Drama techniques in university English Language Teaching: an action research exploration

Drama techniques in English Language Teaching (ELT) have been extensively explored, but much of the work has focused on students’ speaking skills, as well as on less advanced learners. This book investigates the under-researched area of drama applied to higher education, and to comprehensive English language skills: reading, writing and listening, as well as speaking. Drama techniques are utilized in order to serve the ever-changing and increasingly complex needs of ELT students today: learner-centred, multi-skilled and contextually fluid. It is also the very first study of its kind to explore drama-based teaching methods in practical language classes (Sprachpraxis) at a German university English department.

The book will be of interest to language teachers who already use drama techniques in class, as well as those interested in doing so: especially, but not only, those teaching older children or adults.

Jonathan Sharp teaches English at the University of Tübingen. He studied English at the University of St. Andrews (MA), and English Language Education at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Phd). Previously an actor and musician, he also taught English and Drama at the Universities of Vienna and Munich. His research and teaching focuses on applied drama and dramatic texts in performance.