ITAF Pedagogy in Theory and Practice: An Action Research Study of Transformative Growth and Development in University Classrooms

Abstract

This article shows how a student centered pedagogy called the Improvisational Theater Art Form (ITAF) empowers transformative awareness, growth, and change. In this particular study representative of a larger body of work, 30 undergraduate researcher/participants created improvised games and scenes as expressions of their inner selves to explore “habits of the mind” negatively affecting social living and daily life. ITAF draws upon action research, transformative learning theory, improvisational theater, a democratic learning environment, and learning through play. The purpose of this article is to show how ITAF inspired learners to study the nature of the self, achieve progressive growth and development, and advance the craft of transformative learning and education.