them in their future lives.

* Utilize Technology: Explore digital storytelling tools and virtual performance platforms to enhance engagement. Consider online learning opportunities.

Addressing Common Concerns

Some educators may hesitate to incorporate performance due to concerns about time constraints or student reluctance. However,these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and a supportive approach. Remember that even small performance-based activities can have a significant impact. Focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and empowered to participate. The goal isn’t to create professional performers,but to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in a complex world.