The Influence of Creative Movement and Dance Arts Integration on Adolescent Students’ Mathematics, Literacy, and Social Emotional Skills

• In Event: Roundtable Session 81
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Flow, Aesthetics, and Impact of Performative Research

Abstract

This action-research project integrated performing arts into content-area instruction with students and teachers at an urban public charter school. Teachers participated in a professional development program to integrate creative arts within the school's inclusive curriculum, in which 60 percent of the students had identified disabilities. Drama and dance techniques were used with grade 4 and 6 students in language arts and mathematics classes. Results indicated participation in drama and dance uniquely influenced students’ language and mathematics skills learning, respectively. Arts-integrated learning contexts positively influenced students’ (1) language and mathematics performance, (2) motivation and engagement, and (3) attention and self-regulation. Implications for teaching and learning with special populations including those at-risk for academic failure due to environmental factors are discussed.

Author

• Alida Anderson, American University