Argues that a reconsideration of what theatre or drama research actually is, and who undertakes it, is essential for the spark of life to fully enter the world of educational theatre. Discusses practical applications of research. Argues that research, like theatre, is for all, including students and teachers, and that controversy and…

Argues that student ownership of drama/theatre work encourages an unparalleled level of commitment and collaboration. Discusses four criteria signifying student ownership; teacher reluctance towards student ownership; effective roles for the teacher; and student benefits from ownership in drama work. (SR)

Discusses the results of interviews with five non-theater majors taking an elective course in child drama. Concludes that individuals with different backgrounds in creative drama can bring a diversity of opinions and knowledge to a college-level methods course. (MM)

Summarizes seven documents on oral interpretation from the ERIC system, and states that they can be used to show students the importance of reading aloud with skill. Cites that they also provide suggestions for using oral interpretation in the study of many types of literature and contexts. (MM)

Argues that the reading and writing of case studies written by student teachers about their own student teaching experiences can help students in drama/theater teacher education to integrate theory and practice. Presents one such case. Describes how cases can be used in methods class; notes advantages of the case study method; and describes…

Investigates what explicit and implicit theories of gender and feminism drive teachers' drama practices. Juxtaposes adults' anecdotal perceptions of gender with young people from preschool through high school in three different contexts: a university drama education classroom, an after-school drama class at a children's theatre, and a youth…

Describes a teacher in-service class that was planned and implemented to address needs revealed in a case study. Looks specifically at the reflective journey the teachers and the research took together in the staff development course. Notes teachers increased comfort with peer coaching. Presents eight reflections on the inservice course. (SG)

Considers how people and institutions outside the classroom shape the extent to which drama becomes part of the culture of the school and of individual classes. Discusses a case study of how classroom teachers and a school drama specialist negotiate and interpret the evolving status and function of drama as a potentially generative, artistic…

Includes an annotated bibliography of documents in the ERIC system that (1) provide insight on the value of role playing and dramatic play in the classroom and (2) suggest a variety of classroom activities that use improvisation as tool to help children retain ideas, emotions, or any academic lessons. (JD)

Presents a bibliography of seven items (research studies, discussions, and descriptions of programs) from the ERIC database which explore, from various angles, how television affects the ways children see and relate to drama. (SR)

Documents the experiences of a classroom teacher and his students with drama. Investigates the extent to which context shaped these experiences in a study on drama structure in a junior high social studies classroom. Details interactions and discourse between teacher and students that should add to reflective teaching. Includes a commentary by…

Rates children's responses to selected probing questions after they viewed a theatrical production. Finds that (1) those who received continuous class drama and theatre-viewing experiences since kindergarten gave more high-level responses; and (2) there was no significant difference between the way boys and girls responded to the questions. (MS)

Presents a study of the use of serious subject matter in plays for youth by (1) tracing the trends of increasing advocacy and acceptance of such subject matter and (2) outlining patterns in the ways in which such subject matter is presented, focusing on original, contemporary plays, written by American playwrights. (JC)

Finds that, despite the 1997 Arizona endorsement of arts standards as recommended requirements for graduation, secondary school theatre teachers profiled in this study are not accountable for, possess no ownership of, and make no investment in implementing the state's theatre standards on a systematic basis with students in their classrooms. (SR)

Presents a case study of the way in which one preservice male teacher of color constructed his drama work with culturally diverse elementary school children. Identifies three key dimensions in his perspective on teaching that center around being a caring teacher who knows his students, balances motivation and discipline, and implements a…