Benefit of using drama in ESL classroom:
Active learning
Nafiz
Arifah
What is
Active learning
students construct their own
knowledge and learning
Active learning engages students in the process of learning
through activities and/or discussion in class, as opposed to
passively listening to an expert. It emphasizes high order
thinking and often involves group work.
(Freeman et. al, 2014)
Language learning is more effective when the target language
is used interactively, particularly in regard to understanding the
language in general, and improving their reading or listening
skills in particular.
(Swain, 1985)
DRAMA, PRIMARY ESL AND ACTIVE LEARNING
English Language Skills
Active Learning
Drama Student
In ESL classroom, drama is an effective activity to implement active learning.
The students will actively be learning the English Language skills while enjoy
collaborating in drama activity. Activities such as drama which involves group
work makes learning more engaging and interesting for primary ESL students.
The acquisition of meaningful, fluent interaction in the
target language
Exercises language skills in critical and creative
thinking
Benefits Directs students’ awareness of how people
of communicate in different communication modes and
improves communicative behaviors
DRAMA
as an active learning activity
Promotes student centered learning
Extend, retain and reinforce vocabulary and sentence
structure
HOW DRAMA ENGAGE STUDENTS
Teaching language through drama gives students an opportunity to
relax the mind while learning and retain knowledge better.
Memorization of lines activates and trains the brain while
connecting language with gestures.
Acting helps students remember words and sentences.
The use of the body on stage helps teachers get a total physical
response (TPR) from the students, which is one of many effective
ESL teaching methods.
what teachers
need to be
aware of
Language Proficiency Levels
Tailor drama activities to match the language proficiency
levels of the students. Ensure that the tasks and
vocabulary used are appropriate for their current stage
of language development.
Cultural Sensitivity
Be aware of cultural diversity in the classroom. Avoid
stereotypes and ensure that drama activities respect
and celebrate the various cultural backgrounds of the
students.
Safety and Inclusivity
Ensure that drama activities are physically safe for all
students. Consider the physical abilities of each
student and adapt activities accordingly.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Be flexible and ready to adapt activities based on the
student's responses and needs. Allow for spontaneity
and creative input from the students