COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is ideal for non-native English speaking teachers who wish to introduce drama into their classrooms as a way to stimulate students interest in a range of subjects. At the same time, this can help students to increase their confidence and skills of self-expression. Much of the content features practical, hands-on sessions focused on the application of drama in the classroom – refreshing and stimulating for Tutor and participants alike. This course enables teachers to improve their overall English Language skills as well.
OBJECTIVES:
The primary objectives of this course are:
- to improve their current General English language levels
- to familiarise participants with key strategies for using drama in the classroom for students aged 10+
- to help develop participants’ skills in the use of improvisation in the classroom
- to help develop participants’ awareness of tools such as image theatre and the use of texts
- to help develop participants’ devise, develop and present a show for their own class
- to improve participants confidence in their own lesson delivery
- to provide an opportunity to develop and consolidate participants own language skills
- to promote awareness of contemporary Ireland
- to establish contacts between teachers from a variety of European backgrounds and facilitate future networking among these professionals
- to produce high-quality learning outcomes for participants thereby re-enforcing the capacity and international scope of their schools
By achieving these objectives we aim to assist schools to address identified needs outlined in their European Development Plan and to re-inforce the capacities and international scope of the participating organisations.
MEHTODOLOGY:
a) First Week - General English Language Classes
The overall approach in the language development classes is communicative with students encouraged and facilitated to use the language learned in the classroom. The syllabus for the morning classes covers all the language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar activities. Class work includes individual, pair and group work, discussions, debates, project work, presentations, written tasks and listening exercises. A project topic is introduced to the class and students present their project work to the class at the end of the week. Participants’ needs are evaluated; learning objectives are set and participants receive focused feedback. Areas for improvement are addressed through revision sessions and progress tests.
b) Second Week - Using Drama to Enchance Teaching
This is a practical, hands-on, participative course which focuses on the application of drama in the classroom. The input sessions are a blend of lecture format and practical activities. Throughout the course participants are encouraged to reflect on their own practice, consider alternative practices and try out a variety of classroom activities through workshops and presentations. Participants will build up a portfolio of activities for their class and devise and develop a show of their own. The morning sessions are complemented and reinforced by a series of related afternoon cultural excursions where the participants are encouraged to develop their language skills in a more informal environment outside the classroom and further enhance their knowledge of Ireland
FORMAT:
This course on Language then Using Drama to Enhance Teaching is a 2-week course consisting of 20 contact hours per week plus an extensive cultural programme which is directly linked to the morning sessions. First week focus on the General English classes, which cover all the language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar activities. Class work includes individual, pair and group work, discussions, debates, project work, presentations, written tasks and listening exercises. Second week is a specialised course, focused on Using Drama to Enchance Teaching. Advice is provided on opportunities for extended Informal Learning and Personal Research related to their course on Saturday and Sunday.
FOLLOW UP:
On the final day of the course, the participants engage in a reflection session in which they are encouraged to examine benefits gained from the course and complete a course evaluation form. Participants are encouraged to keep contact via email and private social networking. Regular follow-up contact is made with the participants after completion of the course. The trainers are available for follow-up advice and support at all times.
SAMPLE PROGRAMME:
1-5) Monday to Friday: General English Language Classes (4 lessons/day)
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Free days
6) Monday
- Introduction and the course outline
- Drama Games Introduction to Image Theatre
- Orientation tour of Dublin to provide participants with an opportunity to practise their English in a more informal setting outside the classroom, familiarise themselves with the geography and history of the city and allow participants to collect authentic materials for use in the classroom
7) Tuesday
- Working with your voice and body
- Introduction to Forum Theatre Workshop: Devising a Show
- Visit to Henrietta Street Museum. Collecting authentic materials
8) Wednesday
- Using Improvisation in the Classroom
- Workshop: Devising a show for the drama classroom
- Guided Backstage tour of Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National theatre
9) Thursday
- Working with Text: From Page to Stage
- Workshop: Devising a show for the drama classroom
- Visit to National Art Gallery
10) Friday
- Presentation of participants’ shows
- Course review and evaluation. Implications for future practice. Establishment of base and guidelines for future contact and networking
Akredytacje
