Carlos Barroso

Drama Techniques in Language Teaching Carlos Barroso

Drama can be dangerous. For what other reason would Plato warn his contemporaries against it saying: 'in any form of literature [drama] leaves its marks on the moral nature of man'. After Plato condemned drama, it has been banished for centuries form education to make its return in the early years of the previous century. And the reason the renowned philosopher rejected drama is the reason why it is so appealing and effective. It does leave marks indeed and that may be the explanation why the modern education turns to it in search of a method that would move the minds of young people in the contemporary world. There is an old Chinese proverb that states: Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand. Drama is a teaching method that is orientated on teaching while involving students into solving fictional problems.