The development of a drama curriculum source unit
Date
1971
Authors
Morley, Christopher John
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose ot the study was to develop a drama curriculum source unit for the intermediate grades. To achieve this purpose a suitable model tor the development ot curriculum source unit at the school level was designed.
Drama is recommended as a valuable activity natural to children in the elementary schools of British Columbia. Drama is used at an integral part of education in school in England and the United States. To use dramatic activities to their fullest potential in assisting the achievement of educational aims a carefully developed drama programme is needed.
The process of developing a drama source unit involved preliminary and final compilation stages. Based on a study of pertinent literature experimental units were developed and tried out with grades five and six children during the school years1968 - 1971. The final development and compilation of a drama source unit required a more thorough investigation of literature plus a better understanding of curriculum development, which led to the design of the source unit model. There is a need for the design of models to suit curriculum development in all subject areas. It is believed that this model would serve for the development of source units in any subject area.
The resulting drama source unit is baaed on theoretical bases of drama and curriculum development but it must still be considered experimental until it has been used, tested, rented and improved for several years in regular classrooms.
A place for drama in education is supported by a review of literature which illustrates that drama has been a valuable contributor to education since early times. Today there is considerable agitation for the inclusion of a drama unit in the British Columbia elementary schools curriculum, similar to Music or Art.
The value of drama to education are numerous and effectively lead to the achievement of many aims desired by today's educators. Being so natural to children, drama ideally aids acceptable child development.
Observation has been the primary assessing device to offer proof of drama's valuable role in education but some current studies are attempting to measure the effectiveness of dramatic activities more accurately.
The necessary elements, their operations, and the process of curriculum development are reviewed in support ot the designed source unit model.
The model includes eight steps.
1) Cumulative evaluations
2) Review of the literature of the subject
3) Preparation
4) Determinant screens
5) Objectives formulation
6) Selection of learning experiences and content
7) Organization of learning experiences and content
8) Evaluation during teacher modification and usage
Relevant criteria and necessary information on how to use the model are included.
The drama source unit general information includes statements of philosophy and guiding principles, information to the teacher re children and drama's objectives, practical suggestions re time, space and materials, and information about the parts of drama - imagination games, creative speech, creative movement and mime, improvisations, speech training, theatre skills - considered appropriate for the intermediate grades.
The outline of drama activities includes a number of activity suggestions in simple to complex order plus sample lesson plans, evaluation and integration information, a glossary of terms, and a reference list.
The teacher will select a balanced programme from this source unit to suit the needs of his particular children.