Directions in Drama Education: A Progress Report.

Overview & Synopsis

Despite the importance that the study of drama can have in the education of a well-rounded student, the lack of formal education among drama teachers and the elective status of high school arts courses give drama education a reduced position in the curriculum. A study examined five areas of research and opinion on drama education: (1) the ideology of drama education; (2) the teaching strategy known as creative dramatics; (3) the value and content of theatre curriculum; (4) teacher training in drama education; and (5) the current status of drama education in the United States. Findings indicated that arts education is an acceptable cognitive course of study for all children and helps develop concept formation, creativity, perception, and decision-making skills. (A glossary of terms and an annotated bibliography divided into sections on ideology, creative dramatics, theatre classics, teacher training, and current status of drama education is included, and 28 references are attached.) (ARH)