Drama Techniques for Impactful Educators

Unlock your potential as an impactful educator by using drama to strengthen communication, encourage creativity and create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.

Activity Type: Physical Mobility

Duration: 1-week course for professionals from all Erasmus+ eligible countries and all educational levels.


Transforming Learning Through Drama, Expression and Creativity

In an increasingly complex world, traditional educational approaches may not always address the diverse social, emotional and communication needs of learners. This course introduces drama as a practical educational tool that brings learning to life and helps educators create active, creative and inclusive learning experiences.

Participants will explore how drama can develop communication, collaboration, creativity and social awareness. Through role-play, improvisation, storytelling, movement and expressive activities, educators will learn how to coordinate groups, manage emotions and place learners at the centre of the educational experience.

The central theme of the programme is becoming an impactful educator. Drama-based learning can help teachers motivate students, encourage cooperation, support self-expression and create a classroom atmosphere in which learners feel more confident about participating.

The course also examines how drama can support educators when responding to challenging behaviour, classroom conflicts and communication barriers. Participants will practise using body language, voice, movement and role reversal to understand different perspectives and develop constructive responses.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in practical workshops and collaborative activities. They will experience drama techniques from the learner's perspective and consider how each activity can be adapted for different subjects, age groups and educational settings.

By the end of the course, participants will have a collection of drama-based strategies that can increase participation, motivation, confidence and self-expression. They will also develop practical ideas for strengthening teacher-student relationships and helping learners become active participants in their own learning journey.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • use drama techniques as practical tools for communication and collaboration
  • apply role-play, improvisation and storytelling in different educational contexts
  • encourage creativity and help learners explore their imaginative potential
  • understand the role of body language, voice, movement and gesture in communication
  • use drama activities to increase student participation, confidence and self-expression
  • respond more constructively to challenging student behaviour and classroom conflict
  • promote empathy, inclusion and positive relationships within the school community
  • use expressive activities to support emotional awareness and well-being
  • adapt drama-based activities for different subjects, age groups and learning needs
  • design engaging lessons in which students become active participants in their learning
Educators taking part in an interactive classroom activity

Schedule

Day 1 – Course Introduction and Setting Goals

Course Introduction

  • Overview of the course, the training organisation and the week's activities
  • Icebreaker activities using drama to build trust and teamwork
  • Introduction to drama as a pedagogical tool
  • Understanding the role of emotions and expression in learning

Setting Goals

  • Identifying the needs and goals of each participant and their learners
  • Group discussions and collaborative activities
  • Participant school and organisation presentations
  • Establishing personal learning objectives for the course

Day 2 – Expressive Communication and Body Language

  • Exploring verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Techniques for using voice, movement and gesture effectively
  • Reading and interpreting body language in educational contexts
  • Role-playing classroom scenarios to improve communication
  • Reflecting on communication habits and barriers

Day 3 – Creativity, Collaboration and Classroom Engagement

  • Using improvisation and storytelling to develop creativity
  • Drama activities that encourage cooperation and empathy
  • Strategies for motivating shy, hesitant or disengaged learners
  • Creating safe conditions for participation and self-expression
  • Group task: designing and presenting a short creative performance

Day 4 – Managing Emotions and Classroom Challenges Through Drama

  • Understanding emotions and conflict dynamics in education
  • Techniques for emotional regulation and group management
  • Using role reversal to understand different perspectives
  • Exploring forum theatre as a tool for collaborative problem-solving
  • Practical exercises for responding to challenging classroom situations
  • Reflection circle: turning challenges into opportunities for growth

Day 5 – Designing Impactful Lessons With Drama

  • Integrating drama-based learning into different subjects
  • Adapting drama activities for different age groups and learning needs
  • Planning inclusive activities with clear educational objectives
  • Participants develop and present short drama-based lessons
  • Peer feedback and discussion
  • Course evaluation and competency roundup

Day 6 – Course Closure and Cultural Activities

  • Final reflection and exchange of learning
  • Awarding of Certificates of Attendance
  • Excursion and other cultural activities

Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

Evaluation format:
Continuous assessment on class participation and self-assessment.
Evaluation criteria:
Participation in class debates, reflection and games.

Evaluation procedures:
Attendance, class participation.

Recognition of learning outcomes

Recognition conditions:
80% attendance to the course and class participation.
Recognition procedures:
The participant and the teacher trainer will be both in charge of recognizing the learning outcomes.
Recognition documentation:
Certificate of attendance. If applicable, submit a paper.

Practical Details

Duration: 1 week or 25 academic hours
Schedule: Classes are from Monday to Friday in the morning or in the afternoon. The definite timetable will be sent at least two weeks before the start of the class. Saturday is reserved for Cultural Activities.
Sundays are for arrival and departure.
Note: other durations and schedules can be arranged on demand.
Certification Details: Our organization is duly registered as en Erasmus Teacher Academy, with OID No. E10333486. Therefore, we issue the appropriate Certificates so that your course and trip get fully funded.
Support: Understanding Academy offers full support in terms of Erasmus+ mobilities, but unfortunately we do not provide transport or accommodation.
Fee: €480 Press here to see what is included

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Erasmus+ funding available for eligible participants