Drama Techniques in Language Learning Oxana Ishmukhametova, group 403

Dramatic activities are activities that give the student an opportunity to use his or her own personality in the language class. drama Self- expression interestmemoryimaginationimitation

Drama = Theatre! Dramatic activities are not putting on plays in front of a passive audience Dramatic activities are not putting on plays in front of a passive audience They are not a part of the preparation for some final performance They are not a part of the preparation for some final performance

Language Skills we need when speaking a language: adaptability speed of reaction sensitivity to tone insight anticipation

Problem: these skills are forgotten Solution: use drama! Drama puts emotional content into language Drama helps to use language in an appropriate context

Situation Situations, as presented in text-books, take into account only the physical setting Text-books give the rudiments of the language necessary for operating in certain surroundings BUT The real speech is unpredictable

The total situation involves: Setting (physical environment) Role and status (the choice of language depends on the listener) Mood, attitude and feeling (peoples feelings and attitudes colour their language) Shared knowledge drama helps to restore this totality

Motivation personal involvement + unique result every time + working together = speaking

Rules Before trying out a new activity ask students to suspend judgement until it is over Give precise and unambiguous instructions Make sure that materials are provided Keep close control over the time Decide what your own role is going to be

Techniques 1. Introductory exercises 2. Observation 3. Interpretation 4. Creation and invention 5. Word-play 6. Problem-solving 7. The use of literary texts, poems and songs

Sources Alan Maley and Alan Duff. Drama Techniques in Language Learning