The research articles in this portfolio describe and analyse how process drama teachers use the special combination of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and knowledge gained in 'lifeworld' experiences (described in this portfolio as their 'professional craft knowledge') in order to promote learning. These publications also provide a detailed description of methods used in pre-service teacher education at the University of Sydney to enhance the development of professional craft knowledge in beginning teachers. The studies in this portfolio are framed within an interpretative research paradigm; the subject matter of the research is the way that teachers and learners in process drama collaborate to construct meaning. The methodology is primarily reflective practitioner research, recently described as one of drama's 'own innovative recommended research designs'. Qualitative methods have been used to collect and analyse relevant data. Separate sources of data are used to check the trustworthiness of the findings, through the process of crystallization : the alignment of sources such as reflective journals, outside observations, video records and oral reflections. Professional craft knowledge is developed by individual teachers as they reflect in action on the choices they see as available to them, as they work with their own classes. Often teachers are not conscious of the expertise they are developing; it quickly becomes tacit, embodied knowledge. However, reflecting upon their actions, teachers can usually explain why they acted as they did. The research articles in this Portfolio make use of reflection in and upon action in order to deconstruct the work of process drama teaching. As a collection these articles also examine how the use of reflective practices in pre-service education can facilitate and enhance the development of craft knowledge before teachers enter the professio
Date of Award | 2002 |
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Original language | English |
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- process drama
- professional craft knowledge
- playbuilding
- creativity
- oleplay
Enhancing the use of professional craft knowledge in process drama teaching
Simons, J. (Author). 2002
Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis