Dance-Based Learning
Dance-Based Learning is a methodology that combines movement and dance with various teaching practices to make learning experiences more effective. It encourages physical involvement, innovation, and interpersonal relationship making the learning process more active and efficient in several subjects.
Dance-Based Learning presents a plethora of advantages such as better physical health, augmented cognitive skills, and the ability to express more emotions. For instance, it has been found by studies that the inclusion of dance in lessons can result in higher rates of information retention because students tend to remember concepts better when they are physically involved. Also, it promotes the spirit of teamwork and communication skills as a majority of dance exercises require teamwork.
The integration of Dance-Based Learning by teachers can be done by bringing in movement activities into their lesson plans. For instance, they can use rhythmic movements to teach mathematical concepts, where students represent numbers with dance steps. Moreover, choreographing dances related to historical events would help students grasp and memorize the information efficiently and still make the classroom space with high energy.
Dance-Based Learning is an effective way for students of all ages, but is particularly effective for the very young, like preschool and elementary kids. Learning through movement and play comes naturally to these young children, who are in these developmental stages. But, even for older students like teenagers, dance can be used to demonstrate abstract concepts and relate to each other that way, thereby creating a classroom environment of active cooperation.
Indeed, Dance-Based Learning has the potential to broaden the scope of learning in multiple disciplines such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies. For instance, in the case of language arts, students will do the dance that tells the plot of a story, which will positively influence their understanding and creativity. Also, dance as a subject can be included in math to teach patterns and sequences. This technique helps to convert the ideas of the subject in a more realistic form or makes them relatable, thus sultimately, arriving at a broader understanding.