An investigation into the effects of training programmes upon movement leading to dance with E.S.N. (s) children

Study is designed to test the capacity of E.S.N (S) children to respond to and learn from programmes based on the teachings of Rudolf Laban. Some perceptual motor models have been selected and are discussed. The contribution of dance within the Physical Education Curriculum for E. S. N. (S) children is examined. A pilot study was conducted in order to establish content and procedures. The experiment proper required the design of training programmes over an extended period. Thus, a pre-test and post-test design were used, each chi Id being used as his own control. The sample was drawn from an E« S. N. (S) Hospital School in Northern England. Tests were given to establish base lines in physical performance. Weekly training sessions were planned and executed over two years with 30 ambulant retarded boys and gi ris, ages 7 to 18 years in three groups. A combination of acknowledged physical education tests and tests for exercise se and rhythmic body response were administered. Characteristically this approach consists of an individual analysis of each child's movement behaviour and the application of multiple base line operations. Executing these skills is a matter of using these rules in a certain order. This programme focuses on the process of lea rning rather than product. The use of videotape aided the analysis of the movement behaviour and demonstrated the individual development and the structure of the training sessions. Improvements of motor skills are identified as a result of mental practice, task familiarity and the maturation of the learner. There are individual differences in subjects' responses but these are not influenced significantly by age, verbal ability or sex variables. This study revealed that training programmes can lead to dance with E. S. N. (S) children.