Learning through dynamic tensions in a performance-based service-learning course

Authors

  • Melanie Bloom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33178/scenario.12.1.3

Abstract

Tension is described as a “key quality in drama” (Kao & O’Neill 1987: 28), but is it also an essential quality of drama as pedagogy? The present descriptive case study (Merriam 2009) explores the concept of tension and how and when it arose in a performance-based, service-learning course in Spanish. Student-produced documents as well as teacher-researcher observations were used to analyze the role of tension in the course. Results suggest that while the tensions students experienced evolved over the course of the semester, students remained engaged in the learning process.

References

Belliveau, George & Kim, Won (2013): Drama in L2 Learning: A Research Synthesis. In: Scenario VII/2, 6-26

Bloom, Melanie (2007): Tensions in a Non-traditional Spanish Classroom. In: Language Teaching Research 11/1, 85-102

Carkin, Gary (2007): Teaching English through Drama: The State of the Art. https://tesoldrama.files.wordpress.com [last accessed June 16, 2017]

Carson, Lorna (2012): The Role of Drama in Task-based Learning: Agency, Identity and Autonomy. In: Scenario VI/2, 46-59

Cheng, Astrid Yi-Mei & Winston, Joe (2011): Shakespeare as a Second Language: Playfulness, Power and Pedagogy in the ESL Classroom. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 16/4, 541-556

Dodson, Sarah L. (2000): FAQs: Learning Languages through Drama. In: Texas Papers in Foreign Language Education 5/1, 129-141

Dunn, Julie & Stinson, Madonna (2011): Not without the Art!! The Importance of Teacher Artistry when Applying Drama as a Pedagogy for Additional Language Learning. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 16/4, 617-633

Essif, Les (2002): (Re-)Creating the Critique: In(tro)ducing the Semiotics of Theatre in the Foreign-language Performance Project. In: Theatre Topics 12/2, 119–142

Even, Susanne (2011): Drama Grammar: Towards a Performative Postmethod Pedagogy. In: Language Learning Journal 39/3, 299-312

Fonio, Filippo (2012): Stuffed Pants! Staging Full-scale Comic Plays with Students of Italian as a Foreign Language. In: Scenario VI/2, 17-26

Horwitz, Elaine K., Horwitz, Michael B. & Cope, Joann (1991): Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. In: Horwitz, Elaine K. & Young, Dolly A. (eds.): Foreign Language Anxiety: From Theory to Research and Classroom Implications. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 27-36

Huang, Jing (2006): Learner Resistance in Metacognition Training? An Exploration of Mismatches between Learner and Teacher Agendas. In: Language Teaching Research 10/1, 95-117

Hubbard, Ruth Shagoury & Power, Brenda Miller (2003): The Art of Classroom Inquiry: A Handbook for Teacher-Researchers. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann

Janudom, Ratchadaporn & Wasnasomsithi, Punchalee (2009): Drama and Questioning Techniques: Powerful Tools for the Enhancement of Students’ Speaking Abilities and Positive Attitudes towards EFL Learning. In: ESP World 26/5, n.p. http://www.esp-world.info. [last accessed January 30, 2018]

Kao, Shin Mei, Carkin, Gary & Hsu, Liang-Fong (2011): Questioning Techniques for Promoting Language Learning with Students of Limited L2 Oral Proficiency in a Drama-oriented Language Classroom. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 16/4, 489-515

Kao, Shin Mei & O’Neill, Cecily (1998): Words into Worlds: Learning a Second Language Through Process Drama. Westport, CT: Greenwood

Koerner, Morgan (2012): German Literature and Culture Under Revue: Learner Autonomy and Creativity through the Theme-based Theater Practicum. In: Die Unterrichtspraxis 45/1, 28-39

Luke, Christopher L. (2006): Fostering Learner Autonomy in a Technology-Enhanced, Inquiry-Based Foreign Language Classroom. In: Foreign Language Annals 39/1, 71-86

Merriam, Sharan B. (2009): Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass

Morgan, Norah & Saxton, Juliana (1987): Teaching Drama: A Mind of Many Wonders. Cheltenham, UK: Nelston Thornes

Piazzoli, Erika (2011): Process Drama: The Use of Affective Space to Reduce Language Anxiety in the Additional Language Learning Classroom. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 16/4, 557-573

Podlozny, Ann (2000): Strengthening Verbal Skills through the Use of Classroom Drama: A Clear Link. In: Journal of Aesthetic Education 34/3, 239-275

Reyes, Carlos José (2014): Globito Manual. Bogata, Colombia: Panamericana Editorial

Ryan-Scheutz, Colleen & Colangelo, Laura M. (2004): Full-scale Theater Production and Foreign Language Learning. In: Foreign Language Annals 37/3, 374-385

Saglamel, Hasan & Kayaoglu, Mustafa N. (2013): Creative Drama: A Possible Way to Alleviate Foreign Language Anxiety. In: RELC Journal 44/3, 377-394

Schwarzer, David (2003): A Qualitative Assessment of a Foreign Whole Language Class. In: Foreign Language Annals 36/1, 77-85

Schewe, Manfred (2013): Taking Stock and Looking Ahead: Drama Pedagogy as a Gateway to a Performative Teaching and Learning Culture. In: Scenario VII/1, 5-28

Schmenk, Barbara (2015): Drama in the Classroom: Post-Holistic Considerations. In Parkes, Lisa & Ryan, Colleen M. (eds.): Integrating the Arts: Creative Thinking about FL Curricula and Language Program Direction. Boston, MA: Cengage, 91-108

Shiozawa, Yasuko & Donnery, Eucharia (2017): Overcoming Shyness: Promoting Leadership and Communication through English Drama Camp in Japan. In: Scenario XI/2, 15-30

Short, Kathy G. & Burke, Carolyn (1991): Creating Curriculum: Teachers and Students as a Community of Learners. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann

Spielmann, Guy & Radnofsky, Mary L. (2001): Learning Language Under Tension: New Directions from a Qualitative Study. In: The Modern Language Journal 85/2, 259-278

Stinson, Madonna (2009): Drama is Like Reversing Everything: Intervention Research as Teacher Professional Development. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 14/2, 225-243

Stinson, Madonna & Freebody, Kelly (2006): The DOL Project: The Contributions of Process Drama to Improved Results in English Oral Communication. In: Youth Theatre Journal 20/1, 27-41

Stinson, Madonna & Winston, Joe (2011): Drama Education and Second Language Learning: A Growing Field of Practice and Research. In: Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance 16/4, 479-488

Vázquez, Karina (2014): Speaking Out Loud: Deconstructing Shame and Fear through Theater in a Community-based Service-learning Project. In: Journal on Excellence in College Teaching 25/1, 113-137

Winston, Joe (2012): Introduction: Second and Additional Language Learning through Drama. In Winston, Joe (ed.): Second Language Learning through Drama: Practical Techniques and Applications. London, UK: Routledge, 1-5

Downloads

Published

2018-01-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Learning through dynamic tensions in a performance-based service-learning course. (2018). Scenario: A Journal of Performative Teaching, Learning, Research, 12(1), 38-52. https://doi.org/10.33178/scenario.12.1.3