The improvisational theater art form in theory and practice : a phenomenological study into the cognitive and affective dimensions of undergraduate students' education and learning

Includes bibliographical references (pages [192]-201).The purpose of this study was to examine the teaching technique of improvisational theater and its effect on students’ perceptions of their educational and personal development. Two questions have driven this study: (a) How do student journals reveal the influence of classroom environment and teaching technique? and (b) How do student classroom journals reveal personal growth and development? Analysis of self-reflective student journals revealed four categories and 15 themes resulting from students’ perceptions of an experiential learning environment. Conclusions point to increased levels of maturity and self-understanding that were transformational in nature. Results indicated enhanced self-efficacy and personal responsibility as a result of group learning dynamics and critically reflective selfawareness. Learning proved to be process oriented over each 16-week semester, delivering salient testimony of personal challenges in making the transition from adolescence to adulthood.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education