The Use of

Drama in the

Classroom

What is Drama?

Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word

meaning “action" ( δρᾶμα), which is derived from "to

do."

Types of Dramas: Improvisation / Let’s Pretend Role Plays Mime Masked Drama Puppet Plays Performance Poetry Radio Drama

Advantages: Self - confidence Imagination Empathy Cooperation Fun Adaptability Create sensitivity and sense of awareness Universality

Disadvantages: Spontaneity is lost Activities may not be for all levelsSometimes causes embarrassmentTeachers fear of losing control

How to Use Drama in the Classroom

As English language teaching professionals we're always on the

lookout for new ideas and activities to expand the repertoire of dynamics in

our EFL class rooms.

One area which could always use more attention

is the use of drama.

Ways to use Drama in the classroom:

Role Play activities from the learner text books.

Act Out video scenes.

Use Scenes From Movies.

Case-scenery.

Role Play activities from the learner text books

If you're using a course book such as Interchange Third Edition, Side by Side, super goal, American Framework, First Class, etc. you can have the learners start out by

"acting out" dialogues from their text books.

Act Out video scenes -

If there is a video from the same course book series learners can act these out too.

Use Scenes From Movies

Use dramatic scenes from movies and films as a basis

for drama / dialogue practice. Famous, popular or

memorable movie scenes work best. Have learners

take the roles of characters in the movie scene and do

the same lines as the original actors imitating accent,

gestures, discourse, etc.

Case-scenarios

A case scenario is a made-up situation or problem using real-life constraints and affects in order to discuss and

predict how a certain situation could turn out in the real world.