Physics Concepts Reflected in Ilocano Folk Dances: It’s Implications to Contextualized Physics Teaching

Abstract

Using the document analysis method, this study analyzed and interpreted the steps, movements, and props used in the Ilocano folk dances to determine the Physics concepts reflected in the dances. Furthermore, the study determined the Ilocano culture demonstrated in the Ilocano folk dances with identified Physics concepts. Implications of the concepts and Ilocano culture identified to Physics teaching were also deduced in the study. This study analyzed eight (8) Ilocano folk dances, namely, Binatbatan, Chotis Dingreña, Dinaklisan, Ilocana a Nasudi, Innalisan, Pandaggo Ilocano, Polka Ilocana and Surtido Banna. It also made use of the results of the study of Cubangbang (2017), which is a list of dance steps and terms of Ilocano folk dances, dance literatures from the books of Francisca Reyes Aquino titled, “Philippine Folk Dances and Philippine Dances and Songs,” and dance presentations from Ilocos Norte Tourism Department, for the analysis. Analyses and interpretations were based on the researcher’s perspective. Results show that the Ilocano folk dances are rich in Physics concepts. Likewise, the Ilocano folk dances reflect Ilocano values such as spirituality, adaptability, social responsibility, nationalism, modesty, and frugality. Moreover, results show that the dances are performed during social gatherings. Further, they depict Ilocano principles such as class-consciousness and chief industries of the different towns of Ilocos Norte like weaving and fishing. Finally, the implications to Physics drawn from the findings include the fact that dances could be used to demonstrate Physics concepts and to develop contextualized and culture-based Physics lessons to enrich Physics teaching.