Utah Valley University is a place where inclusion is of the utmost priority. Assistant professor of dance Jamie F. Johnson, MFA, wrote an article about diversity in higher education as it pertains to dance.
The article, published February 2018, described the shifting demographics at universities due to the expanding global economy. This includes many English language learners (ELLs).
Johnson reported how important it is to expand the services in dance education to meet the needs of ELLs. Through qualitative analysis of interviews with Chinese ELLs specifically, the article articulates the challenges and benefits experienced in the dance studio, and offers teaching strategies students found assistive to their learning.
The resulting learner-centered solutions focus on classwork with embedded language objectives, teacher-facilitated interactions, and conscientious modeling to foster culturally inclusive learning environments.
Dance educator and researcher Gayle Kassing said that changes in education in the 21st century, “require more complex teaching and assessment strategies in order to meet the needs of diverse student populations.”
In conclusion, Johnson found that by recognizing the cultural and linguistic challenges of ELL students and seeking innovative approaches to content instruction, instructors can create an inclusive dance technique class, rich in student engagement for all participants.
To read the full article, go to https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15290824.2017.1317781
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About Utah Valley University
At 37,282 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah and one of a few in the nation offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college.
UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.