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

Abstract

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.