The Impact of Readers Theatre on the Learning of Chinese Literature
Author: Shun-yee Ho(Faculty of Education,The University of Hong Kong)
Vol.&No.:Vol. 49, No.2
Date:October 2004
Pages:101-122
DOI:10.6210/JNTNULL.2004.49(2).06
Abstract:
Readers Theatre is an oral reading of a script rather than a dramatic, memorized presentation as in traditional theatre. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of such presentations in a university literature classroom. The research methodologies included student questionnaires, interviews with students, and the teacher's evaluation. According to the questionnaire results, 80% of readers and 62.3% of listeners find that Readers Theatre has a greater impact on language learning than traditional tutorials. A Readers Theatre requires (inter)active participation by all the learners. Readers have to read the Chinese text in question thoroughly, and not just browse through reference materials, because they have to select adaptable and relevant scenes for writing the script. They must then work together and learn how to use their voices to create characters and actions in the minds of their listeners. Members of the audience, instead of passively listening to second-hand material, must actively employ their imaginations and create their own visions of the dramatic subject. After this experience, students are required to discuss the theatre and the book in extension activities. The study concludes that students learn more, and more deeply, about the literary piece through such active communication and through the effective integration of all the language arts-reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Readers Theatre also stimulates their enthusiasm for drama and enhances their creativity.
Keywords:Readers Theatre, oral interpretation, literature, learning
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