Embodiment in online education: promising practices

Abstract

Embodied experiential learning is central to dance/movement therapy (DMT) education. During the pandemic, DMT educators pivoted to hybrid-online educational delivery and attended to multiple dimensions of student learning and societal crises while attempting to maintain educational quality. Building on the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and embodied aesthetic theories of care, the authors explored how educators and supervisors accounted for embodied learning in DMT education and training in an online setting. Data were generated and analysed reflexively from a preliminary conference workshop survey and workshop interactions. An aesthetic, relational experience of caring may be incorporated into an online learning space through developing intra and interpersonal oscillation, which can validate embodied experiences and aid in developing bodily agency. The authors elaborate on emerging promising practices and considerations for future research.

Keywords:

• Promising teaching practices
• embodied presence
• aesthetic care
• experiential learning
• Community of Inquiry

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to all of the ADTA educators who offered their time and expertise as participants in either the pre-workshop survey or workshop research data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mariah LeFeber

Mariah LeFeber is an Associate Professor of Counseling in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. She participates actively in the DMT community as an adjunct instructor and clinical supervisor.

Tomoyo Kawano

Tomoyo Kawano is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master's in Dance/Movement Therapy with a Concentration in Couple and Family Therapy Program at Antioch University's School of Counseling, Psychology, and Therapy.

Valerie Blanc

Valerie Blanc has been a part of the Lesley University expressive therapies faculty since 2011 and a core faculty member since 2018. She is currently an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of the Dance/Movement Therapy specialization.