Teacher Training and Drama Work

Abstract

Not many teachers in Japan are actively involved in ‘Drama in Education.’ In order to disseminate this educational method, it is necessary to introduce what I call ‘drama work’ to the curriculum of teacher-training courses for university students as well as of in-service training program for professional teachers. I have been experimenting ‘drama work’ in my classes at Nihon University, and also as a project called Akari-za, which is carried out by a group of professional teachers. These experimental programs have been quite successful.

Teachers must learn about Drama Work, but while learning about it, they must simultaneously apply it to their teaching methods in the class. For teachers who are not yet fully trained in Drama Work, some selected dramatic conventions could be useful.