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EP313-15 Introduction to Secondary Drama Teaching

Department
Centre for Teacher Education
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Holly Heshmati
Credit value
15
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

This module takes place in term 2 and is specially designed to introduce you to Drama curriculum and pedagogy in the Secondary school age range. You will explore your subject from a new perspective through engaging sessions at university led by teaching fellows and visiting teachers. Practical workshops will examine the content of Secondary Drama National Curriculum and how to address barriers to learning in Drama through the development of effective teaching approaches and resources.

The module is hosted by the Centre for Teacher Education (currently rated 'Outstanding' by OFSTED). Anyone who completes the module is automatically eligible for an interview for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) initial teacher training course (providing all entry requirements for Initial Teacher Training are met).

Module web page

Module aims

  1. To develop knowledge of Drama teaching in the UK education system and some of the approaches to learning that support secondary students in the subject.
  2. To develop knowledge and understanding of Drama education and the secondary curriculum.
  3. To develop key transferable skills through engagement with 11-18 education.
  4. To develop skills in personal reflection on professional practice.
  5. To relate educational theory to education practice.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The theory which underpins the practice of Drama teaching is explored through seminars led by CTE Teaching Fellows. The seminars begin by discussing the current context of the UK education system and national curriculum before exploring a range of key themes in education such as how students learn, how ideas develop in the school curriculum and using assessment for learning and specific aspects of pedagogy relating to the teaching of Drama.

As part of the module you engage in Drama education through developing materials, resources and teaching approaches to support learning in Drama. You will develop your practical understanding of the teaching of Drama. Indicative activities might include: developing learning resources, providing exemplar materials to a professional brief, producing online learning resources.
To prepare for and support you for this you will participate a series of workshops at the university. These are highly interactive, practice based sessions, delivered by visiting teachers from local secondary schools. Sessions cover topics such as pitching and sequencing resources to support learning, overcoming barriers to learning and effective questioning.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • LO1 Critically analyse and reflect on key issues in Drama education in school.
  • LO2 Critically reflect on practice in teaching Drama in school.
  • LO3 Apply learning theory to school Drama teaching practices.
  • LO4 Demonstrate professional skills in supporting learning in Drama.

Indicative reading list

Learning to teach drama 11-18
Beginning drama 11-14
Creating democratic citizenship through drama education: the writings of Jonothan Neelands
Masterclass in drama education: transforming teaching and learning
Acting in classroom drama: a critical analysis
Drama as education: an argument for placing drama at the centre of the curriculum
The play way: an essay in educational method

Interdisciplinary

Through exploring the teaching and pedagogy of your subject you will consider and build connections between your subject, educational theory, the psychology of learning and cognition and also consider elements of policy, society and sociology. You will develop your written communication skills in producing both academic and professional evidence-informed rationales for practice.

Subject specific skills

You will develop skills relevant for teaching and the development of practice such as communication, peer and professional collaboration and reflection. You will also develop skills relevant to the academic study of education such as analysis and critique. The module will also develop your skills in the pedagogy of your subject.

Transferable skills

Critical Thinking
Reasoning and Problem Solving
Active Lifelong Learning
Communication (verbal and written)
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Information literacy (research skills)
ICT Literacy
Citizenship (local and global)
Ethical Values
Inter-cultural learning and diversity awareness
Professionalism
Organisational awareness

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 2 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars 7 sessions of 2 hours (47%)
Practical classes 7 sessions of 2 hours (47%)
Total 30 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
A critical review on an issue in Drama Education 50% 60 hours Yes (extension)

A short (1000 word, approximately 4 sources) annotated bibliography on a chosen issue in Drama Education followed by a 500 word discussion and conclusion on the implications for teaching Drama .

Poster 50% 60 hours Yes (extension)

A poster presentation of a learning resource, artefact or materials designed to support children's learning in Drama with a supporting rationale relating to , secondary Drama curriculum, learning or pedagogic theory.

Feedback on assessment

Formative: During the course of the module students will have the opportunity to submit one critical review entry.
Summative: A written feedback sheet and in-text comments will be provided on each component.

There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.