Whole-Part-Whole Method: A Step-By-Step Technique in Enhancing Mastery of Lapay Bantigue Folk Dance

Effective dance teaching methods are essential in addressing students’ difficulties in mastering folk dances like Lapay Bantigue. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Whole-Part-Whole method in enhancing the mastery of the Lapay Bantigue folk dance among ninth-grade students at Bunga National High School. The research addressed challenges faced by students in comprehending and executing the intricate dance movements, particularly those relying on video instructions. Utilizing a mixed method embedded research design, pre- assessment and post-assessment evaluations were conducted to measure students' performance before and after the intervention. Data analysis revealed a significant improvement in student proficiency, with a mean score increase of 46.3% from the pre- test (M = 8.86) to the post-test (M = 12.97). A paired t-test confirmed a statistically significant difference (t = -20.381, p = 0.000) between the scores, indicating the positive impact of the Whole-Part-Whole method on students’ ability to accurately perform the dance. Qualitative data further highlighted students' challenges with video-only instruction and emphasized how teacher-led guidance in conjunction with the Whole- Part-Whole method fostered a more effective and engaging learning environment. This study advocates the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies in dance education.