Guest Post by Alistair Dalziel AWCF:
On the 27th and 28th August 2012, David Hankin provided an awesome opportunity for a pre-service teacher. He invited farriers from the length of New Zealand to practice on how to deliver lessons which encourage higher order thinking. Alistair Dalziel – an Associate of The Worshipful Company of Farriers, and primary education undergraduate – first activated the attendee’s prior knowledge.
Each farrier was given a line drawing showing the anatomical features that are ‘busy’ when the horse loads a limb in mid-stance. Each attendee interpreted the diagram differently.
29 August 2012
The farriers then investigated form and function of anatomy to form a convincing argument of what each of them thought was the point of the line drawing was.
Ideas were tested and shared amongst the group, strengthened with reference to diagrams, and were self-assessed before being presented to the group as a whole.
Attendees presented their ideas, fielded questions from the floor, and summarised their argument in 25 words. There was a wonderful diversity of interpretations. These included the function of the superficial digital flexor tendon, histology of the digital cushion, mechanical advantages of the fetlock joint, the role of the sesamoids in locomotion, amongst others.
It was a great, practical, experience because the thinking skills practiced over the two days are not only the foundation of professional practice, but the hallmark of Master craft’s persons. David was an awesome host, providing smoko, coffee and lunch while attendees refelected over their learning, and is keen to run another day or two day course to suit interested farriers, trimmers, owners and students.
A guest post by Alistair Dalziel
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