Educational drama and language acquisition for English proficiency

There are students of varied levels of English proficiency in elementary classrooms. In this study, language acquisition through the use of educational drama is explored. Research has demonstrated that using drama in the classroom can help language development of all students in order to achieve English proficiency. Engaging in a learning experience through drama activities without stress increases motivation for participation in the classroom, especially for English language learners. The drama experience is made more meaningful by emphasizing a purpose, which requires problem-solving skills, along with various modes of language use. Moreover, evidence of language development can be assessed through various modes. Within the context of drama, speaking and listening skills are fostered in peer-peer, group, and student-teacher interactions, which are beneficial for reading and writing. In order to further explore the results and benefits of drama in the classroom, various types of drama strategies and their applications were studied