The utilisation of the performances of Neil Diamond for improving the classroom practices of educators: an educational appreciation

Abstract

In this research the 5D-framework of Appreciative Inquiry is used to investigate the possibility of applying the attributes and artistic strategies of the pop singer Neil Diamond for the improvement of classroom practices of educationalists. During the attendance of the performances of Diamond in 2011 in South Africa the writers and five other educationalists have identified five broad qualities and practices of Diamond. These may have application value in a school or university classroom: passionate enthusiasm, purposeful dedication, communication and interaction with the audience, refusing to conform/creating variation as well as good planning. This is the first time that the 5D-cycle has been used to study the possible utilisation of a live performance of a popular artist to facilitate the professional development of educationalists.