An Action Research of Using Movement Elements of Time and Space for the Improvisation and Creation Course in the Seventh-Grade Dance Class

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The objectives of this study is to explore the Laban movement analysis (LMA) as a strategy for teaching 7th grade improvisational dance course improvisation. Experience in teaching found that 7th grade dance students generally fear improvisational classes that are abstract and aimless. Therefore, we used “effort” in LMA theory to explore “time” and “space”. Using existing terminologies as the main content for teaching to guide students in expressing associated life experiences, literature, and visual art through dance movements, which may strengthen students’ confidence and increase the variety in performance. This study applied action research method to study 14 students in a 7th grade dance class in a junior high school in Taoyuan. The performance of students in an improvisation class was documented. Data collected include the instructor’s reflection journal, observational notes, student worksheets, and visual documentations of the class. The text and non-text data were analyzed following coding and categorization. Data analysis performed provided topics for discussion. Sensitivity analysis was done to increase the reliability of the study. Instructors must know the teaching concept to develop understanding with the students to better guide students into the educational content of an improvisational course. The conclusions are as follows: 1. Through this course, students can fully express the cognitive of time and space by using oral, text and images. 2. Through this course, students can express the cognitive of time and space into physical manifestation by combining their own created dance movements. 3. By following teachers' guide and the policy of teacher-student interaction can help students understand and demonstrate the elements of time and space. 4. Through this action research, the researcher gained ability to lead students emotionally and guide them professionally.