Date of Award
5-1-1987
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Joan Horn
Keywords
creative dramatics, discovery learning, improvisation, mapping, oral interpretation, retention, role playing, study skills
Abstract
The majority of ninth grade students indicated a strong negative attitude toward the study of Shakespearean drama. The same students had difficulty comprehending the Shakespearean language, understanding the plot and characters and recalling important information in the play. The degree of difficulty which these students exhibited was indicated by the best average grades earned on a comprehensive pretest of the play, Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare. The teaching strategy used to correct the problem was script-based improvisation and mapping. This strategy involved much activity and utilization of all the senses. Students were involved both as actors and spectators. Recall techniques, specifically in conjunction with mapping, were used frequently and consistently. The results indicated increased levels of achievement in test scores, and increased positive attitude to the study of Shakespearean drama.