Movement Based Learning
indepth
Movement-based
learning has come to be known in the neurobiological field as
any brain-based learning that stimulates the growth of neural
pathways through movement of the body.
Movement-based learning grew out of research revolving around
kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of
human movement which encompasses biological components
of human movement including anatomical, physiological,
neurological, biochemical and biomechanical. Theoretical
knowledge of kinesiology is applied in many areas
including
physical therapy,
occupational therapy, and
vision training. The approach of
these applications can be therapeutic, preventive, or
high-performance.
Cece uses movement-based learning in the educational realm
rather than the developmental kinesiology realm which means
that she teaches adults to work with children (through
workshops and private consultations) by showing how to
observe postural and behavioral cues. Once this information
is gathered, a movement program is developed that will
enhance a more integrated way of learning. This will allow
for the child to accomplish his goals in life with greater
ease––the goal may be walking, talking,
self-feeding, reading with ease, or organizing classroom
tasks.
Kinesiology is also studied in the relationship between the
quality of human movement and the overall health and/or
quality of life of a human being. This is the application
that Cece uses in the books she has written, in the workshops
she teaches and in the programs that can be developed
individually and/or for groups of children in the classroom
or for children being home-schooled.
Babies and young children naturally perform what
experts in early childhood education call developmental
movements. These movements develop the neural connections in
the brain, which are essential to learning.
The foundational pieces of learning, the
infant reflexes and developmental
movement patterns, all play a part in the growth of a
human being both physically and mentally. What Cece does
is assist the adults in the child’s
world––teachers, Special Education teachers,
occupational therapists, physical therapists and
parents, to come to a preliminary understanding of these
reflexes and developmental movement patterns. A change
in the functioning level of a child is the result that
is assessed, developed, evaluated for effectiveness and
then modified as the need arises. Through the use of the
tenets Cece brings to a private session, a workshop or
to the books she writes, the child is better able to
grasp the methods and techniques that the teacher,
therapist or parent uses while playing/working with the
child.
There is a difference between movement-based learning that
Cece discusses in her recently published book
(Movement Based Learning for Children of All
Abilities, 2006) and Developmental Kinesiology.
Cece’s approach to movement-based learning uses
observation and guided information to establish a
learning program that is filled with specific movements
and activities. Developmental Kinesiology uses muscle
checking to determine the specific activities needed to
promote the natural development of an infant, child or
adult. Often times the approach that Movement Based
Learning, Inc. takes in working with a child, is a
precursor to working more in-depth with Developmental
Kinesiology.