Much like unit seven, unit eight was very short. It too focused on drama and how it can be implemented in English Language Arts classrooms. As mentioned, this unit was very short and consisted of one reading. The reading discusses "authentic" teaching and learning and how drama can enhance both aspects. One important aspect of the reading points out the need for teachers to empower students by working alongside them. "An enabling teacher works alongside students but is careful to choose when, and when not, to intervene..." (Edmiston and Wilhelm). Teachers should guide students to the correct answer and make new discoveries with them. The teacher should learn from the students, just as the students learn from the teacher.
The reading suggests that drama is one big "'what if...?'" (Edmiston and Wilhelm). Students and teachers answer the "what if" by acting out and creating different scenarios. In essence, drama is a process of discovery. If there are multiple "what if" scenarios, then acting them out is a way of discovering them.
As mentioned in the previous blog post, I believe implementing drama is one of the best ways to help students remember, understand and appreciate content. Drama helps students not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well. Drama teaches students skills that can be implemented in every situation imaginable. Here is a brief article explaining the skills gained by using drama in the classroom and how they can be applied in other aspects of student's lives.
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