Using drama in the EFL classroom

Using drama in the EFL classroom

by Dr/Stevens

Summarised by/Nasr Abou El Seoud

It is one of the most fascinating workshops.I think everyone enjoyed it and participated in it .This may due to the vivity of the subject.But, also the cleverness of Dr/Stevens contributed alot.

Dr/Stevens began his workshop with the fact that drama has been used in language classes to develop communicative competence and improving oral intelligibility and fluency.It also inspires students to learn another language by making language use purposeful and contextualized.It also makes learning enjoyable by creating a relaxed atmosphere inside the learning environment.Drama allows students to participate in the new culture. Also, drama builds group unity through trust. It draws upon all senses and skills. Multiple intelligences can be achieved through drama. Finally , successful drama activities make use of students experience.

Then , Dr/ Stevens moved to speak about the basics of a drama class as follows:
1-Group development.
2-Energy.
3-Voice.
4- Movement.
5-Concentration.
6- Spontaneity.
7- Creativity.
8- Mechanics.

Afterthat ,Dr/Stevens mentioned some suggestions for ordering drama class activities as follows:
1- Relaxation.
2-Physical warm up.
3- Vocal warm up.
4-Rehearsal/performance.
5- New activity.
6-Coo down.

Finally he used some of these activities as follows:
1-Circle movement.
2-Push/pull.
3- Lean in.
4-The great shake.
5-Mirror movement.
6- The observation game.
7-Fruit basket.
8-Sing the missing part.
9-Preposition circle game.
10-What are you doing.
11- The freeze game.
12- Using puppets.

Above are some of the techniques that can be used in teaching English as a foreign language.They can be used with different levels and ages. The distinguishing thing about Dr/ Stevens' workshops is their applicability.So many thanks are due to him.