The use of drama and theatre in education

Abstract

Most modem educationists advocate the departure from traditional methods such as "Chalk and Talk". It is their opinion that first-hand experience facilitates learning. Many methods arise from this consideration but certainly DRAMA and THEATRE are to be considered among the foremost in their value towards presenting real-life experiences as vividly as possible in the classroom. It is the objective of this dissertation to examine the use of Drama and Theatre as Educational tools both for normal children as well as those with Special needs. In fact the three sections of the dissertation each deal with one of these topics. The first section which discusses Drama starts from Play and includes Improvisation and practical work of Drama in the classroom The second section deals with Theatre in Education and includes topics such as the difference between Drama and Theatre, the value of Theatre in Education and how to plan it This section concludes with the work of the Drama Unit. The third and final section regarding Children with Special needs includes how can Drama help these children, and some practical work that can be done with these children.