Dance as key to improve student achievement

A recent Dunedin research, showing how the use of kinaesthetic learning could increase the achievement of Maori and Pacific Island students, is exciting news for the dance sector.

The research supports DANZ’s (Dance Aotearoa NZ) view that there is enormous potential for dance to contribute to education and general recreation programmes.

“The study reinforces the importance of dance to the wellbeing and the development of our Tangata Whenua and Pacific Island students. Kinaesthetic learning needs to be used as part of our education methods,” says Dr Tania Kopytko, executive director of DANZ.

DANZ has long been an advocate for kinaesthetic learning. “The statistics show there is a significant percentage of our population whose education could be approached and supported differently,” says Dr Kopytko.

“Dance provides motivation and appropriate challenge and enjoyment. It can be very effective when working with attention deficit syndrome students and low achievers. Dance can also be used as a tool for learning in the areas of numeracy and literacy.”

Dance across the cultures is highly popular in NZ. A 2007/2008 SPARC research showed that 16.8 per cent of NZ adults participate in dance. It was also ranked the sixth most popular activity among Maori and Pacific Islanders.

DANZ offers workshops that incorporate the principles of kinaesthetic learning in its LEOTC (Learning Experiences Outside of the Classroom) programme and hopes for a stronger shift towards the use of kinaesthetic learning in schools.