In a typical class, students often are required to use their receptive skills more than their productive skills. Teachers tend to base their teaching on textbooks or worksheets, leaving little time for creative experiences.

Meanwhile, drama techniques, also known as drama strategies, are perceived as everyday tools of the creative teacher. They help to develop speaking skills and implement understanding and creativity in the classroom. They can enhance performance skills and be used to actively involve students in their learning.

As lack of student engagement is a significant challenge for teachers, implementing drama-based lessons may enhance student learning through increased engagement and motivation in-class activities. This is also tied to improvements in student behavior, improved learning outcomes, and greater respect for the rights of others. High levels of student engagement can also reduce early school leaving. Introducing drama-based techniques has a positive effect on teachers, as well; scientists found that low engagement is a contributing factor in teacher burnout, and that increasing engagement can both reduce teacher burnout and improve teacher self-efficacy.

What is more, such activities are very useful especially in helping students overcome their fear of public speaking. It is said that through using drama strategies students not only improve their language proficiency, but also develop their collaborative learning abilities, improve their soft skills and learn to socialize and cope with other students.

Bringing drama-based activities into the classroom is especially beneficial when teaching foreign languages. The implementation of drama techniques may improve vocabulary acquisition, fluency, communication, pronunciation, and shyness. For instance, using improvisation during language classes helps students improve their critical thinking skills and helps them become aware of the nature of their mistakes.

Our course aims to help teachers provide an authentic, active learning experience for their students by introducing teachers to drama-based strategies and helping them apply these concepts to their lessons. Participants will also learn about project-based learning, grow and develop professionally and build strong relationships with colleagues from all over Europe!