DIMAPUR: With an objective to explore the effectiveness of drama-based pedagogy, Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu in Mokokchung, observed ‘World Theatre Day’ on March 27.
An update from MCTE stated that the event was organised under the initiative of Temjenzungba Kechu, assistant professor of MCTE, who has an MA in Applied Theatre, University of London, and PGD from Dramatic Arts, National School of Drama, New Delhi.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The event witnessed creative performances from the second semester student-teachers of MCTE using various drama-based tools and learning approaches such as clowning ‘The Thief;’ dramatising the folk story of ‘Mehouviu and Morusa;’ human puppeteering of ‘The Refund;’ improvisation of ‘Environmental Pollution;’ melodramatising ‘Macbeth;’ pantomiming ‘The Gift of the Magi;’ and shadow playing ‘The Three Brothers.’
It stated that the event focused on the process and pedagogical approach to how students learn and engage with concepts and skills using the tools of drama rather than the theatrical outcome.
“Incorporation of drama-based pedagogy into the teaching-learning process enables students to inquire into and interpret new ideas as they extend their understandings of the world and engage in academic, affective, and aesthetic learning through dialogic meaning-making,” it read.
“Performances in ‘real-time’ can enable students to make their knowledge and perspectives visible and available which makes learning more relational and representational within a shared imagined context. Drama-based pedagogy provides a powerful alternative in transforming and empowering the consciousness of the learners which in turn will transform their lives and enable them to create a socially just society,” it added.
The event was attended by both the 4th and 2nd semester student-teachers, teacher-educators and non-teaching faculty of the college.