Seminar paper from the year 2017 in the subject Didactics - French -
Pedagogy, Literature Studies, grade: 62, University of Birmingham,
course: PGDipEd Secondary (QTS) French, language: English, abstract:
Drama pedagogy is a highly promising approach to modern language
teaching, which moves drama from its traditionally extra-curricular
status to a key teaching and learning tool. Authentic communication is
often mentioned as a goal of drama pedagogy; the teacher wants to create
a context for speech that simulates actual communication rather than the
isolated or contrived sentences and dialogue often found in textbooks.
This paper aims to find out what effect the use of drama can have on
learners' speaking confidence, spontaneity, and fluency. Different
literature on the subject is consulted and several approaches are
considered, such as a speed dating activity with no preparation to
simulate an authentic conversation; a role-play scripted by the pupils;
and a pair conversation, with 'character cards' to give pupils an idea
in English what they could say, and questions on the slide. These
methods are implemented over three lessons with a class of 20 year ten
pupils. Different tools to collect data were used for analysis, such as
a questionnaire and observation notes from the class teacher, to answer
the question, in how far the use of drama can be profitable in modern
language teaching. The paper includes the used working material for
French lessons and an evaluation.
