Bringing the personal to the professional: Pre-service teaching students explore conflict through an applied drama approach. Issue 1 (1st January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morrison, Morag; Nilsson, Elin; Lepp, Margret
• Is Part Of: Applied theatre research. Volume 1:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2013-01-01
• Subjects: Theater in community development -- Periodicals; Drama in community development -- Periodicals; Drama in education -- Periodicals; Theater and society -- Periodicals; 792
• DOI: 10.1386/atr.1.1.63_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-3010

Abstract

This article explores the use of applied drama as a learning medium for trainee teachers who had not previously experienced the use of drama as a pedagogic approach, in an effort to develop professional relational skills, including conflict management. A quality content analysis approach was used, based on the responses of 64 participants to a questionnaire completed immediately following a drama workshop experience. One main theme – 'the nature of learning through the medium of drama' – and three other categories – 'bridging theory and practice in teacher education', 'fostering courage and self-esteem' and 'cognitive engagement, shifts in perspectives and empathy' – emerged from the analysis of the data. Such analysis indicates that applied drama could provide an effective teaching strategy for developing professionalism.