Education for Sustainable Development Through Drama

1. Education for Sustainable Development Through Drama Dr Marie Jeanne McNaughton University of Strathclyde m.j.mcnaughton@strath.ac.uk

2. Learning Through Drama Drama is not simply a subject but also a method…a learning tool. Furthermore, it is one of the key ways in which children gain an understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Jonothan Neelands

3. Education for Sustainability and Global Citizenship • AWARENESS knowledge and understanding (VISION) • ATTITUDESand personal lifestyle decisions (VALUES) • ACTION for a better environment (BEHAVIOUR) “Helping children to become Global Citizens” - UNESCO 1996/2005

4. Education for Sustainable Development • Sensitivity and appreciationof the Social and Natural environment • Some factual understanding of environmental andsocial problems and issues • Knowledge/understanding of thesocial environment • Skills to find out about andexplore environmental issues • Civic skillsto influencedecision-makingin society • Ability toact responsibly • Researching andcommunicationinformation about one’s own environment • Improving one’s own environment • Critical reflectionon the quality of environmental developments

5. The Conventions and Techniques of DramaBeing Still: Tableau/Still image Freeze-frame Photograph/StatueMoving & Talking:Role play Improvisation Overheard conversations MimeReflecting: Thought-trackingConscience Alley Hot-seating Role-on-the-wall Writing in roleWorking Together: Collective Role Play Teacher/Adult in Role NarrationFormal Meeting (meeting in role)(www.ltscotland.org.uk/5to14/curricularareas/drama.asp)

6. UNESCO 2005 - 2015The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Interdisciplinary and holistic; Values-driven; Critical thinking and problem solving; Multi-method: word, art, drama, debate, experience, … ; Participatory decision-making.

7. 5 characteristics of a democratic classroom. • Opportunities are provided for children to participate in decisions; • Children can think freely about and express their views; • There is a classroom climate which allows for different perspectives and views; • Fair and equitable treatment; • Children learn how to be active contributors to class, community and society. • Massey (2003)

8. Drama as a Learning Medium - some key ideas • Drama is a practical activity – meaning is made through using space, actions, words. It is not desk bound.  Drama is a form of shared cultural activity – we share experiences, values, traditions.  Drama provides a vehicle for exploring human nature and experience.  Drama involves taking roles and adopting different viewpoints in “real” situations.  Drama generates vocal and active responses to fictional situations.  Drama develops the imagination and enables participants to “vision” a variety of situations – past, present and future.

9. ESD and Drama -Local and Global Themes Controversial issues surrounding e.g. • Power struggles • Development issues • Use and misuse of resources • Living together well • Eviction/ Displacement

10. Education for Sustainable Development Through Drama • Engaging Children in their learning • Engendering sympathy/empathy • Developing skills in communicating, collaborating, and expression ideas and opinions • Exploring Values • Providing a context for learning

11. The Power of Drama in Learning • Drama is a unique art-form • Drama engages the imagination • Drama changes the relationship balance • Drama is based in story

12. Education for Sustainable Development Through Drama Dr Marie Jeanne McNaughton University of Strathclyde m.j.mcnaughton@strath.ac.uk