Assessor Resource

CUAWHS404
Apply the Alexander technique in performance

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to improve postural support, movement and breathing in live performance.

At this level, supervision and guidance are provided during classes and practice sessions but individuals are expected to work independently on experimenting with ways to eliminate inefficient habits of movement and inappropriate patterns of tension that diminish competent performance.

Only teachers who comply with the teaching standards of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique are qualified to teach and assess this unit.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Refine understanding of tension patterns

1.1 Discuss with relevant personnel the principles and application of the Alexander technique in a performance context

1.2 Develop observational skills to describe movement patterns in self and others and to identify inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements

1.3 Use knowledge gained from discussion and critical analysis to make an inventory of own inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements and while performing

2. Elicit constructive change in postural support

2.1 Under guidance, develop techniques for preventing harmful patterns of tension while standing, making simple movements and performing

2.2 Initiate and maintain prevention of previously recognised habitual responses during simple and skilled activities

2.3 Apply an understanding of dynamic relationship of head and spine to elicit positive change in postural support during simple and skilled activities

2.4 Apply an understanding of how to organise human mind-body response to simple and skilled activities with respect to coordination of head, neck and back

2.5 Extend the effect of thinking on performance and experiment with conscious thinking techniques as a way of influencing physiology and coordination

2.6 Document own process of change and discuss with relevant personnel ways of overcoming issues

3. Minimise physiological distress during performance

3.1 Analyse the symptoms of physiological distress and ways of minimising the risk of experiencing it

3.2 Make an inventory of own indicators of physiological distress

3.3 Use techniques based on an understanding of dynamic relationship of head to spine to intervene during simple and skilled activities to prevent physiological distress

3.4 Monitor own ability to consciously organise movement and posture efficiently during practice and performance, and work on aspects that need improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

recognise inappropriate patterns of muscle tension in self

sustain freedom in the movement of the head neck and back

intervene constructively to change harmful patterns of tension during high stimulus situations

apply self-observation techniques to improve postural support, movement and breathing in at least one live performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

explain issues associated with preventing habitual responses to stimuli

describe, in simple terms, the functioning and interaction of the following anatomical parts in the context of performing:

head

neck

vertebral column

hip joints

knees and ankles

elbow and shoulders

larynx and vocal folds

lungs

tongue and jaw

explain the concept of organising movement through dynamic head and spine relationship

explain what is meant by ‘good use’ and ‘poor use’ of the self in the Alexander technique

explain the basic theories and principles of the Alexander technique.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

In addition, only teachers who comply with the teaching standards of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique may teach and assess this unit.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Refine understanding of tension patterns

1.1 Discuss with relevant personnel the principles and application of the Alexander technique in a performance context

1.2 Develop observational skills to describe movement patterns in self and others and to identify inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements

1.3 Use knowledge gained from discussion and critical analysis to make an inventory of own inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements and while performing

2. Elicit constructive change in postural support

2.1 Under guidance, develop techniques for preventing harmful patterns of tension while standing, making simple movements and performing

2.2 Initiate and maintain prevention of previously recognised habitual responses during simple and skilled activities

2.3 Apply an understanding of dynamic relationship of head and spine to elicit positive change in postural support during simple and skilled activities

2.4 Apply an understanding of how to organise human mind-body response to simple and skilled activities with respect to coordination of head, neck and back

2.5 Extend the effect of thinking on performance and experiment with conscious thinking techniques as a way of influencing physiology and coordination

2.6 Document own process of change and discuss with relevant personnel ways of overcoming issues

3. Minimise physiological distress during performance

3.1 Analyse the symptoms of physiological distress and ways of minimising the risk of experiencing it

3.2 Make an inventory of own indicators of physiological distress

3.3 Use techniques based on an understanding of dynamic relationship of head to spine to intervene during simple and skilled activities to prevent physiological distress

3.4 Monitor own ability to consciously organise movement and posture efficiently during practice and performance, and work on aspects that need improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

recognise inappropriate patterns of muscle tension in self

sustain freedom in the movement of the head neck and back

intervene constructively to change harmful patterns of tension during high stimulus situations

apply self-observation techniques to improve postural support, movement and breathing in at least one live performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

explain issues associated with preventing habitual responses to stimuli

describe, in simple terms, the functioning and interaction of the following anatomical parts in the context of performing:

head

neck

vertebral column

hip joints

knees and ankles

elbow and shoulders

larynx and vocal folds

lungs

tongue and jaw

explain the concept of organising movement through dynamic head and spine relationship

explain what is meant by ‘good use’ and ‘poor use’ of the self in the Alexander technique

explain the basic theories and principles of the Alexander technique.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

In addition, only teachers who comply with the teaching standards of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique may teach and assess this unit.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Discuss with relevant personnel the principles and application of the Alexander technique in a performance context 
Develop observational skills to describe movement patterns in self and others and to identify inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements 
Use knowledge gained from discussion and critical analysis to make an inventory of own inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements and while performing 
Under guidance, develop techniques for preventing harmful patterns of tension while standing, making simple movements and performing 
Initiate and maintain prevention of previously recognised habitual responses during simple and skilled activities 
Apply an understanding of dynamic relationship of head and spine to elicit positive change in postural support during simple and skilled activities 
Apply an understanding of how to organise human mind-body response to simple and skilled activities with respect to coordination of head, neck and back 
Extend the effect of thinking on performance and experiment with conscious thinking techniques as a way of influencing physiology and coordination 
Document own process of change and discuss with relevant personnel ways of overcoming issues 
Analyse the symptoms of physiological distress and ways of minimising the risk of experiencing it 
Make an inventory of own indicators of physiological distress 
Use techniques based on an understanding of dynamic relationship of head to spine to intervene during simple and skilled activities to prevent physiological distress 
Monitor own ability to consciously organise movement and posture efficiently during practice and performance, and work on aspects that need improvement 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUAWHS404 - Apply the Alexander technique in performance
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUAWHS404 - Apply the Alexander technique in performance

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: