The Stage is Set: Research as a Tool for Effective Drama Education

 For drama teachers, it is enough to rely on intuition or tradition simply. After all, the heart of the game lies in fostering creativity and a dynamic classroom environment. However, the impact of the drama teacher can be significantly enhanced by basing these practices on research. Here’s how to do it:


First, the research provides a solid foundation for creating rich learning experiences. Research has investigated the impact of drama on various aspects of student development, from communication skills to empathy to social awareness (Lewandowska & Węziak-Białowolska, 2023). Drama teachers can explore this research further and tailor their curriculum to specific learning objectives. For example, research shows that role-playing can positively impact cognitive development (Gokhale, 1995). This knowledge enables the drama teacher to develop practical activities that target specific critical thinking challenges aligned with the curriculum.

Second, the study empowers drama teachers to advocate for the effectiveness of their programs. Drama sometimes needs clarification of its purpose and effectiveness. Research can provide data-based evidence to support the positive impact of drama education. Participation in drama can improve academic achievement, confidence, and professionalism (Arts Education, 2023). Armed with this research, drama teachers can confidently make a stronger case for expanding continued support for the program even further.

Finally, research can provide drama teachers with an update on best practices in the profession. Education is constantly improving, and drama education is no exception. Research informs drama teachers of new approaches, teaching strategies, and teaching materials explicitly designed for drama education (The Effects of Theater Education | The Rose Theater,2016). This allows them to continue improving their craft and ensures their students are exposed to the most effective teaching methods in an ever-changing educational environment.

The conclusion is that research need not replace a drama teacher’s creativity or passion. Instead, it is a powerful tool for improving student practice, ensuring they get the most out of a rounded drama curriculum.

References:

Dynarski, M. (2015, December 10). Using research to improve education under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/using-research-to-improve-education-under-the-every-student-succeeds-act/

Gokhale, A. A. (1995). Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 7(1), 22-36. https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v7n1/gokhale.jte-v7n1.html

Lewandowska, K., & Węziak‐Białowolska, D. (2022). The impact of theatre on social competencies: a meta-analytic evaluation. Arts & Health, 15(3), 306–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2022.2130947

Arts Education. (2023, November 16). National Endowment for the Arts. https://www.arts.gov/impact/arts-education

The Effects of Theater Education | The Rose Theater. (2016, July 20). https://rosetheater.org/2016/07/20/the-effects-of-theater-education/

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