Using drama in the Palestinian EFL classroom: teachers’ attitudes, advantages, problems, and teaching techniques

Abstract

The use of drama activities is a method that allows learners to improve their communication skills, think critically, learn new vocabulary, and increase their motivation for learning. This study investigates the attitudes of English language teachers, as well as the advantages, problems faced in, and teaching techniques of the English language learning process in Palestinian schools using drama activities. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the researchers investigated the extent to which drama activities are used while teaching English as a second language in Palestinian schools using a questionnaire and interviews. In the questionnaire, the participating English language teachers were 39 females and 12 males. Two teachers were interviewed. The findings confirm the need to implement changes and improvements regarding the use of drama activities in the language classroom. Moreover, the findings suggest following specific drama usage recommendations to ensure satisfactory results for both teachers and students to improve the four language skills. The implication of this study calls for providing clear and sufficient materials for drama classes, as well as offering teachers training programs to enhance their abilities to use drama activities in an effective way.

Short Plays and Drama in EFL Classrooms as Perceived by Secondary School Students: the Role and Impact

“…Apart from the three elements discussed above, the present study participants also believe that short play has the potential to enhance their cultural knowledge. According to Farrah et al (2021), while studying English through drama-based activities, students are encouraged to negotiate meanings by thinking critically about the differences within societies. As a result, it would be more likely to gain new information dealing with others' lifestyles and traditions.…”

“…However, Nanda and Susanto (2021) pinpoint that teachers lack drama-based pedagogy knowledge and skills, and this can hinder the successful application of short play in EFL classes. Therefore, this study calls for an immediate response from the curriculum designer of teacher education to consider incorporating drama-based activity pedagogy into its curriculum or as part of teacher professional development programs (Farrah et al, 2021).…”

The Effectiveness of Using Poetry in Developing English Vocabulary, Pronunciation and Motivation of EFL Palestinian Students

“…Several researchers have contemplated the significance of using literature in EFL classes (Farrah, et al, 2021), particularly the validity of using literary texts in terms of the development of various aspects of learners' competencies. This view has been controversial among authors who are divided into extreme positions.…”