An Inquiry into different teaching approaches of dance and the benefits produced for adults with learning difficulties.

Danielle Webber

Context.Context.

• Work with adults with moderate learning disabilities.

• Awareness of dance therapies. Potential positive gains from dance.

• Knowledge that most recreational dance teachers do not cover learning disability in their training

• Witnessing inappropriate dance classes provided for adults with learning disabilities.

WHY…? Research suggest even experienced dance teachers are scared to teach this group…

“I have been looking for a dance teacher for two years, they are either not interested in teaching our guys or they were no good, couldn’t adapt their teaching, and I had to let them go.”

(Activities Manager, Adult LD day service)

“Some teachers might think that they don’t have the training necessary to meet these new challenges”

(Kaufmann, K A 2006)

An Inquiry into the different teaching

approaches of dance.

Interested in comparing Different types of class.

To understand which are most adaptable for producing the

greatest benefits for the greatest number.

Discovering if teachers can maximise this with their teaching

approach.

Proposal.Proposal.

To benefit students, by improving teacher practice,

and encouraging teachers to work with this

Client group.

Inquiry Tools.Inquiry Tools.

Observation.

• Capture visual data required.

• Able to watch teacher methods

• Student behaviours

• Look for links between the two

Interview. • Discuss teacher approach

• Their own perceived benefits

• Why they practice in the way they do

• Can relate back to observation

Can positive changes in behaviour be seen Can positive changes in behaviour be seen when participating in dance? when participating in dance?

Enjoyment and Impact on students

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

Dance Improvisation

Dance Exercise

Ballet Syllabus

Dance performance

Cla

ss T

yp

e

Displays of enjoyment or valuable impact (% of students over 4 week period)

Even the least successful class type produced benefits for over 65% of students.

What Specific benefits were observed?What Specific benefits were observed?

As a minimum ENJOYMENT and acquisition of basic PRACTICAL SKILLS

Classes provided well provided Increased…

• CONFIDENCE

• SOCIAL AWARENESS

• COMMUNICATION

• PERCEPTION & SPACIAL AWARENESS

• PRACTICAL SKILLS

• SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT

• SOCIAL BELONGING.

These findings were mirrored by similar work These findings were mirrored by similar work done with children with learning disabilities.done with children with learning disabilities.

“Dance is an ideal activity for students with disabilities because the very nature of dance makes it a personally meaningful, creative, and enjoyable experience. Students socialize while learning a dance, collaborate to create a new dance, and feel group unity when everyone is moving to the same beat. Critical-thinking skills, problem solving, memorization, language acquisition, abstract thinking, analysis, and evaluation are critical dance components that also engage students intellectually.”

(Kaufmann, 2006).

“develops skills, promotes good health, relieves stress, facilitates social interactions, and provides a

general joy for living.”(Peniston. L,C 1998)

Other considerations made when analysing Other considerations made when analysing class success.class success.

• Interaction

• Loss of concentration

• Re-engagement of students who lose concentration

• Disruptive behaviours

Re-Engagement

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

Dance Improvisation

Dance Exercise

Ballet Syllabus

Dance Performace

Cla

ss T

yp

eRe-engagement after a period of lost concentration

(% of students over 4 week period)

Displays of Disruptive behaviour

0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00%

12.00%

14.00%

16.00%

Dance Performance

Dance Syllabus

Dance Exercise

Dance Improvisation

Cla

ss T

yp

e

Displays of disruptive behaviour (% of students over 4 week period)

Key Characteristics emerged as Key Characteristics emerged as being important for class success…being important for class success…

1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.

2. Planning

3. Discipline, Praise & Correction.

1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.

Important to take into account individual needs, to create a relaxed and safe atmosphere. •Noise

•Touch

•Space, time out

•Rituals

Structure creates predictability, this can make people feel safe and comfortable.

•Natural Structure

•Phrase Repetition

•Structure with accepted variations.

2. Planning2. Planning

1

2

3

I have seen that teachers who create a lesson plan have a greater success when working with adults with learning disability.

• Take into account individual needs.

• Planned exercises to practice specific skills

• Works towards specific goals

• Can inform students of activities allowing predictability

• Monitor progress

3. Discipline.3. Discipline.ADULTS with learning difficulties are ADULTS and should be afforded the same respect. Discipline is a sensitive issue.

• Pre-empt challenging behaviour.

• Allow breaks

• Don’t engage with disruption – Simple prompts

• Follow agreed behaviour plans.

Correction.Correction.• Demonstration

• Explanation/ Description

• Physical guidance Praise.Praise.• Sandwich Praise & Correction

• Lots of Encouragement

• Create a sense of achievement

Ethical Considerations.Ethical Considerations.

Everyone is individual.

Not everyone will enjoy dancing.

It will not benefit students who don’t enjoy it.

BUT

For those who enjoy dance it can be utilised to produce great benefits.

Shouldn’t everyone who wants to dance have the opportunity to take valuable and meaningful classes, whatever their individual needs?

Inclusive vs. ExclusiveInclusive vs. Exclusive

V.S

Another Ethical consideration?

Again…. People are individual.

Some will thrive in an inclusive class if simple adaptations can be made for them.

For others the adaptations will be too far removed from the original class, and may not be possible.

Shouldn’t individuals be given options and allowed to make their own choices?

Artefact.Artefact.

http://danniweb.wix.com/danceopportunity

To share the information that I gained from my inquiry I developed a website.

I considered it to be the best way to share information with the widest range of people, if linked to other

networking sites.

I hope that it provides information for those who already teach or would like to teach this client group.

Increasing the opportunity for adults with learning difficulties to enjoy and benefit from dance.

Critical reflection. Critical reflection.

•Professional competency & identity

•Confidence

•Professional knowledge

•Research and analysis

•Critical thinking

•Communication and Networking

•Development skills

The undertaking of the inquiry, and in fact the BAPP programme as a whole has lead to increases in…