Using drama to teach English--especially as a second language--allows students to use natural, conversational English in a meaningful context; it requires students to participate in new cultural roles and to behave in a culturally acceptable way; and it provides a purposeful, highly motivating classroom activity for intermediate and advanced…

This paper attempts to distill John Dewey's theory of poetic compression and suggests its possible application as a technique that the performer can use to confront poetic language. Specifically, Dewey's discussions of modes of interaction in art and of the expanding and contracting character of language are used to illuminate the language of the…

Improvisational exercises can be used when teaching dramatic literature, but only when they reflect the universal issues of the play text being studied and when they lead students to a deeper understanding of the dramatic work. (RL)

The Nevada State School and Hospital has begun a program in social dramatics aimed at bringing retarded adults into social responsibility. (Author)

Presents basic information for teachers about how to use role-play, dramatic play, and simulations in the elementary social studies classroom. Explains how to proceed through the introduction or warm-up, the activity itself, and the follow-up evaluation. (AV)

Describes an activity designed to get beginning drama students to work with other classmates and to get students up in front of a class in a group situation. (MH)

Discusses the role of dramatic art in British universities from 1880-1980. World War II is identified as the turning point when drama became an approved academic subject. Possible future trends of drama curricula are discussed. (Author/DB)

Discusses the history and theory of drama therapy and illustrates it through case studies. Makes suggestions for counselors who wish to use drama to promote psychological development. Notes that using dramatic activities allows counselors to view the inner world of their clients through symbolization, characterization, and interaction. (ABB)

Describes historical background of the "Living Newspaper" theater, the procedure in using the genre as a classroom activity, and the evaluation of the activity for student learning. Presents an example of play design and an observation-debriefing form, concluding that this medium stimulates student curiosity about the past and may be…

Discusses the movement to provide a position for drama within the curriculum, opposition to the movement, and recent works which highlight the potential for drama in the language arts. Points out that drama teaches students to negotiate and create meaning. (ARH)

To encourage the advancement of the arts in education, the article describes a form of interactive television that focuses on the use of creative drama techniques by the classroom teacher. (JD)

Offers guidelines for working with deaf actors and sign language interpreters. Contains useful information for directors wanting to cast deaf actors in roles of deaf characters and to include sign language-interpreted performances of some of their regular productions. (JD)

Results of this dramatics program for economically disadvantaged children indicate significant improvements in reading achievement and attitudes toward self and others. (PD)