Inviting Self-Directed Learning into the College Voice Classroom

ABSTRACTThis essay explores Self-Directed Learning in voice training for the performing arts. It begins with a philosophical discussion of adult learning theory, Self-Directed Learning, and the essay ends with tangible and practical steps for including Self-Directed Learning in the higher education classroom. Ultimately, the author encourages instructors to explore Self-Directed Learning teaching practices and for the field of voice studies to examine Self-Directed Learning further.KEYWORDS: Self-directed learningadult learningvoiceactingtheatre Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.Notes1. Admittedly, most of the adult learning references I offer are “classic” references, so they are quite old. The best (and more contemporary) resource as a primer on adult learning theory is Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice (Merriam and Bierema Citation2013).2. How a teacher negotiates their own bias in the classroom and how teachers can breakdown hierarchies (such as in “critical theory”) is an important and marvelous conversation. Oram (Citation2019) offers a starting place for reading on this topic in voice training. Nevertheless, this conversation is beyond the scope of this essay, which seeks to introduce Self-Directed Learning and offer some basic practices.3. Surveymonkey.com is perhaps the most well-known free survey software.4. See Sansom (Citation2016) for a discussion on varying learning styles in voice training.5. First published in 1949, Bloom’s Taxonomy is a widely-used framework in education for discussing the “hierarchy” of learning objectives.Additional informationNotes on contributorsRockford SansomRockford Sansom, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Louisiana State University and the voice coach of LSU’s resident Equity theatre, Swine Palace. As a coach, he has worked with actors Off-Broadway and in regional theatre, Fortune 500 executives, UN delegates, and members of the US Congress. He holds a PhD in education (Capella University), an MFA in theatre (University of Central Florida), and voice certifications from Fitzmaurice, Knight-Thompson, and Estill (Master Trainer). As an actor, he performed Off-Broadway, regionally, and in international and national tours. He was the Editor of the Voice and Speech Review and has published the books The History of Voice Pedagogy and Vocal Traditions. Member, AEA, SAG-AFTRA.