Integrating Theater Arts into the Classroom: The New Responsibiliites of the Elementary School Teacher

Graduation Date

Spring 2011

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Document Form

Print

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program Name

Education

Program Director

Madeliene Peters, EdD

Abstract

This paper researches how teachers can successfully incorporate Theater Arts into their daily schedules and lesson plans without necessarily teaching a lesson on the subject itself. A common problem that teachers face is not being able to engage students in the learning process; likewise, the students do not retain much of what they are taught.

The purpose of this study is to find out if, and how, students benefit from teachers integrating Theater Arts into their lessons as well as finding effective ways of doing so. The assumption is that teachers may be able to better engage their students if they are theatrical or involve Theater Arts in their instruction method.

The literature that has been reviewed for this study suggests that Theater Arts integration in some subjects improves morale across all subjects, resulting in overall academic improvement. Additionally, an interview with an experienced elementary school teacher confirms that integrating Theater Arts into curriculum engages students and provides an additional way teach and assess second language learners.

This study finds that Theater Arts integration in curriculum engages students in the learning process and promotes a greater affinity for education. If students are eager to learn, they will pay closer attention to subject matter. Once students are more engaged in school, schools will perform better on academic testing and produce students who have a positive attitude towards education.

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