Diploma in Alexander Technique

Recognised by the Complementary Medical Association.
 
Introduction
The Alexander Technique is more than just acquiring a ‘good posture’; it is a process by which an individual can learn awareness of their physical and psychological self in order to transmit positivism through body movements.

Of course the Alexander Technique can help many physical conditions such as back pain, stress and sleep disorders. In addition it can be used to help musicians, sports men and women, and a whole range of task related physical activities where posture, balance and awareness of movement facilitates and promotes full function without predisposition to damage or pain. In addition, the technique can be useful in pregnancy and during childbirth.

This course is designed for those wishing to learn the Alexander technique in order to practice as an Alexander Practitioner/Teacher, and also for those who have an interest in learning the process for themselves. The ten modules will cover everything from anatomy and physiology, psychology, specific movements and postures, Alexander lessons, and practitioner role and responsibilities, and will also give guidance on professional affiliation, codes of conduct and how to establish a teaching practice.

Each module will be themed and followed by an assignment where you will receive detailed feedback from your tutor to ensure that you understand the concepts underpinning the course materials. There will also be some additional written activities within modules which are intended to help with assignment planning and for essay revision purposes (these will not be marked by the tutor). Following completion of the course there will be a 5000 word extended essay project, and for this you will be given the choice of several questions, so that all learning styles preferences are accommodated as far as possible.

The modules will include graphical representation of techniques and positions, so additional materials are not necessary in order to complete the course. However, you will be required to practise the postures and teaching methods, so access to a suitable area (in your own home would suffice) will be necessary, the use of an upright chair (kitchen/dining type), a Yoga mat or large towel (for semi-supine positions), and a note book and pen for making notes as we progress through the course. In addition, there may be times when you will need the help of a volunteer when practising your teaching techniques.

The following module descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.

Course Modules
Module 1: The musculoskeletal system and sensory perception
This module will cover the above body systems in detail. Importantly it will provide a sound anatomical and physiological basis for the student to build on. Within this module we will also be looking briefly at what can go wrong with these systems in terms of relevance to the Alexander Technique practitioner:

Bones and bone formation
Tendons
Ligaments
Muscles
Movement: how we move and the skeletal framework
Sensory perception
The five senses
How we perceive special concepts and relate this to movement

Module 2: The evolution and relevance of the Alexander Technique
It is important to have a basic understanding of how the technique evolved; this module covers the historical background and explains how the emergence of the Alexander Technique has evolved. There will also be discussion about the relevance of the concepts within the technique and how it applies to modern life.
F. M. Alexander and the origins of the Alexander Technique
The use of the ‘self’ and taking responsibility for one’s own health and wellbeing
Raising awareness of the ‘self’ and re-education in order to embed new concepts and behaviour
Changing behaviour, reinforcement and cognitive processes including looking at psychology associated with these concepts, and how behaviour changes are facilitated and maintained relevant to the technique
The psychology of the ‘self’ and how concepts of change relate to it

Module 3: Inhibition, thinking and breathing
How we breathe is crucial to self-awareness and ultimately maintaining good posture. In addition we can inhibit our thoughts by learning specific techniques and breathing patterns thus raising physical awareness and promoting a cycle of non-harm.
Breathing, and the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and breathing process; how oxygen absorption is relevant to muscle and movement
Natural or unconscious inhibition
Conscious inhibition
Thinking and being
Tension release
Learning direction

Module 4: Basic movement and normal postures
We all have a range of everyday movements and postures which we engage in without thought. In this module we look at these movements and examine the rationale behind some of their applications. This is the beginning of seeing where the Alexander Technique ‘fits’ into a ‘remedial’ cycle and also how it can be relevant to promotion of a positive process of movement and harm prevention.
Standing
Walking
Sitting
Various activities such as driving, reaching for things, sitting at a desk, working on a computer, carrying shopping, sitting on a sofa etc.

Module 5: Stress reduction and tension release
Stress is a major problem in everyday modern life. Tense muscles can result in harmful posture and movement of the body. In order to reduce stress we first have to understand the physiology or ‘mechanics’ behind the process and then look at the adjustments and changes necessary to reduce and relive this cycle.
What is stress? We look at the physiology behind the stress response and the link between right and left side of the brain relevant to the Alexander Technique
We look at how increasing levels of stress elicits tension thus affecting movement and posture
We demonstrate and discuss exercises to promote self-awareness and reduce stress
We demonstrate and discuss the semi-supine position and how this promotes tension release and stress reduction
We demonstrate and discuss standing from the semi-supine position

Module 6: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 1
This is the first of three modules where specific postures and techniques are described and discussed. Each posture and technique will be explained in full and instruction on how to convey the posture and ensure correct application will also be given.
There will also be information on the teaching and lesson process from both a practitioner and client perspective. This module will contain drawings, images and graphical representations as aids to study. You may also need to practice the postures yourself and/or engage a volunteer.

Module 7: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 2
This is the second of three modules where specific postures and techniques are described and discussed, and it will follow on logically from module 6, building a comprehensive library from which the student can develop their practical skills.
There will also be information on the teaching and lesson process from both a practitioner and client perspective. This module will contain drawings, images and graphical representations as aids to study.

Module 8: The delivery of the Alexander Technique: Lesson 3
This is the third and final module where specific postures and techniques will be described and discussed. This module will also present a ‘generic’ lesson format which is intended to give the student practitioner/teacher a working example.
There will also be information on the teaching and lesson process from both a practitioner and client perspective. This module will contain drawings, images and graphical representations as aids to study.

Module 9: Alexander Technique applications
In this module we look at specific applications or situational context in which the Alexander Technique may be used in isolation, or as part of a collaborative programme:
Sports and fitness: this may be in order to achieve better level of fitness or for amateur or professional athletes wishing to develop correct posture and movement skills relevant to sports performance
Pregnancy and birth
Performers such as musicians and singers: here, for example the correct posture and breathing can prevent injury and pain, in addition to which will be a positive tool to enhance performance
Health care workers: here for example, correct posture will help prevention of injuries due to lifting etc.
Individuals with musculoskeletal conditions: management of painful conditions, pain management and improved function
Other relevant applications

Module 10: Practitioner responsibilities
When working with the general public in any context, it is important that you have knowledge of specific legislation and frameworks relevant to practitioner responsibility, public liability and therapeutic environments. This module seeks to address some of these issues, giving the student practitioner the basic knowledge of how to set up an Alexander Technique practice.
Ethical considerations such as data protection, issues of confidentiality etc.
Professional codes of conduct
Professional bodies and affiliation
Training and professional development
Business considerations such as public liability, premises legislation, record keeping and documentation, fees and client contracts etc.
Extended essay project (examinable component)
This part of the course is intended to draw on your underpinning knowledge and ability to convey understanding of the skills, concepts and techniques needed to successfully teach the Alexander Technique. Each question will be explained in full which will allow you to make an informed choice according to preferred style and topic. There will be expected inclusion of core concepts for each question and these will be specifically stated in the essay question paper.

Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours
37 hours per unit (370 hours approx in total).

Assessment Method
Continuous graded assessment. Please note that from 1st April 2009 all students registering will also need to complete an online examination, in addition to the continuous graded assessment.

Qualification
Diploma in Alexander Technique

What's Included
Unlimited full tutor support for two years

Course Fee
295.00

Further Information
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

You will require to have one of the following packages to access your course online:

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford student number via email.

Courses in paper/file format are still available at an additional fee of £45.00 and must be enrolled upon via telephone. This service is only available to those students studying within the United Kingdom. All students outside the United Kingdom will receive the online format.