Teacher Training in Drama Education: A Unique Approach.

Overview & Synopsis

Given the responsibility that was placed on school systems to develop and maintain Canadian culture through arts education, the faculty of education at the University of Regina (Saskatchewan), developed a program to prepare teachers to fill the variety of arts education roles. In the four-year undergraduate program, five arts disciplines are included: visual, music, dance, drama, and literary arts. All students in the program are required to enroll in a common first year in education. In years two, three, and four, the required education classes in each of the five arts disciplines follow a parallel structure. For example, in year two the focus is on curriculum development, in year three the students are introduced to teaching strategies and theories of instruction, and in year four the classes are addressed to critical feedback from the internship experience. Another unique component of the program is the requirement that all students from each of the disciplines enroll in the arts education seminar and three sequential aesthetic education classes. Students are also required to attend cultural events throughout the city. It is hoped that this newly established arts education program will produce graduates who will generate educational programs to alter traditional practices in arts education and therefore better meet the needs of the community.(HOD)