A study of dance and movement in primary education

Abstract

The objectives investigated in this study are the following: 1. The reasons why Primary teachers within State, Church and Independent Schools are in favour or against Dance and Movement as a separate subject within the Curriculum. 2. The reasons behind whether children would or would not participate in Dance and Movement lessons while at school. 3. The ways in which Dance and Movement within Primary Education can help or hinder the children to develop holistically, as well as discuss possible methods of implementation or otherwise. The author made use of two survey methods: Focus Groups (qualitative approach) and Questionnaires (quantitative approach). In all, six Focus Groups were conducted with Year 5 students from four State schools, one Church school and one Independent school. A total of 250 questionnaires were handed out to Primary Teachers in eighteen different schools. The results obtained show that while the majority of children would like to see Dance and Movement integrated as a separate subject in the curriculum, many are aware that their teachers do not share the same view. The reasons behind this are the teachers' inexperience in the subject and a general lack of time for other subjects and activities due to the vast syllabus. Both students and teachers also mentioned practical ways in which schools can promote Dance and Movement in education in Malta.