Drama in Education

Faculty of Humanities: Department of Dramatic Arts

Drama in Education

Using theatre and drama in schools.

In this Concentration, students develop a specialized knowledge of the fields of drama and theatre in education, the ability for sustained engagement with communities of learning, as well as a working knowledge of school systems. Students learn to transform regular curricular material into effective and transformative drama work, begin practicing teaching methodologies, and explore ways of generating empathy/awareness towards others. These approaches are informed by the pursuit of social justice and awareness of contemporary social issues (e.g. bullying). As well as engagement with many of the basics of theatre creation and production, students learn to effectively write both reflective and critical responses about their experience as well as about the wider field of study.

Studio TH 141 2009
'warming-up' in the studio TH 141, 2009

 

If you are interested in teaching in Ontario take a look at the very informative wesbite of the Ontario College of Teachers.  Download the brochure: Thinking about Teaching?

 

Jessie Westlake-McCormick

Who? Jessie Westlake-McCormick, graduated June 2007
Concentration? Drama in Education
Since graduating? Worked as a Residence Life Coordinator for two years at Brock University; became the first Service-Learning Coordinator at Brescia University at Western; took two groups of students to Thailand to work with children in an orphanage, plant coral reef in the ocean, clean up beaches and plant trees; taught students the value of citizenship and human rights through co-curricular service-learning; currently coordinating a student leadership conference FLAIR 2010: The Power of One and facilitating Brecia’s Co-Curricular Leadership certificate program; continues to learn by taking the Ontario Management Development Program.    

If you're interested in the Drama in Education Concentration, Jessie says that you most likely…

  • Are passionate about theatre and teaching and want a program that fosters your skills in both areas.
  • Want to enter the field of education and strengthen your skills as a teacher by incorporating theatre into your teaching and curriculum.
  • Want to feel prepared and ahead of the game entering teacher’s college.
  • Feel that theatre is an excellent way to teach difficult subject matter by providing hands-on learning that increases learning retention.
  • Want a program that teaches you how to think creatively as a teacher and develop strong, innovative programming and experiences for your students.