Publication Date

2007

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Watson, Lemuel W. (Lemuel Warren)

Degree Name

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education

LCSH

Improvisation (Acting)--Study and teaching--Psychological aspects

Abstract

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.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [192]-201).

Extent

viii, 203 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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