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This reference is one of
many that can be used to support dance as an essential component to all
children's education. Author Eric Jenson is another leader in the movement.
His Teaching with the Brain in Mind (1998, Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development) is a primer for brain-based learning and provides a
balance of research and theory, along with practical teaching suggestions.
Jenson discusses movement, learning and the mind-body link, and he advocates
movement a fundamental of education.
He cites a study by
P. Kearney describing a South Carolina elementary school that had
test scores among the lowest 25 percent of its district. The school
implemented a strong performing arts curriculum and within six years
was able to raise scores to the five percent. Jenson also offers
ideas for implementing some easy-to-use strategies to enrich
the learning environment in the classroom.
Jenson's Learning
with the Body in Mind (2000, The Brain Store Inc.) places movement
at the center of all educational activity, citing more than 250
research studies and documents that support the importance of
movement and learning. In Brain Compatible Strategies (1997, Turning
Point Publishing) Jenson uses principles derived from observations
of how the brain functions and how individuals learn to create a
series of activities that have "research-proven links."
References and specific research studies, which can be cited in
advocacy documents, are also listed.
Brain research is in
its infancy. As future studies are conducted, however, the value of
dance education likely will become more evident. After all, dance
involves creativity and movement--a winning combination for brain
development. |
