Development of a social and emotional learning program using educational dance: A participatory approach aimed at middle school students

Participatory research with children and adolescents may increase their responsiveness toward interventions. This study focuses on the development of a program to promote social and emotional skills in middle school students, using educational dance. The main goal was to assess students' social and emotional needs and their interests in education through art activities, duly supported by the opinions of experts. Initially, focus groups were conducted and a questionnaire given out to students (N = 22), in addition to interviews with school representatives (N = 2). Next, students (N = 6) participated in a workshop and responded to a questionnaire. Experts (N = 3) then evaluated the program. Results revealed (a) students' social and emotional needs; (b) that music and dance matched students' interests; (c) students' high interest and satisfaction with the program; and (d) that the experts' assessment served to validate the program. Implications for practice and research are discussed.