Theatre as an Interdisciplinary Teaching Model
By Catherine R. Palmore
Theatre is an undervalued pedagogical approach that can provide transformative experiences and learning for students. People are born storytellers who have a natural inclination towards using storytelling to make sense of the world.
Educators should explore how to incorporate theatre teaching techniques into the classroom to help students improve their self-confidence, concentration, collaboration, problem-solving, trust, and communication skills.
Applying theatre practices allows students to understand how topics and theories apply to real-world problems and situations. Examining different perspectives in a safe environment that encourages exploration challenges students to fully immerse themselves in the material in a practical and relevant way.
The primary purpose of education is to set a stage for students to understand and internalize the society and world we live in. Theatre’s experiential approach encourages self-reflection and evaluation as students begin to analyze and synthesize material with application to real-world scenarios. Theatre involves simulation and reenactment of stories and conflicts that mirror real-life circumstances. Therefore, theatre is a valuable tool in practicing and understanding how to apply a concept or theory situationally.
Studying theatre can result in increased development in collaboration, communication, social awareness, and emotional intelligence, which are vital to individual growth. Comparably, awareness, reflection, and dialogue are the critical tools needed to change the mind’s worldview or habit. Utilizing dialogue and exploring other perspectives through theatre techniques can help students grow as lifelong learners.
Theatre can be an effective tool in understanding, explaining, and creating social change. As students expand their imaginations and empathy, a transformative vision is designed to successfully navigate and implement social change.
Students can find their voice and effectively verbalize real-life issues, feelings, and behaviors. Developing strong communication and collaboration skills allows students to make a more significant impact in enacting community-based change.
Educational philosopher and social activist Maxine Greene noted imagination serves as a direct connection to an ethic of care and empathy with others. Therefore, the principles of theatre arts education allow students to make richer connections to the world around them and better understand society as a whole.
Catherine R. Palmore is a doctoral candidate in Baylor University’s Ed.D. program.
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SUGGESTED READING:
Greene, M. (1995). Releasing the imagination: Essays on education, the arts, and social change. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
