Learning and Teaching Styles in Traditional Dances

Abstract

Teaching styles applied in physical activities and sports help in the achievement of students’ objectives and influence their motivation. It is important to know the preferences of future teachers for different teaching styles. The aim of this study was toanalyze the perception of teaching styles in dance learning, and gain insight into the differences in preferences between the Practice Style and the Divergent Discovery Style. An intervention was carried out with a sample of 30 students studying for a higher vocational training certificate in sports education and recreational activities (Técnico Superior en Educación y Animación Sociodeportiva), where dances from different countries were taught with each of the teaching styles. Our conclusions point to a preference by students for the divergent discovery teaching style to learn dances and to teach dances themselves, as they believe that more freedom in learning will produce greater motivation in learners.