BENEFITS OF DRAMA-BASED ACTIVITIES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine has disrupted education, affecting both students and teachers. Despite numerous challenges, the country continues to pursue its educational reform. This paper investigates the role of drama-based activities in developing public speaking skills of high school students. The literature review emphasizes the need for innovative teaching methods in the face of educational reform. Empirical studies analyzed showcase positive impact of drama-based activities on speaking skills development of high school students worldwide. To contextualize the research within Ukrainian educational policy, the study defines key terms such as "drama," "dramatization", ”drama-based activities”, and "public speaking" in the foreign language learning context. The study defines dramatization as the interaction of a teacher and students in drama games, role plays, improvisations, simulations and theatre projects aimed at forming the students’ communicative competence. Public speaking is positioned as a crucial component of broader communicative competence, as outlined in educational standards. The paper proposes pedagogical implications for integrating drama-based activities into language lessons, elective courses, and extracurricular activities at the upper-secondary level. The synthesis of research findings reveals three overarching categories of benefits of drama-based activities for public speaking skills development of high school students: language learning, personal, and social. Improved pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar skills, increased engagement, creativity, and enhanced interpersonal skills are reported outcomes. The study concludes with a call for further research, particularly exploring the integration of technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance public speaking of high school students.