ERIC Number: ED620366
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Theatre Counts: How Theatre Education Transforms Students' Lives
Middleton, Gwynne; Dell'Erba, Mary
Arts Education Partnership
Theatre education research shows the power of the art form to transform students' experiences of themselves as well as their relationships with peers and the larger world. The process and product of theatre learning incorporates creative and technical skills across many learning disciplines. Access to adequately resourced and standards-based theatre education during the school day is an important factor in promoting high-quality theatre experiences. As educators play a crucial role in nurturing students, educator preparation and professional development opportunities in multiple subject areas are also critical in effective theatre education. For this Special Report, the Arts Education Partnership reviewed research studies identified within ArtsEdSearch (the national clearinghouse of arts education research), the International Journal of Education and the Arts and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders to explore the importance of theatre in student learning and academic and personal growth. The featured studies show theatre's positive impact on student success and bolster findings that theatre education: (1) Promotes identity development and growth; (2) Builds empathy and relationships among peers; and (3) Empowers participants to transform their understanding of their place in the world.
Descriptors: Theater Arts, Drama, Art Education, Interdisciplinary Approach, Student Development, Self Concept, Identification (Psychology), Interpersonal Relationship, Empathy
Arts Education Partnership. 700 Broadway Suite 810, Denver, CO 80203. Tel: 303-299-3631; Web site: http://www.aep-arts.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Authoring Institution: Education Commission of the States, Arts Education Partnership (AEP)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A