OUTCOMES

Provide an introduction and overview of the basic principles and rationales of using drama in language teaching. These will include; creating better group dynamics and building trust; voice and pronunciation; fluency, improvisation and characterization.

Drama emphasizes the importance of cohesive groupwork and therefore builds trust between learners, thereby reducing stress and building confidence. It also encourages students to take pride in any kind of performance work as learners have to rely on each other to produce something of value and quality. As a result their self-esteem and motivation are increased through their achievements. Drama sensitises us to other people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour because it often requires us to put ourselves in somebody else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective; it develops empathy, drama is fun, unconventional and an oft-needed physical release. It frequently generates laughter and a relaxed atmosphere, promoting an ideal learning climate. Drama provides opportunities to engage in authentic language use in a given situation so learners are not practising lexical and grammatical items in isolation but are rather putting them in an active context

drama caters well for mixed-ability groups as less challenging roles and responsibilities can be given to less able learners and more able learners can be used to demonstrate an activity or take leadership responsibility within a small group. giving this kind of responsibility