Drama in Education and Theatre in Education: A Contextual Overview

Abstract

One of the most outstanding occurrences in education particularly from the 1950’s onward has been the move towards a change in the role of the student, who is now seen as agent of his/her own learning, opposed to models of uniformity and predominantly verbal teaching. Student centered teaching where implementation of variety of active methods of learning will give opportunity to students to express their specific identity was thought to be a better means of teaching and learning. How do young children learn? What types of instruction will best facilitate the teaching and learning process of young learners, and what role could educational drama play in these processes? This paper is geared towards giving an overview of educational drama methods that include Drama in education and Theatre-in-education; and how these can help students construct knowledge actively. It will highlight the role of Theatre-in-education and Drama in education, under the umbrella of educational drama in the teaching and learning process. It will also show the positive impact drama has in raising the standards of teaching and learning.