Native teaching and learning dramatic teaching and learning
Date
1988
Authors
Foreman, Kathleen Joyce
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether or not Educational Drama offers Native teacher education students a teaching/learning methodology which is compatible with a Native teaching/learning style. The impetus for this investigation was the author's experience teaching Educational Drama to Native teacher education students through the University of Calgary's Native Outreach Program from 1982-1986. The study utilized three areas of research.
First, reflection on the author's experience provided first-hand documentation of Native students' reactions to dramatic teaching and learning.
Second, traditional Native teaching and learning methods were outlined, followed by a brief overview of the period of non-Native controlled Native education and its effects on the traditional Native teaching/learning. Research investigating the possibility of a distinct Native teaching/learning style was reviewed.
Third, Educational Drama, its definition, function and unique teaching/learning methods was discussed with regard to identifying a 'dramatic' teaching/learning 'style' which spans curricular boundaries.
The conclusion of this study combined all three areas of research--personal, Native teaching/learning and dramatic teaching/learning--to identify the similarities and differences between a Native and a dramatic teaching/learning style.
The results of this thesis investigation demonstrate that Educational Drama, as a teaching/learning methodology, shares many fundamental values, interaction patterns and teaching/learning approaches with what has been identified by the research as a Native learning style. The differences between the two styles involve the use of language within the learning environment. These differences are not barriers between the two styles, but bridges which facilitate development of teaching and learning strengths. The results of this study on Native teaching and learning and dramatic teaching and learning conclude that Educational Drama offers Native teacher education students a teaching/learning methodoloy which is compatible with a Native teaching/learning style.