How has drama education training strengthened our teaching skills? Perspectives from preservice teachers and a university professor

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we have reflected on how drama training and drama experiences have helped us in our own journeys as educators and how the artform has invited learners into new communities and collaborative problem-solving. The very spaces of schools are isolating, with classroom doors opening and shutting in long corridors. The curriculum is often siloed and distant from other disciplines and young people and adults spend hours in zombie-like trances, seemingly addicted to hand-held devices, yearning for affirmations of their existence. Drama invites us to connect with one another and come face to face with human beings. Drama invites us to ‘try on’ a lifestyle and language that may be unfamiliar. In addition, study after study has proven that literacy skills are strengthened and enhanced when the crafts of drama—expressive speaking, risk-taking, creativity, imaginative and cooperative thinking and doing—are infused into teaching and learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Drama education
• classroom community
• impact
• learning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jan Buley

Dr. Jan Buley is addicted to teaching and learning, and shares her love for literacy and drama education with teacher candidates within Memorial University’s Faculty of Education. Jan believes that curiosity and an ability to ‘imagine things as other’ are necessary in all teaching and learning communities.  She runs from apathy!  Jan’s Ph.D. from the Steinhardt School, New York University, examined the assumptions, beliefs and contradictions associated with family engagement in schools.  An avid creative writer and a dreadful cook, Jan can often be found hiking with Nelllie the borderless collie who lives with her and her music educator partner, David.

Scott Yetman

Scott Yetman is from Newfoundland and Labrador. He holds a BFA, BA, and MA from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), and TESL certification from McGill University. His teaching expertise is in Drama and English Language Arts. He is currently studying Intermediate/Secondary education at MUN.

Mitchell McGee-Herritt

Mitchell McGee-Herritt is a full-time education student at Memorial University.  He graduated with a BFA from the theatre program at Memorial’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook and has performed in many plays, films and productions.  Mitch speaks French fluently and is really excited to be sharing his love of drama education and theatre with students in Newfoundland.