Experiences of Education Students Implementing the Biocentric Approach Movement Music Encounters

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the insights, feelings, and experiences of students in education and teaching programs who participated in an academic course on the biocentric approach. The course incorporated movement, music, and encounter-based workshops, and students gained practical experience applying the biocentric approach in schools and kindergartens. The study included 275 undergraduate students in education and teaching programs who attended the academic course on the biocentric approach. This was a qualitative study, conducted in Israel in 2024. The findings indicate that the principles of the biocentric approach were well received, with students expressing a desire to deepen their understanding of the approach and explore its applications. The shared dance experience was found to be a powerful tool for strengthening social bonds, improving classroom climate, fostering trust and openness, and enhancing personal and bodily awareness. The findings further suggest that dance contributed to the students' and children's sense of belonging, reduced emotional stress, improved bodily awareness, and revealed hidden social dynamics. Integrating dance activities into academic courses and work with children can advance the emotional and social development of school children and students.