Journal #6 Writing Aloud

Moses, A. (8/6/08). Writing Aloud: Staging Plays for Active Learning. Edutopia, Retrieved 8/7/08, from http://edutopia.org

This article talks about a group of middle school students in the D.C. area who are rehearsing a play they wrote about three channel surfing friends who get sucked into a television set and witness racial discrimination. The purpose of this type of education is to emphasis the importance of arts learning. With emphasis on teaching to the test it puts the arts on the back burner when this is shown to be a extremely effective teaching tool. Students who write plays know how to construct a plot, write dialogue, and perform. Students are able to rehearse to each other to get peer feedback. When students read their work aloud they are able to hear if it makes sense and where corrections need to be made. Also if a student knows their words will be read aloud by other students it gives them more incentive to do a good job since it reflects directly on them. The problem with playwriting is that these is little time to fit this in a normal school day so similar programs are extra curricular activities. The article states that many local theaters participate in educational outreach programs like this. The article also offers links and ideas for playwright lesson plans.
Q: Where does this leave the English language learners?
A: I think this could be an extremely beneficial activity for English language learners. They will not only be pratcing their language arts skills but speaking with and in front of native English speakers. This can help English language learners hear English and allow peer-to-peer teaching. Also students can act out racial discrimination giving other students the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be on the receiving end of discrimination.
Q: How can technology be used in this learning environment?
A: Performing arts also give students a chance to learn new technology such a video editing. Students can embed this in a classroom blog or if this is not an on campus activity they could use it to make a persuasive argument to the governing board regarding policy change of performing arts. This would give students a chance to hone their debate skills, give them a glimps of local politics. If it worked in their favor they would know they can be the change they want to see in their community.