A study to examine the implementation of a dance unit into an elementary school physical education program by an inexperienced dance teacher

Tremblett, F. Craig (Frederick Craig) (1995) A study to examine the implementation of a dance unit into an elementary school physical education program by an inexperienced dance teacher. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Historically, dance has been taught in few Newfoundland and Labrador Schools. A new draft primary\elementary school physical education curriculum guide has recently been developed. Dance is a required component of the curriculum document. -- However, there are still a large number of people who see dance as a social activity and not as a component of elementary physical education. Many people in rural Newfoundland still see dance as a 'female' activity. Many physical education programs throughout the province are still focused on the so called 'traditional' sports, For dance to be a component of an elementary physical education, teachers may be required to modify their thinking and teaching methodologies. Many teachers may be resistant to this change, especially if they feel it is not necessary. -- This case study focused on the implementation of a dance unit in a rural Newfoundland elementary school physical education program. The researcher had to deal with many realities of such an undertaking, including the struggles of the untrained teacher and students who believed that dance was not an appropriate activity for their physical education classes. Many of the successes and barriers that faced the researcher throughout the development and implementation process are outlined. Valuable insights were gathered through student interviews, attitudinal surveys, audio-tape recorded lessons, and teacher recorded field notes. While some students were reluctant and embarrassed to participate in many of the activities, others offered suggestions for improvements. -- The study concluded that student attitudes toward dance will improve significantly through exposure to dance activities. The researcher also concluded that dance can be a valuable component of an elementary school physical education program when many of the barriers to dance are overcome.

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