Exploring the use of body movement in art education: a study of its impact on student learning and engagement
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The qualitative study aimed to establish how integrating body movement in art education and would impact learners' experiences and learning, creativity, emotional expression, and engagement. What was sought was to demonstrate how those physical interventions influence the artistic and cognitive development of students participating in movement-based activities within an art class. Five participants from different age groups were enrolled in this study, all of whom had been training in different art classes whose activities involved movement. Data were collected through observation and interviews with the students and teachers, targeting their experiences and perceptions of such activities. The results showed that body movement greatly enhanced the students' engagement and motivation to make art lessons more dynamic and fun. Students reported increased involvement and enthusiasm, claiming that some of the monotony of traditional art teaching was broken through movement-based activities. Improvements were noted in creativity and artistry because movement tends to encourage thinking outside conventional boundaries and producing more original, expressive artwork. Other cognitive benefits observed were improved concentration, problem-solving skills, and improvement in spatial awareness. Emotional expression and regulation were also positively affected by using movement to manage stress and translate emotion into art. This helped enhance peer interaction and collaboration, which in turn created a more supportive and cohesive environment within the classroom. The research highlights the potential of pedagogic tools for body movement in art education. It shows intentional planning and accommodation of diversity in learning styles. Movement enriches the artistic learning experience and promotes a holistic approach to education.
Source: Aposta
Institutions: INTI International University, Fatima Jinnah Women University
Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166301681
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: