Why theatre in education

Did you know these techniques can provide huge benefits for learning? In this post, we want to help you discover what they are and bring you a real example very close to home. Keep reading! Some of us are still surprised by the fact that schools and education centres use dramatic arts techniques to enhance learning. However, thanks to a team of dedicated teachers, they are slowly making their way into classrooms. And when theatre eventually makes an appearance, students, parents and teachers are all fascinated by the benefits it brings!

The real magic comes from applying dramatic techniques to learning in order to help assimilate knowledge and specific subjects , such as mathematics, languages or history.

Being in the XXI century, we need to break away from the idea that learning can only come from books and theory. In fact, putting things into practice is how we best assimilate and remember facts, something we stand firmly behind at dothegap. As explained by the teachers who have committed themselves to applying this theatrical methodology in the classroom, they favour autonomous learning, deep understanding and oral and physical expression, as well as reading comprehension , one of the most common difficulties faced by students today.

Legends, myths, poems, stories, and plays used in drama teach students about social issues and conflicts from cultures past, present, all over the world. Aesthetic Appreciation:. Participating in and viewing theatre raise appreciation for the art form. It is important to raise a generation that understands, values, and supports theatre's place in society.

The Benefits of Theatre Education Self-Confidence: Taking risks in class and performing for an audience teach students to trust their ideas and abilities. Imagination: In a word addicted to technology, theatre provides an outlet for making creative choices, thinking new ideas, and interpreting the material in expressive ways that are the essence of drama. Concentration: Playing, practicing, and performing develop a sustained focus of mind, body, and voice which helps with other areas of life including school.

Drawn in by the power of the live theatre and the highly skilled actors who present it; the relevance and real-life scenarios make an impression. It helps them to reflect on their behaviour and embrace key messages.

Theatre in Education provides a safe learning space for children and young people. One where they can think about the issues and look at the outcomes of actions for themselves. Theorists identify the character creation in Theatre in Education as a must for attitudes to change.

Identification with the characters portrayed has been presented by some as a prerequisite for attitudinal and behaviour change Perceived realism and authenticity. Cohen By using drama as a learning tool, young people can add purpose and value to their creativity. It lets them find their own unique ways to discover the answers for themselves. Working in this way improves self-esteem, motivation, and achievement.

Theatre in Education encourages young people to develop enquiry skills. It questions what influences are around them, which in turn impacts on behaviours and attitude as well as inspires them to make informed, healthy life choices. The ability to portray topics in a very visual way and to provide a context for the information given is identified as a strength of Theatre in Education in that it allows young people to make inferences about what the information provided means for themselves in everyday life.

Mages et al. When you combine learning with a fun and enjoyable experience, evaluation proves that the messages are more likely to be understood and remembered. Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. Theatre in Education allows students to observe bullying scenarios in a supportive, controlled environment. They can experience the emotions of the characters using empathy, while maintaining a sense of safety.

They can witness a range of possible strategies being played out and use critical thinking to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. The Theatre in Education experience allows students to see and feel how their behaviour affects others and learn alternative behaviours or seek help. Students are also provided with insights into why people may engage in bullying behaviour, increasing empathy, perspective-taking and a supportive school climate.

Theatre in Education can also be used for teaching students self regulation skills and social skills, demonstrating how these skills can be applied in different situations. All programs are written in consultation with psychologists and all actors are trained and supervised by qualified teachers and theatre specialists, to ensure that the complex issues of bullying are approached sensitively.